What Can(t) Wait

Perez, Ashley Hope. 2011. WHAT CAN(T) WAIT. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda. ISBN 9780761361558. [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

REVIEW

Marissa lives in Houston, Texas, the youngest daughter of hard-working immigrant parents who work at low-paying jobs. Her brother is more interested in cars and “hanging” even though he graduated from high school; her sister got pregnant and dropped out of school. Now Marisa has a chance to fulfill her dream of becoming an engineer-- scholarships and acceptance at two universities makes this possible. But her parents have never appreciated her hard work in school and straight A report cards and though she has a chance to become the person she wants to be, babysitting for her niece, cooking meals, working an almost fulltime job to help with family finances are all converging to thwart her dreams.

Marisa is the kind of teenager that every teacher dreams of reaching and helping. Her battles with her family are gentle battles which she eventually wins. This is the type of book that belongs in every middle school and high school library in schools with large immigrant populations. Latino readers can so identify with the family dynamics and expectations, but the writing is not critical, only truthful.

CONNECTIONS

This is the perfect book to recommend to Latina girls who may be fighting the same battles. Use this selection for a girls book group as a starter for a discussion on personal goals and dreams vs. family pressures and expectations.

RELATED BOOKS

Canales, Viola. THE TEQUILA WORM. ISBN 9780375840890

Alegria, Malin. ESTRELLA’S QUINCENARA. ISBN 9780689878107

By Janet Hilbun