Mami even says, “I gave birth to the better version of me. This one came out white.” After moving from the Bronx to New Jersey, 12-year-old Izzy (in a family full of Ignacias it’s what she prefers) enters a predominantly white school. Instead of making her feel special, her blond hair now makes her blend in. But her new classmates are puzzled by her identity, making well-meaning but stereotyped assumptions, including that she speaks Spanish (she doesn’t). She’s also surprised when a teacher describes her using the unfamiliar label minority; in the Bronx, she was part of a Puerto Rican majority. When puberty hits, Izzy’s hair grows in dark and curly; anxious about losing a trait that’s become central to her identity, she gets Mami to bleach and straighten it. As Izzy questions what it means to be her genuine self, she realizes that she “can’t keep relying on everyone else’s guidance and opinions.” Izzy is likable and relatable, and her worries about how her family and classmates perceive her reveal layers of self-discovery and the complexity of identity in clear, accessible language. García-Morales’ debut subtly explores colorism in Latine communities, adding depth to the coming-of-age storyline. This bilingual edition includes both English and Spanish versions of the novel.
