Undercover Latina
#1 of 2 in The Factory Series
on Goodreads (619)
What’s inside...
A Latina teen spy, Andréa Hernández-Baldoquìn, goes undercover as a white girl named Andrea Burke to stop a white supremacist terrorist plot. Trained by the Factory, an organization protecting people of color, Andréa befriends the son of a dangerous white supremacist while embracing his interests in comics and gaming, and keeping her true identity hidden. Her mission becomes complicated when she develops a crush on her target’s Latino best friend. Social criticism is intertwined in this fast-paced, engaging middle-grade debut that delivers an insightful adventure with a heartfelt conclusion.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to go on her mission?
How did the main character's background and identity influence her decisions and actions in the story?
What challenges did she face and how did she overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a difficult problem? What did you do?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage more than yes or no answers to foster deeper conversation.
Connect the themes or challenges in the book to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to encourage their confidence and interest in discussing books.
Discuss the cultural elements present in the book and how they compare or contrast with your own cultural experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Undercover Latina' navigates various cultural backgrounds, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of each.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures they encounter at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character learns pivotal life lessons when she chooses honesty over deceit.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to practice honesty in their dealings with friends and family, reinforcing trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself
Explanation: Faced with challenges, the protagonist exemplifies bravery by standing up for her beliefs and values.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to assert themselves in difficult situations, whether it's dealing with bullies or speaking out about what's right.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights several instances where characters achieve more together than they could have individually.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and teamwork in completing school projects or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the protagonist pushes forward with determination, ultimately achieving her goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when facing their own challenges, be it in learning a new skill or overcoming a personal obstacle.