Dreaming of a Quinceañera

Gr 1-3–A poignant story about family and quinceañeras that is sure to make readers want their own special moments. Ellie is excited for her big sister Isabella’s quinceañera and wants to help her have an awesome ceremony. As Isabella gets ready, Ellie tries to help set up for the big event, but accidents happen. When the quinceañera officially starts, Ellie watches her sister go through all the traditions with others but not her. Finally, when Isabella asks Ellie to light one of the 15 candles, Ellie realizes how important her relationship with her sister really is to Isabella and helps her have the best quinceañera ever. The text is clear and easy to read against the page, sticking with first-grade vocabulary that many students will recognize, including some Spanish words. The illustrations and story help readers quickly understand any textual mysteries. The artwork helps bring Ellie’s emotions as well as the traditions of a quinceañera to life through bright colors; the colorful outfits of the family members contrast nicely with the night sky. An author’s note shares more information about quinceañera traditions.