Grow Up, Luchy Zapata

*An Amazon Best Book of Year*

Alessandri’s sophomore middle grade novel is sure to be a favorite among preteens as they recognize themselves in Luchy, Cami, and Mateo. . . Set in ­Miami, this coming-of-age novel deftly weaves ­Colombian American culture throughout a universally relatable storyline of shifting friendships. VERDICT This realistic friendship tale will be a sure hit with tweens; a must-have for all elementary and middle school libraries."

"Alessandri’s latest explores classic middle school themes of trying to fit in versus being yourself, and readers will see themselves and their peers in both Luchy and Cami. The infusion of Colombian cultural elements and Spanish phrases makes this stand out. 

A sincere journey of navigating friendship and self-discovery."

"Told via thoughtful and confidently rendered narration, this sincere tale of diverging friendship by Alessandri (The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía) is augmented by organically layered subplots surrounding Luchy’s feelings of disconnect from her Colombian heritage and her steadfast friendship with Mateo."

"Exploring middle-school feelings in a heartfelt way, Alessandri depicts her characters' emotional arcs with earnest realism. Themes of family, identity, and parental expectations are sure to resonate, and Luchy's navigation through feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and exclusion with the help of her family and friends is especially moving."

"Set in Miami with lots of multicultural Latine details and naturally incorporated Spanish, this is an endearing middle school–transition story that ultimately lands in favor of expressing who you are and being open to new and changing friendships."

"Funny and relatable, Grow Up, Luchy Zapata will have you rooting for Luchy even as she makes some questionable decisions--glitter, anyone?--in an effort to win her best friend back. This one is a must for any kid navigating the roller-coaster of a friendship breakup."

"A heartfelt exploration of changing friendships and the challenges of growing up. Alessandri presents a pitch-perfect story with a main character young readers will relate to and cheer for as Luchy navigates a new school and evolving relationships."

"The perfect book for those awkward middle school years. Luchy is the hero every reader in between childhood and adolescence needs--messy, relatable, and remarkable!"

"Alessandri not only captures Luchy’s painful–and painfully relatable–experiences, but also beautifully seasons the story with Colombian food, culture, and art as Luchy tries to figure out her place in not only middle school but also her community."