Miss Quinces
on Goodreads (3,425)
What’s inside...
Sue is a young girl who is looking forward to spending her summer at sleepaway camp, reading, and making comics with her friends. However, her plans are derailed when she has to go with her family to Honduras to visit relatives. Living in a remote area means no texting, no cable, and no Internet, making the trip even less appealing to Sue. The situation worsens when her mother announces a surprise quinceañera for Sue, something she dreads. As Sue navigates the expectations of family and cultural tradition, she faces the challenge of finding her own path and embracing her heritage. This debut middle-grade graphic novel by Kat Fajardo is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, cultural expectations, and self-discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
252 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Sueñita feel about her quinceañera before and after it happened? What changed her perspective?
What does the quinceañera celebration mean to Sueñita’s family? How do traditions help us connect with our culture and family history?
Why do you think Sueñita's parents insisted on the celebration, despite her initial reluctance?
How does Sueñita handle unexpected challenges during her quinceañera? What can we learn from her reactions?
If you were Sueñita, would you have made the same decisions she did? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about quinceañeras or other cultural traditions to build a base for discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Sueñita’s situation, adjusting to unexpected changes during a significant event.
Highlight the importance of family and traditions in the book, asking your child about their favorite family traditions.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions in the book to help your child think critically about how they might handle similar situations.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing a time when they faced something unexpected or challenging and how they overpowered it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing family traditions
Explanation: Throughout 'Miss Quinces,' the protagonist navigates her way through her family's cultural practices, specifically a quinceañera, which is a traditional Latin American celebration for a girl's fifteenth birthday.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own family traditions and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Adapting to unexpected changes
Explanation: The main character is initially reluctant and surprised by the sudden plan of her quinceañera but gradually adapts to the situation, learning flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that life can be unpredictable and adapting to changes is a valuable skill, aiding them in navigating school and social activities.
Example Lesson: Value of family support
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist experiences the unwavering support of her family during the quinceañera preparations and the event itself, illustrating the importance of family support in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can recognize the importance of family support in their own lives, encouraging them to seek help and cherish familial relationships during challenging times or important milestones.
Example Lesson: Self-expression and personal growth
Explanation: The quinceañera serves as a rite of passage for the protagonist, marking her transition from childhood to young adulthood, which encourages her to express herself and discover more about her personal identity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of self-expression and growth through personal milestones and how these events can significantly shape their character and future decisions.