This contemporary fiction novel is in free verse that alternates between English and Spanish. It is essentially the diary and inner thoughts of Iveliz, a twelve-year-old who is struggling with so much. Her struggles include the inability to function socially, sadness, loneliness, confusion, loss, low self-esteem and sense of worth, and a raging anger that causes her to lash out. Iveliz is so wrapped up in herself that she cannot be there for the one friend she does have. In short, this is a heavy read with more focus on pain and introspection than on events. It was particularly meaningful to have a character who was experiencing so much rage; this is probably more common than not, yet it is hardly ever highlighted.

Given the age of the protagonist and the weight and cadence of the book, this book would probably be appreciated by those ages 12 and up.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Flashback to an accident involving a death, non-detailed; character punches another character in the face at school; character shoves another character to the ground; report of destruction from hurricanes; character considers harming self.

Sex/Nudity: None

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a family member, mental illness (including depression), family relations, Alzheimer’s, cutting and self-harm (consideration of), counseling/therapy, mental health, mourning, bullying.

Alcohol/Drug Use:

Prescribed drugs for mental health issues.