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Publication Date: January 21, 2023
Publisher: Independently Published
Genre: Young adult Fiction > Hispanic > Action + adventure
ISBN: 979-8370274787
List Price: $12.50 USD Trade Paperback
Page Count: 324 pages
Audience: Young Adult
A young man sets out on an exhilarating journey of becoming a professional piñata fighter in Barrera’s uplifting novel. Simon-Alejandro longed to be a professional piñata puller. At eighteen, he was let down by the lack of interest in his services – until a mysterious stranger invited him to join an underground piñata-fighting league. He must balance this secret life with his family while working on his dream of winning the championship in the league. Barrera does an excellent job of capturing Simon’s inner turmoil as he struggles to pick between upholding his Hispanic values and focusing on his survival in the league. He vividly portrays Simon’s tumultuous journey to success. Hostility, prejudice, difficulties, and impossible dangers get in the young man’s way, but he also encounters unexpected friendship and kinship. Barrera creates interesting characters and realistic relationships. Simon, in particular, is an utterly believable character, and his bond with his family as well as with José and Chris is rooted in reality. The book isn’t perfect. The dialogue sometimes feels stilted, but Barrera is skilled when it comes to building tension and momentum and delivering emotionally resonant moments at just the right pace. Beautifully written and entertaining, this heartfelt story of courage, resilience, friendship, and family is a must-read.
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