UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

McCall, Guadalupe Garcia. Under the Mesquite. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2011.

ISBN: 978-1-60060-429-4

Plot Summary:

Lupita is the oldest of eight children. Her family is extremely close and her mother is the “rock” of the family.  As Lupita enters high school she discovers that her mother has cancer and suddenly priorities change; the things that seemed so important to Lupita don’t seem so important anymore.  The most important thing now is doing whatever it takes to save her beloved Mami.  Lupita must take on more responsibility in her family along with the demands of high school.  Ultimately, she must take care of her seven siblings one summer while her father takes Mami for treatment out of town.  When life gets too stressful, Lupita finds refuge under a mesquite tree where she can be alone with her thoughts and write in her journal.  This beautiful story of resilience and hope will capture the hearts of readers as they follow the coming-of-age journey of Lupita.

Critical Analysis:

This is a heart wrenching novel in verse that will appeal to all ages. The setting takes place along the border of the United States and Mexico and is an authentic portrayal of the lives of many immigrant families.  Lupita is a complex character and the depth of her development draws readers into the story where they will have an emotional stake along with Lupita.  The family bond in the story is a strong one and Lupita’s complex relationship with her Mami is one that underscores the loyalty and depth of love that a daughter can have for her mother.  The story is rich in cultural details and McCall does an excellent job of placing Spanish words in the text to provide vivid imagery and to help readers understand the emotion and love that Lupita has for her family and the land of her ancestors.  When describing the mesquite in the garden that is Lupita’s refuge, she states, “the mesquite is my confidant./ I lean against its sturdy trunk/ and read aloud every word/imprinted en mi corazón./ The mesquite listens quietly - /as if the poems budding in my heart,/ then blossoming in my notebook,/ are Scripture - and never tells a soul/ the things I write” (123). Readers can identify with Lupita’s concern for her mother and can appreciate the need that she has to escape, even for a few minutes, to be alone with her thoughts. An excellent book full of hope.

  

Review Excerpts:

“With poignant imagery and well-placed Spanish, the author effectively captures the complex lives of teenagers in many Latino and/or immigrant families… A promising, deeply felt debut.” ~Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The simplicity of the story line belies the deep richness of McCall s writing. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort.” ~School Library Journal

Awards:

Pura Belpré Award

Connections:

**Other multicultural novels written in verse:

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson (National Book Award Finalist)

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (Newbery Medal Winner)

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner)