From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up–When her counter-culture artist dad makes a film deal for his comic strip, 16-year-old Paski moves from comfy Taos, NM, to Orange County, CA. Her down-to-earth lifestyle hasn't prepared her for the pace of money-conscious southern California, or for the perfect-looking, incredibly wealthy teenagers who rule the school. Here, she is discriminated against not for being Mexican American, but for her digs (a luxury apartment). During a raucous party, her escort slips a date-rape drug in her soda, and she is pushed into the pool by beautiful, popular, and unflinchingly ruthless Jessica, resulting in a hospital visit. Still, Paski can't ignore the sizzling attraction she feels toward Jessica's boyfriend or the persistent visions (it's the family gift) that she's been having of Jessica wiping out during a motocross race. Valdes-Rodriguez includes all of the snarky hip commentary and girl-friend focus that defined her titles for adults, packing in explicit descriptions of clothing, home décor, and sex. Paski's first-person narrative is lively and honest, as she faces difficult situations and learns to trust her instincts. Her relationship with her permissive, doting father is described with humor and warmth. Basically, this is a chick-lit version of magical realism, as Paski, the golden Latina, uses her fabulous good looks, super mountain-biking skills, and psychic visions to arrive at the top of the heap.
–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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"Until recently, my dad seemed to realize he was a hopeless geek," says 16-year-old Pasquala "Paski" Archuleta, who moves from Taos to Orange County, California, after her cartoonist dad sells the film option for one of his stories; Paski's drifter mom is long gone, and Paski feels like an outsider at her new school, where money seems to matter most. Her mountain bike grounds her, and her exceptional stunts attract gorgeous Chris, the boyfriend of a treacherous queen bee. In her debut for youth, the author of
The Dirty Girls Social Club (2003) ably elevates the shopworn story of a soulful teen who triumphs over mean girls. Heavy contrivances include Paski's psychic abilities, and many characters lack dimension. What will win over readers is hilarious, likable, resilient Paski, who is refreshingly both a tomboy and a romantic. Her musings about her Mexican heritage, family, love, friendship, and the joy of sports will pull a wide audience. Jock characters who pressure and objectify girls and dole out date-rape drugs, as well as Paski's sweet, physical romance suggest an older audience, who will hope for a sequel.
Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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