In the Shade of the Nispero Tree
"Set in Puerto Rico in 1961, this story features Teresa Giraux and her best friend, Ana, who are looking forward to their fourth-grade teacher's wedding and the Ponce junior queen competition — until Teresa's pride and temper fracture their friendship. A socially ambitious seamstress, Teresa's mother has never invited Ana on family outings because Ana is not only poorer, she's also darker. Aided by one of her wealthy clients, Teresa's mother enrolls Teresa in an exclusive academy. Then it is she and Teresa who feel the sting of discrimination." — Booklist
Culture/Community: Puerto Rican
Heritage & History: Caribbean Heritage and History, Hispanic Heritage and History
Themes for Middle Grade/YA: Strong Girls and Women, Family and Friends, My Body, Hair, and Skin, Race, Racism, and Prejudice
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Format: Novel
Audiobook: No
Age Level: Middle Grade