Under the Mesquite features Lupita, the eldest of eight in a family of Mexican immigrants living in Texas. Lupita has high aspirations, she wants to be the first in her family to attend college, but her dreams fall short when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. Lupita is forced to step up just as she is nearing the transition into "womanhood" with her quinceanera fast approaching. With mounting pressure from different members of her family, Lupita feels alone and unsure if she wants to be an adult or would rather stay a child forever. She uses the arts as a means of self-expression, writing and acting about her feelings and struggles, which gives her a voice and coping mechanism. Ultimately, Lupita faces adversity head on and overcomes the hardships she is burdened with to become a strong and confident young woman.
Under the Mesquite is unique in that it is written in free verse poetry. Rather than startle and confuse students with a difficult-to-follow and choppy plot, the novel is beautifully written. Word choice is fluid and similes and metaphors abound! Is it teachable? Definitely! There is an unending fountain of symbolism and theme just waiting to be tapped. Lupita is an easily self-identifying character and even though she is a female protagonist, I believe that boys would enjoy this novel as well. I suggest a 6th or 7th grade classroom in terms of reading level, but this book would be a great suggestion for 8th graders struggling with transition. Under the Mesquite also won the Pura Belpre 2012 Author Award.
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