Becoming Beatriz

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile their personal dreams with the heavy expectations of family or the pressures of a difficult neighborhood environment. Set in the 1980s, the story follows Beatriz, a gifted dancer who is grieving the loss of her brother while being pressured to take over his place in a local gang. It explores themes of identity, the power of art as an escape, and the courage required to choose a different path than the one laid out by others. This book is best suited for readers aged 12 and up due to its realistic depiction of gang culture and the emotional weight of grief. Parents might choose this title to help their child navigate complex feelings about loyalty, the influence of peers, and the importance of finding one's own voice even when it feels dangerous to do so. It provides a nuanced look at how historical and cultural contexts shape our choices.