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Overview
Intrigue, danger and excitement dramatically weave themselves into Consuelo Harburton's new life. After becoming orphaned, the young farm girl must adjust to her painful loss and to living with her grandmother in the suburbs. Grandmother is of another culture and lives in a world quite different from the one Consuelo left behind.Too much happens too soon. As school starts, Consuelo struggles against the changes in her life. Houses in her new neighborhood are being burglarized and the young girl is drawn into a web of mystery. Her new cast of quirky friends and her grandmother's concerted efforts to make her feel at home gradually bolster Consuelo's confidence. But it is her real-life heroism that inspires her to give this new life an honest try.
After suddenly being orphaned, twelve-year-old Consuelo reluctantly moves in with her American grandmother while hoping to return soon to her Mexican American family.
Synopsis
Intrigue, danger and excitement dramatically weave themselves into Consuelo Harburton's new life. After becoming orphaned, the young farm girl must adjust to her painful loss and to living with her grandmother in the suburbs. Grandmother is of another culture and lives in a world quite different from the one Consuelo left behind.
Too much happens too soon. As school starts, Consuelo struggles against the changes in her life. Houses in her new neighborhood are being burglarized and the young girl is drawn into a web of mystery. Her new cast of quirky friends and her grandmother's concerted efforts to make her feel at home gradually bolster Consuelo's confidence. But it is her real-life heroism that inspires her to give this new life an honest try.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6After her parents die in an automobile accident, Consuelo, a Mexican American, leaves her home and familiar lifestyle in Dos Palos, CA, to live with her American grandmother in the Los Angeles suburbs. Initially convinced that she cannot adjust to the pace of life in southern California and without the companionship of her Spanish-speaking cousins, she nevertheless finds adventure in the old deserted movie lot that abuts her grandmother's private community. Compelled by curiosity to explore the area, Consuelo is soon embroiled in mysterious and potentially dangerous goings-on. Together with her growing group of school friends, she discovers a connection between a recent rash of local burglaries and the presence of some shady characters hiding out on the movie lot. Within the story are themes of winning and loss, the building of a loving and trusting relationship between generations, and letting go of the past. Consuelo and her friends sift successfully through their initial differences to find a firm basis for friendship and tolerance. Consuelo is a refreshingly average sixth grader who could have relocated from any neighborhood. A satisfying adventure story for all young people, but especially so for Hispanic students looking to read about someone with their heritage.Sylvia V. Meisner, Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC