
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to balance their own burgeoning friendships with a strong sense of duty to their family's expectations or business. It is a vibrant story about Miranda, the lead singer of her family's band, and Flor, whose family runs a rival petting zoo at the same summer carnival. While their families are in competition for a permanent spot on the main stage, the girls find an unexpected connection. This story explores themes of professional jealousy, cultural pride, and the courage it takes to be honest with those we love. Parents will appreciate how it handles the nuances of a working-class immigrant experience without losing its sense of fun. It is perfectly suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who are starting to navigate social circles where loyalty can feel complicated and performance pressure is high.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with socioeconomic pressures and the stress of family business survival in a secular, realistic way. The resolution is hopeful and emphasizes compromise over a winner-take-all outcome.
A 10-year-old girl who feels like she is the 'star' of her family but secretly wishes she could just be a regular kid, or a child who loves musical theater and stories about complicated friendships.
Read cold. The book is very accessible. A parent might notice their child becoming unusually anxious about a performance or hobby they used to love, or perhaps the child is being caught in the middle of a 'feud' between neighborhood families.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the fun of the carnival and the 'secret' nature of the friendship. Older readers (11-12) will pick up on the nuances of family responsibility, the pressure of contributing to the family's success, and the ethical dilemmas the characters face.
Unlike many 'rivalry' books, this one is uniquely set in the world of traveling carnivals and festivals, showcasing the vibrant Tejano music scene and the challenges of family businesses within that community. """
Miranda is the face of 'Miranda y Los Reyes,' her family's Tejano band. They are competing against other acts at the local Funfare for a permanent spot on the main stage. Flor's family runs the petting zoo and is their primary competition. The girls form a secret friendship, but they must navigate their families' rivalry and their own individual dreams, which don't always align with their parents' plans.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.