Gabi: A Girl in Pieces
Quintero, I.
(2014). Gabi: a girl in pieces. El
Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.
Gabi: A Girl in Pieces tells the story of a young Hispanic girl
during her senior year in high school. As told through her journal, Gabi
struggles with her Hispanic heritage, her weight and her family. Gabi’s voice
is wickedly funny along with being heart-breakingly honest.
Her dad is a
drug addict who drifts in and out of the family while her younger brother is
acting out. Her relationship with her mother is also difficult. As Gabi
wrestles with her own teenage drama, her best friend becomes pregnant and her
best guy friend comes out as gay. Gabi starts dating for the first time and
starts really thinking about boys and sex. She deals with so many adult issues
such as abortion and drug overdose. She finds a voice for her thoughts and
feelings through poetry. Gabi has so many hopes and wishes and dares to dream
about college and the future.
Gabi: A Girl in Pieces
is a contemporary realistic fiction novel full of Hispanic heritage and
language. Told through Gabi’s journal, her voice is loud and clear. She shows
that she is a typical teen, a confused teen and a teen who deals with what life
throws her. She lives in poverty, but dreams of going to college (Berkley) to
become a writer. She longs to control her eating issues, but loves food. Her
dad is addicted to drugs and eventually dies from an overdose. She is extremely
loyal to her friends, especially as they deal with pregnancy, abortion, and
sexual orientation. Gabi’s story would resonate with teens and should find a
place in any high school library.
Awards:
William C. Morris Award (2015)
School Library Journal Best Books (2014)
YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers (2015)
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