About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with a family member's serious illness, particularly breast cancer. It serves as a gentle bridge for children who are noticing changes in family dynamics and need a relatable protagonist to help mirror their own secret worries. The story follows thirteen year old Erica, known as Chia, as she navigates her mother's diagnosis by making a 'promesa' to God and organizing a 5K run for awareness. While the subject matter is heavy, the tone remains grounded in the realities of a vibrant Mexican American family. It beautifully captures the 'mood ring' of emotions that come with medical crises: fear, guilt, humor, and hope. It is highly appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a roadmap for how a community can rally together. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need to 'do something' when they feel most helpless.
