About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the tricky waters of social status, especially if they are feeling caught between two cultures or struggling to 'prove' their worth to a group of friends. It speaks to the universal desire to belong and the specific pressure of maintaining a persona within a competitive peer group. Alicia Rivera is on a mission to prove she is a 'true' Spaniard to her clique back home, the Pretty Committee. While visiting family in Spain, she enters a competition to star in a music video for a pop sensation, only to find herself pitted against her own cousins. The story explores the comedy and heartbreak of teenage vanity, the sting of being called 'fake,' and the realization that family and heritage matter more than social media points. It is a lighthearted but emotionally resonant look at identity and competition for kids aged 9 to 13.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the high levels of peer judgment and social exclusion typical of the 'Clique' series. Specifically, the book features characters using 'bimbo' and other appearance-based insults. A parent might need to help a child navigate the difference between the protagonist's desire for social status and healthy self-worth.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old girl who loves fashion and celebrity culture but feels like she is 'not enough' for her social circle. It is perfect for readers who enjoy 'mean girl' dynamics but want to see the protagonist find a way to win on her own terms.
Parent Prep
No specific scenes require a preview, but be aware the book is part of a series known for its emphasis on social hierarchy. It can be read 'cold' as a standalone summer read. A parent might be frustrated by the characters' obsession with designer labels and 'Alpha' status, or by the casual insults the girls hurl at one another.
Age Experience
Younger readers (9-10) will likely focus on the 'glamour' of the music video competition and the humor. Older readers (11-13) will more clearly see the insecurity driving Alicia's behavior and the satire of the social scene.
What Makes It Special
This book stands out by taking the established 'Clique' characters out of their wealthy New York bubble and placing them in a cultural context that challenges their assumptions about what it means to be "authentic" or "cool" in a different country.
Read plot summary
Alicia Rivera travels to Spain to visit her extended family, fueled by a desire to prove her authentic Spanish heritage to her judgmental friend Massie back in Westchester. When she learns that pop star ¡Ignacio! is casting a 'Spanish beauty' for his next video, Alicia sees it as the ultimate validation. However, she must compete against her own cousins while navigating her grandmother’s traditional expectations, leading to a series of comedic and high-stakes social maneuvers that test her loyalty and self-esteem.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Why did Alicia feel she had to prove she was 'true' Spanish to Massie? Do you think Massie's opinion should matter that much?
2
How does Alicia's relationship with her cousins change when they are all competing for the same role? Is it ever okay to put a competition ahead of family?
3
Alicia uses the phrase 'Adios, bimbos!' What does this tell you about how she views her competition? Is she being fair to them?
4
By the end of the trip, do you think Alicia feels differently about her heritage than she did when she arrived?
