It’s All Love: Reflections for Your Heart & Soul

Gr 7 Up–Eighteen-year-old Latina actress Ortega provides a refreshing dose of teen optimism with the life lessons she has learned. It’s clear that her family is her main support. Although Ortega points out that one’s family of choice is just as important as one’s family by blood, her stories consistently illustrate how a loving family of any kind can be crucial to a developing teen. Her tales of crushes, faith, true friends, and believing in oneself are universal. Many teens may not be able to relate to being passed over for a movie role; however, they will be able to relate to the actions she took to overcome that devastation. Those who have read Lara Honos-Webb’s Six Super Skills for Executive Functioning will see some similarities when it comes to seeking help for depression. Ortega talks about not wanting to seek help because she thought she was being too dramatic, or that her problems seemed minuscule compared to the struggles of others. After seeking help, she realized that problems are personal and not to be compared to others. With the growing rate of depressed and suicidal teens in today’s society, this message is important and necessary. There are many other applicable life lessons explored in the text, such as self-confidence, how to manage stress, and making time and space for one’s faith. Ortega exudes unexpected but welcome wisdom. The short sections and fast pace makes this an effortless read. Ortega does not talk down to her readers; she only wants to help.