Debut coming-of-age novel set in the Latino community in Austin, Texas that explores community, identity, family bonds, found family, and the cultural power of food. Penelope (“Pen”) Prado dreams of opening her own bakery next to her father’s restaurant, Nacho Tacos, in which she works and more or less manages, but her family has different expectations for her to become a nurse, like her mother. She meets Xander Amaro, an undocumented new hire at the restaurant who came from Mexico to find the father who abandoned him; Xander breaks through Pen’s tough persona. A secret threatens everything, as these young people navigate their relationship, first love for both of them. The chapters are alternately narrated by Pen and Xander (although not always one after the other). Both characters were well developed. Wonderful descriptions of the close-knit working-class community. And don’t read if you are on a diet and feeling hungry – the descriptions of food play a big part in the story! ( )

when it comes to this book its talks about family and how a restaurant is a home to many illegal immigrants. But the boogie man of the neighborhood is trying to destroy what they have, it involves family drama and some romance. I would use this book in general reading time for it is interesting and educational, i would recommend to age 14 and up.

This was a good story. I’m going to have to come back and do my review at a later date. There’s a lot of things I need to think about.

*update: Brought together by a love of food and family, this was a different story. Definitely a more mature #ownvoices YA novel. It’s romance but also coming of age, finding not only yourself but your place in the world. For Pen, she realizes she needs to fulfill her dreams, not her parents and for Xander, he is seeking assurance that his father does love him, that he wasn’t just left behind. The food descriptions alone made me want to learn how to create Pens amazing desserts! Foodies will appreciate this book. ( )

This is such a gorgeous story about growing up, finding family, and making a home. The themes of community are heartwarming and play out really well here. I also love the romance between the two leads. It’s so supportive, soft, and honest. Such a good representation of a healthy romantic relationship.

Also, the author accomplished her goal and I was craving Mexican food the whole time I was reading it. ( )

Pen Prado's dream is to manage, and eventually take over, her father's restaurant, Nacho's Tacos; but her parents' dream for her involves nursing school, not the food industry. When she tells them she hasn't been going to classes, her father fires her from the restaurant and kicks her out of the house. Xander, who is hired just as Pen is fired, is an undocumented immigrant who longs to find the father that abandoned him, although his abuelo wishes he wouldn't look. The two help and support each other and fall in love, each encouraging the other to follow their dreams. But the story is not just about them; their community is threatened by a dangerous loan shark called El Martillo - and El Martillo has his sights set on the Prados' restaurant, because Pen's dad keeps helping people who are in debt to him. In addition to outside forces, Pen also battles depression, and Xander fears deportation. Stakes are high, but love - and community - are up to the challenge. And the descriptions of food are mouthwatering.

See also: With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Quotes

But I don't know where he is. I don't know who he is. And without that, I don't know who I am. And I need to. (Xander, 88)

"What if there's no such thing as being ready?" (Pen, 246)

Pen's depression is practically invisible, her ability to disguise the worst of it a necessity of living in her father's house. (256)

People from my neighborhood don't take risks. We have dreams, sure. But the numerous threats involved in their pursuit keeps us from pining for things beyond our reach. (Pen, 265)

That means not wasting any more time being stuck in this self-doubt that is a leech and a liar and the most dangerous kind of amnesia. (Pen, 268) ( )