Gabi: A Girl in Pieces

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos

Summary: 

Gabi Hernandez is a normal sixteen year old senior high school student who lives with her mother, brother Beto and her father.  The only difference is that her father is a meth addict.  Gabi documents her life through her diary writings and shares her daily struggles with food and boys because of her home unique situation.  She is thankful she has her two best friends Cindy and Sebastian whom she trusts with her secrets and troubled home struggles.   Gaby's friend Cindy gets in trouble and depends on Gabi to help her through it.  Cindy becomes unexpectedly pregnant, but that's not it Sebastian also comes out of the closet as well as being gay.  Gaby wants to be there for everyone including her boyfriend whom she has sex with even though it goes against her mother's principles. 

Strengths/Textbook: 

This book is recommended for readers ages 14 and up. Gabi represents a typical high school Latina girl going through teenage struggles. Gabi's mother is supportive but still very firm that tries to instill in her daughter the principles of a young girl.  Readers will definitely feel compelled with Gabi’s troubled life but will enjoy the journey through her diary writings.

Awards:

2015 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens

2015 Tomás Rivera Book Award, Works for Older Children

2015 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

2015 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Top 10 Selection

Amelia Bloomer List, part of the American Library Association, Social Responsibilities Round Table’s Feminist Task Force

Booklist Best Books of 2014

School Library Journal Best Books of 2014