Gabriel M. Zubizarreta draws from his experiences of raising his three wonderful daughters in his writing. He hopes his books will encourage young people to author their own destinies. He coauthored Love, Amalia and Dancing Home with Alma Flor Ada. Gabriel lives in Northern California with his family and invites you to visit his website at GabrielMZubizarreta.com.

--"Library Media Connection, "November/December 2011

"This story will assist readers in embracing their own heritage and developing an appreciation for their classmates' backgrounds. It's an enjoyable offering (and a great read-aloud) that will capture readers' attention and have them rooting for the cousins and their friendships and family relationships."

--"School Library Journal, "July 2011

"Ada, the author of many multicultural titles, including Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic

Folktale Collection (2006), and Zubizarreta write knowingly of the difficulties of a life lived in two

cultures. A subplot involving Lupe's father (who came to America illegally and later abandoned his

family) is also well handled, as is the inclusion of a Ruben Dario poem, "To Margarita." Give this to fans

of Pam Munoz Ryan's Esperanza Rising (2000) and Becoming Naomi Leon (2004)."

--"Booklist, "July 1, 2011

"The third-person narration shifts its focus gently from girl to girl, allowing readers access to their thoughts and feelings.... Although sometimes wise beyond their years, Margie and Lupe will charm readers as each girl struggles for belonging and acceptance in this realistic novel."

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--KIRKUS REVIEWS, " June 1, 2011

"It is the friendship between the girls and the tall, blond Camille...that makes this an absorbing novel for readers of any background. And the authors...handle the narrative with tenderness and charm."

--"The New York Times Book Review, "July 17, 2011