Arturo's mother's closest friend has recently died, and her widow and daughter have come to stay with the Zamoras for the summer. Arturo hasn't seen Carmen in a couple of years, and now he feels awkward and nervous around her. But she's practically related, right? You can't like someone you're related to!
When rich developer Wilfrido Pipo sweeps in to try to change the neighborhood with an exclusive high rise some people are excited about the new opportunities Pipo Place will bring, but others are worried these changes will make the neighborhood into a place they don't recognize.
Carmen and Arturo discover that Pipo wants to knock down La Cocina to make room for his highrise, and they set out to galvanize the Zamora family and the community to fight back. It's time for Arturo to learn when something is important, you have to risk epic failure.
This lovely story by Pablo Cartaya reminded me at times of Neal Shusterman's Antsy Bonano. It has the same combination of humor and tenderness. Cartaya's story is rich in details and community if the villain is completely one dimensional. Highly recommended.
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