Call Me María

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to bridge the gap between their cultural roots and their current environment, or when navigating the complex emotions of a family separation. Through a beautiful mix of poetry, prose, and letters, Judith Ortiz Cofer tells the story of Maria, a girl who moves from Puerto Rico to a barrio in New York with her father, leaving her mother behind on the island. The book explores the specific ache of being bilingual and bicultural, capturing the feeling of having one foot in two different worlds. It is a sophisticated, evocative choice for teens aged 12 to 17 who are developing their own voices as writers or observers. Parents will appreciate how it validates the sadness of family distance while celebrating the resilience found in new beginnings and the power of language.