They Call Her Fregona: A Border Kid’s Poems

Gr 5-9–Pura Belpré–honored Bowles and Mexican actor Zuno reunite, guaranteeing continuity from They Call Me Güero (2021) to this expressive novel-in-verse companion. Introduced in Güero, Joanna is the titular fregona, “tough girl.” She and Güero are now a solid couple, sharing kisses and integrating into each other’s families and friend groups—Los Bobbys and Las Morras. When ICE grabs Joanna’s father at school on the first day of eighth grade, the pair will need to galvanize their entire community—and beyond—to help. Bowles again showcases a linguistic feast, storytelling via various forms (sonnet, heroic quatrain, haiku, sestet) and multiple languages. Oh, but the Korean: Zuno’s lightly accented English complements his Spanish fluency (plus he sweetly sings!), but his Korean mispronunciations prove particularly jarring. The popularity of Korean culture engenders multiple poems; shame on producers for eliding accuracy.