Author: Anne Schraff
Publisher: Saddleback Educational Publishing
Year: 2011
Pages: 198
ISBN: 31-978-1-61651-585-0
Carmen comes from a strong family unit with Emilio Zapata Ibarra, her father, spearheading the way. Recently elected to the city council, Mr. Ibarra is very passionate about the people under his care. This includes when it comes to Carmen’s love life which was nonexistent until now. Carmen meets Paul Morales at a local restaurant when he notices her red convertible and the hot girl driving. Though her sister, Lourdes, is appalled, Carmen is intrigued. Lourdes complains to their father that Paul was hanging with gangbanger looking boys. Carmen quips that he goes to the local community college and works at the Apple store. When Paul calls for the first date, Mr. Ibarra is not pleased “...the boy who yelled that you were a hot tamale?” Who is this boy? Where does he come from? What about his family? The questions pile up and answers are not forthcoming. Carmen initially liked the mystery, but eventually not knowing becomes a problem. Especially because Mr. Ibarra is demanding answers.
The Lost is part of the Urban Underground series which deals with issues such as racism, socio-economic inequalities, gangs, etc. in urban settings written in lower reading levels. The dialogue is at times too formal for regular teenage conversation and the series has been criticized for resolving problems too quickly. That was the case in this book. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. I recommend the series for someone looking for a quick read and/or high interest topics at lower reading levels.
Find this book in the GW library! FIC SCH
Anne Schraff’s Page on TeachingBooks.net