PRIZEFIGHTER EN MI CASA

Life has grown difficult for 12-year-old Chula Sanchez since a terrible car accident—in which her father was the drunk driver—left her with epilepsy. Classmates avoid her because of her seizures, and her teachers and her mother treat her as if she’s retarded. When the Mexican prizefighter, El Jefe, is brought without authorization to their South Texas home to box in an illegal fight representing the Sanchez family, Chula is terrified of him. The prizefighter is huge (“He’s like the Mexican Hulk!”) and has a reputation for killing those he fights. However, El Jefe comforts Chula after she’s been in a fight, and they talk about her epilepsy, something her family avoids. He encourages her to see herself as special; she gains courage from him, takes his advice and becomes an honor student. A frightening climax rings true as El Jefe changes life for everyone in Chula’s family. Charlton-Trujillo’s debut opens a world not often seen in children’s literature and is a terrific choice for discussion. (glossary) (Fiction. 11-13)