Cruzita and the Mariacheros

Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo is a tale of grief, determination, family, culture, and identity. 

Twelve-year-old Cruzita Tayahua visits Encore Island each summer, but this summer she wants to perform there on stage. Her dream is to be a pop star, but things are not right at home. Her family's bakery has been struggling to have customers and pay the bills ever since her great-uncle died a month ago. Instead of going to Encore Island, she is stuck helping around the bakery.

At home, she gets an idea to save the bakery. Performing at Encore Island could bring attention to the bakery, but instead of going, her family wants her to learn the violin and join a mariachi class. Cruzita's heart is in the right place. But she has struggled with her culture, and I'm sure readers of immigrant descent can relate to that. She is not good with her Spanish and is failing Spanish class. Cruzita feels that joining a mariachi band won't bring her fame as much as being a pop star. The author does a good job of showing Cruzita's struggles. I felt connected to the character and was rooting for her. I didn't know if I wanted her to go to Encore Island or stay and help out. Overall this was a great read.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆