At the age of 18, Esperanza Ignacio begins her college years at an upscale Los Angeles art school, where she studies to fulfill her long-term dream in Animation. But she soon learns the truth to the old folktale: “you can take the girl out of the barrio, but you can’t take the barrio out of the girl.” Even though she’s getting financial aid, Esperanza works a part-time job during her break from classes just to make ends meet. Her roommate, Anna, is what she calls a “chicana from Beverly Hills” because of the rich daddy and the new car she got for her quinceañera. Things get a little confusing for Esperanza when an old friend comes looking for her, hoping to start a meaningful relationship. But is Carlos the right guy for her? She never even considered him to be anything more than a friend since high school. Then comes Jake, a gorgeous mechanic, who shares her passion for books and loves her for who she is. What’s a girl to do? Strength and determination help pave the way for the future. And, as she approaches her graduation, she is faced with a difficult decision: should she leave Los Angeles and leave behind her family, her home, and everything she’s known? Ever since she was born in the California barrio of Hawaiian Gardens, she’s always had to look over the fence, wondering what she’s been missing. Now she’s taking a flying leap over to see what’s beyond the little barrio. What’s beyond her family, her friends, and her past? What’s beyond the little nothing town, where dreams don’t exist? What’s beyond The Gardens? Is it life, love, a future?
About the Author: Sandra C. Lopez
Sandra C. López is one of today's influential Latina authors in Young Adult literature. Her first novel, Esperanza: A Latina Story, was published in March 2008 WHILE she was still in college. Shortly after that, she wrote the follow up title, Beyond the Gardens, starring her inspirational heroine. Now, this young writer is a full graduate of Cal State University Fullerton with a BFA in the arts. She was named as one of "2011 Top Ten New Latino Authors to Watch" by Latino Stories.
Reviews/Quotes
“So now I have the answer I’ve been searching for when I started this whole crazy adventure. That one question I asked myself at the very beginning was finally concluded. What was beyond The Gardens? A dream. A future. The world.” || REVIEWS: "This is a sequel to Ms Lopez's first book Esperanza: A Latina Story. In book one we meet and observe the poverty, drugs, gangs, domestic abuse that takes place in the ghettos. This story has a different focus. It is filled with love, laughter and amazing characters. We all have a dream it's what we do with it that matters. Mark down the name Sandra Lopez. You will be hearing it frequently in the future." - Readers Favorite "Sandra Lopez's sequel to Esperanza--Beyond the Gardens-- reacquaints the reader with a compelling character, Esperanza, her barrio past and her college present,as she struggles to get an education and find her identity. A heartwarming storythat young, female teens will enjoy!" --Donna Del Oro - Author of Operation Familia and Hasta La Vista, Baby "Readers can't help but cheer Esperanza on as she finds out what life is like Beyond the Gardens. Funny, smart, and heartfelt--all that you want in an inspiring story." --Margo Candela - Author of Underneath it all and More than this "It's not easy to figure out who you want to be, especially if you're a chica from the barrio. With a crazy family and un amigo, who has suddenly decided hewants her, brainy college student, Esperanza, finds herself having to make sometough decisions. In this humorous and sweet novel, Lopez brings us lovable characters we want to root for from page one. Don't miss it!"--Lara Rios -Author of Becoming Latina in 10 Easy Steps "An emerging Latina voice, Sandra Lopez continues to inspire with her latest work, Beyond the Gardens. Her words are soulful and her images resonate with passion and humor."--Ray Michael Baca -Author of Brotherhood of the Light "In Beyond the Gardens, Esperanza Ignacio confronts a new world with humor and humility. With peppy dialogue and energetic prose, Sandra C. Lopez brings us a story of a young girl's strength and determination. As candid as it is entertaining, Beyond the Gardens leaves us all with a sense of hope."--T. M. Spooner - Author of The Salvation of La Purísima and Notes from Exile
Additional information
Book Author
Sandra C. Lopez
Publisher
Outskirts Press
Language
English
ISBN
B00KQPXTZW
Pages
430
Format
eBook
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