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Love, Amalia

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By Lauren


Love, Amalia
Written by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarreta
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, c2012.  127 pages. Fiction.

In this novel, young Amalia must come to terms with the passing of her dear grandmother and having her best friend move out of state. For a sixth grade girl, this journey is not easy. Amalia finds ways to cope, such as connecting with her relatives and perusing her grandmother's old letters. The inclusion of Spanish phrases adds a nice cultural richness. The book is appropriate for girls of any age, and would even be a good book club selection as it includes reader-guide questions and delicious-sounding Mexican dessert recipes. The use of two authors was evident in the uneven writing and pacing of the book, but I don't believe young readers will notice.
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