Poetry Review: Under The Mesquite Tree by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Book 3: Under The Mesquite Tree by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

McCall, G. Guadalupe. Under the Mesquite Tree. Lee and Low Books Inc. New York, New York. 2011. (ISBN 978-1-60060-429-4)

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Under The Mesquite Tree tells a story of a young Mexican-American girl named Lupita who battles challenges throughout her teenage years all while her mother is in a battle with cancer. The story shares Lupita’s journey of taking on the responsibilities of helping raise her siblings and managing household duties. Throughout the story Lupita is fighting her fears of losing her mother to her illness and is feeling unsure of what the future will hold for her. Although Lupita is battling challenging times she finds peace and comfort by writing poetry under the Mesquite tree.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Under The Mesquite Tree is a wonderfully written story highlighting real life struggles that many people unfortunately experience. I feel the author paints a picture of the hardships Lupita is enduring while leaving the reader with hopefulness to overcome her losses. This book is not age appropriate for elementary aged students due to its seriousness of battling illnesses, but I do think it would be insightful for high school aged students to read and due to the Free-Verse nature of the writing, I think readers will find it has an ease to comprehend the message.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

-Told in verse sprinkled with Spanish terms (a glossary is included), this story of Lupita’s high-school years details her increasing responsibility within her large Mexican American family after Mami is diagnosed with cancer. Caring for seven younger siblings, keeping up with schoolwork and her drama roles, and staying connected with her classmates and friends while the worries gnaw at her take their toll, but she is strong. There are also moments of intense vulnerability. As high-school graduation nears, Lupita sees that her mother may not be there for it: “Suddenly I realize / how much I can’t control, how much / I am not promised.” The close-knit family relationships, especially Mami and Lupita’s, are vividly portrayed, as is the healing comfort Lupita finds in words, whether written in her notebooks or performed onstage. — (Booklist)

“Lupita leads her seven younger siblings through the uncertainty of their mother’s cancer. Lupita endeavors to keep her Mexican American family together while attempting to reach her own goals for college and a career. First-person free verse with Spanish carefully sprinkled throughout the project this young woman’s thoughts, fears, and triumphs with grace and resolve.” — (The Horn Book Guide)

5. CONNECTIONS

-This book can model Mexican-American culture, life challenges, and responsibilities.

-This book can model love, loss, and resilience through hardships.

-Similar titles: Echoes of Grace By Guadalupe Garcia McCall and Shame the Stars By Guadalupe Garcia McCall


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