McCall, G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. New York, NY: Lee and Low Books.
2014 Outstanding Books for the College Bound - Literature and Language Arts
Lupita spent her first six years in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico before moving to the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas. She discovers that her mother has cancer during her freshman year of high school. While her father takes her mom to Galveston for treatment, Lupita is left to be the parent figure to her seven siblings. The book details her struggles both at home and at school as she navigates the teenage years and her mother’s illness. She finds an outlet through drama at school thanks to her teacher, Mr. Cortez. Throughout the book, she retreats to the mesquite tree in her mother’s rose garden. After her mother passes away, Lupita uses drama and writing as a way to channel and work through her pain and grief. In the end, she is able to overcome the hardships she experienced throughout high school, and realize her dream of going to college.
Commentary
Under the Mesquite is a free verse novel. The lines are short and free flowing, creating an easy read. The author’s use of figurative language and imagery help paint a picture in the mind of the reader. I enjoyed how the words flowed. Students can connect to the confusion and heartbreak that the loss of a loved one brings. They are also able to see the strength that Lupita has during a difficult time. I really enjoyed this book and this format of writing.
Book Trailer
Author's Website
http://guadalupegarciamccall.com/
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