Dreaming of a Quinceañera

by Yamile Saied Méndez, Christine Almeda (Illustrator)

Overview

Perfect for fans of The Proudest Blue and Alma and How She Got Her Name — a warm tale about celebrating sisterly love, family, and quinceañeras by Pura Belpré winner, Yamile Saied Méndez!

Two sisters, Ellie and Isabella, have been dreaming of Isabella’s quinceañera for months and now the day is finally here. The house is bustling with preparations for the party and Ellie is determined to help make her big sister’s day as special as possible. But making flower arrangements is harder than Ellie expected and decorating the cake almost ends in disaster! Will Ellie be able to do something special for Isabella before the party is over?

Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez has crafted a beautiful ode to sisterly love and the magic of quinceañeras. Acclaimed illustrator Christine Almeda's bright and colorful art brings a lively energy to this sweet story.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338894950
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/15/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of Blizzard Besties, Random Acts of Kittens, Wish Upon a Stray, and many other books for young readers, including Furia, a Reese's YA Book Club selection and winner of a Pura Belpré YA Author Medal. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in Utah with her family. A Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she is also a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Connect with her at yamilesmendez.com.

Christine Almeda is a Filipino-American freelance illustrator from New Jersey. She is also the illustrator of Lolo’s Sari-sari Store by Sophia N. Lee and Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing. Christine believes that through the power of creativity and storytelling, art can make life more beautiful. Visit her at ChristineAlmeda.com or @eychristine.

Editorial Reviews

2025-01-18
Ellie’s big sister, Isabella, is about to celebrate her quinceañera.

The milestone is a special event marking a girl’s 15th birthday and her transition into womanhood, observed in Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. Although Isabella is 10 years older than Ellie, the two are best friends. Both sisters are excited about the quinceañera, but Isabella confides that she’s also nervous. As Isabella is whisked away to get ready for the celebration, Ellie is left behind, eager to help prepare for the party but struggling to find a job she can do at her age—flower arranging proves too difficult, and the cake is far too delicate for Ellie to help decorate. When the party begins, Ellie is awestruck by her sister’s elegance, although Isabella’s busy schedule keeps them apart. Unexpectedly, in a touching moment, Isabella publicly expresses her love for Ellie and invites her to share a special dance, making the evening unforgettable. This well-crafted narrative weaves together themes of sisterly love and the community’s role in celebrating a young person’s coming of age. The customs and traditions of the quinceañera shine in this warm family tale, and children who are much younger than their big siblings will relate to Ellie’s earnest desire to be included in the festivities. Dominated by pinks and reds, the illustrations are suffused with a soft glow. The family is Latine.

A heartfelt celebration of sisterhood and culture, seen through the eyes of an enthusiastic younger sibling. (information on quinceañeras)(Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews