The Quince Project

Gr 9 Up–A funny and heartfelt story celebrating culture and what happens when one’s ambition leads to unexpected challenges, this is as heartfelt as it is full of spirit. Fourteen-year-old Valentina, a Disney enthusiast and dreamer, is a type-A teen who juggles the responsibility of being her school’s Student Body Association event chair with the pressure of maintaining good grades. Then there are her dreams of being a professional party planner someday, even if a recent event went wrong. She applies for an internship with a prestigious lifestyle and party planning company, hoping to find that spark once more. Readers will love Valentina’s reaction when she’s hired after flubbing her application and challenged to plan the quinceañera for a teen Disneyland vlogger. As the story progresses, readers will feel for Valentina, as she tries to prove herself and her talents, while also crushing on the influencer’s date. The book explores the cultural significance of quinceañeras, as well as themes of tradition and family expectations, with Valentina’s relatable personal growth. The dynamics between Valentina and her family are well developed, capturing the love, tension, and humor that define family relationships.