Lupe Wong Won't Dance

Donna Barba Higuera's award-winning middle-grade novel introduces Lupe Wong, a spirited seventh grader with a clear path to becoming a Major League pitcher. Her mixed Chinese and Mexican heritage, which she proudly calls 'Chinacan/Mexinese,' informs her strong sense of identity and justice, leading her to champion causes both big and small. The central conflict arises when a mandatory square dancing unit in gym class threatens her perfect academic record, which is crucial for meeting her idol, Fu Li Hernandez. This humorous and empowering story explores themes of self-confidence, cultural identity, perseverance, and standing up against perceived injustices, all wrapped in a laugh-out-loud narrative perfect for ages 10-14.

"Lupe Wong is going to be the first female pitcher in the Major Leagues. She's also championed causes her whole young life. Some worthy ... like expanding the options for race on school tests beyond just a few bubbles. And some not so much...like complaining to the BBC about the length between Doctor Who seasons. Lupe needs an A in all her classes in order to meet her favorite pitcher, Fu Li Hernandez, who's Chinacan/Mexinese just like her. So when the horror that is square dancing rears its head in gym? Obviously she's not gonna let that slide."--Provided by publisher.