Elizabeth King (1)

This book was very informative on the subject of a Quinceanera. It goes into detail of the whole process. Its a step by step kind of book. It brings out the main concept and the purpose for having a Quinceanera and what it means for the girl and the family. It is a big step in the young girl's life. There are real pictures to show real life dresses and decorations of the two girls'and how it all comes together in the end. It gives readers another perspective on a celebration. Instead of the typical sweet 16 parties kids in American are exposed to, it's nice seeing a different culture's traditional age celebration as well.… (more)

SUMMARY
This book talks about the traditions of a quincenera. A quincenera is a Spanish celebration that occurs when a Spanish girl turns 15. There is a party and celebration that includes a church ceremony, cake, and dancing. There is also a tradition of the 15 year old dancing with her father. However, the father must first take off her "young girl" shoes and replace them with heels.

REVIEW
I felt that this book gave a clear and in-depth look of the traditions of the quincenera. However, it only follows one girl's celebration. I'm wondering if every family has the same traditions as she does and if not, what differs about their traditions. I loved the pictures that accompanied the text. I felt like I was looking through a family's photo album. I felt like I was getting an intimate look inside of a special celebration they were celebrating.… (more)

The book teaches the social custom of Quinceañeras, a coming-of-age ceremony at the age of fifteen for Spanish and Latino young women. The tradition is rooted in Aztec and Mexican custom. The many symbols and traditions associated with Quinceañeras are presented and discussed in English and Spanish.

Beautiful photographs accompany the text in a scrapbook format. Though the author is not Spanish or Latino, her research was conducted through the extended families and friends of the two girls. The book contains a summary of the origin of the Quinceañera. Missing from the book is a bibliography and an index of names, places, subjects, keywords, and translated words. This would have provided value to the book as a curriculum connection.… (more)