Starred review from September 1, 2022
Gr 5-9-An unforgettable companion to They Call Me G�ero. Many of the beloved characters who readers met in the previous work have returned in this story that picks up at the end of seventh grade. Joanna "Fregona" Padilla and G�ero begin a tender romance at the start of this novel in verse. When Joanna's dad gets taken away by ICE, partly because of Joanna's bully's desire for revenge, G�ero believes he needs to come to the rescue. He organizes a protest that has terrible repercussions. This book packs several heavy themes with nuance and respect for the age group. Racism and xenophobia go from background to foreground in their border town, which heartbreakingly affects their families and friend group. "Has this hatred always been here, waiting for the right moment to spew from the cracks in civility?" G�ero painfully asks himself. The character development deepens further, and the interactions between the protagonists are relatable and complex. Other themes explored include the usual middle school fare-crushes, first kisses, exploring sexuality and gender, going to the movies with friends, and even starting a band with your best pals. The budding poet uses different forms of poetry to narrate this tale, which educators can easily implement in a poetry unit. There is diverse representation in G�ero's circle, including Afro-Dominican, Korean, and gay friends. All other characters are primarily Latinx. VERDICT This resonant middle grade title has so much heart. Purchase for every collection serving tweens.-Shelley M. Diaz
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 1, 2022
The Rio Grande's gifted young poet Guero (They Call Me Guero, rev. 11/18) continues to render the stark beauty of the Southwest border landscapes and the pain experienced by loved ones in this evocative sequel. This time, the narrative centers on the deportation of Guero's middle-school sweetheart Joanna's (a.k.a. Fregona's) father, Don Adan, and la Fregona's impossible courage que no se raja to protect her family. Guero's poetry bears witness to the community's grief, anger, and activism inspired by the determination to reunify Joanna's family. Readers also see the more tender moments, which lend insight into the emotional landscape of Guero's young love for Joanna as it grows in maturity. Throughout, Bowles develops the plot using multiple poetic forms -- sijo, linked sestains, sonnets, sedka, rubaiyat quatrains. He also includes Chicano calo -- a linguistic form and argot of Chicanx and Mexican Southwestern people -- by incorporating Guero's and his friend Bobby Lee's Korean/Spanish slang. Guero embraces this mix of tradition and contemporary youth culture by, for example, dedicating his band's rendition of the classic Norteno corrido "El Palomito" to Don Adan, who like la palomita is apart from those who yearn for his return. A glossary of terms is appended. Lettycia Terrones
(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
Starred review from August 1, 2022
In Bowles' superb companion novel to They Call Me G�ero (2018), young poet G�ero's social consciousness unfolds as he navigates his first romantic relationship with the fiercely intelligent Joanna. Seventh grade is ending, and G�ero's budding romance with Joanna is getting serious. From sharing their first kiss to meeting her parents during an awkward dinner, G�ero commits to being the best boyfriend he can be. As summer unfurls, there are hangouts between G�ero y los Bobbys and Joanna y las Morras, and Joanna carefully opens up to G�ero. G�ero even starts a band with los Bobbys! Eventually, fall arrives, and with it, eighth grade--and a drastic change as Joanna's father falls victim to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid. As her father's fate takes a toll on Joanna, G�ero grapples with dealing with his new teachers. Tensions flare between G�ero and Joanna and even among G�ero's friends. Wanting to use his privilege for good, G�ero organizes a protest on behalf of Joanna's father, but the ensuing scrutiny tests G�ero, his relationship with Joanna, and his community. This rich verse novel utilizes G�ero's humorous, witty voice to the fullest via varied poetic forms. The author's deep consideration of Joanna and the other characters is a real delight and results in a story that feels rich in scope. The inclusion of topics like the justice system, detention centers, and changes in language adds further intriguing material for discussion. Sublime. (glossary) (Verse novel. 10-14)
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July 1, 2022
The Rio Grande's gifted young poet Guero (They Call Me Guero, rev. 11/18) continues to render the stark beauty of the Southwest border landscapes and the pain experienced by loved ones in this evocative sequel. This time, the narrative centers on the deportation of Guero's middle-school sweetheart Joanna's (a.k.a. Fregona's) father, Don Adan, and la Fregona's impossible courage que no se raja to protect her family. Guero's poetry bears witness to the community's grief, anger, and activism inspired by the determination to reunify Joanna's family. Readers also see the more tender moments, which lend insight into the emotional landscape of Guero's young love for Joanna as it grows in maturity. Throughout, Bowles develops the plot using multiple poetic forms -- sijo, linked sestains, sonnets, sedoka, rubaiyat quatrains. He also includes Chicano calo -- a linguistic form and argot of Chicanx and Mexican Southwestern people -- by incorporating Guero's and his friend Bobby Lee's Korean/Spanish slang. Guero embraces this mix of tradition and contemporary youth culture by, for example, dedicating his band's rendition of the classic Norteno corrido "El Palomito" to Don Adan, who like la palomita is apart from those who yearn for his return. A glossary of terms is appended.
(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)