From Publishers Weekly
Poetically wrought, this novel reveals the parallels in the seemingly disparate circumstances of Rosa, an illegal immigrant-turned-prostitute, and Traci, a popular junior-high student preparing for cheerleader tryouts. Appropriately enough, the girls' story is told in both their native languages: upon finishing the tale in English, bilingual readers can flip the slim volume over and reread the story in a Spanish translation. Though the 14-year-old protagonists' ethnic and economic backgrounds are very different, the two girls are connected by their obsession with beauty. For Rosa, expensive clothes and a perfect body are requirements of the job she detests. Traci (coached by her mother) has come to believe that flawless beauty is the key to happiness. Although Traci, surrounded by wealth and comfort, is seemingly successful in her endeavors, the tragic elements of her life are no less chilling than the grim fate of Rosa, who is eventually apprehended by the police. Dark in its criticism of American values and its depiction of young women trained to please others, this book, easily read in one sitting, succeeds in narrowing cultural gaps as it portrays the awakenings of two kindred spirits. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 8-12-Rosa is 14. She lives in Houston, Texas. She has dreams and aspirations. She is an illegal alien, and a prostitute. Traci is also 14. She, as well, lives in Houston, the privileged child of wealthy parents. With her huge wardrobe, social graces, and continual coaching from her mother, she is headed for success. Indeed, she has no option. She, too, is subjected to a form of prostitution that denies her any real determination of her own. The narrative engineers a brief meeting between the two girls as Rosa flees the police in a mall. In the space of a few seconds, Traci realizes her kinship with this unknown Hispanic girl, a kinship that is quickly denied and buried by her mother as Rosa is dragged away by security guards. Alternating chapters tell the story of each adolescent in an authoritative third-person voice. Certainly a good discussion starter, the book is nonetheless didactic. The English prose is spare, and the message apparent from the opening of the second chapter, in which Traci is introduced. The parallels drawn between the two girls are too emphatic for the slight story to carry without stress. The Spanish version is a direct, workmanlike translation of the English. It tells the same story, but with little grace. Given the sociological nature of the text, this might be a better choice for high school social-studies classes than for literature study or pleasure reading.
Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
