Estrella's Quinceañera

For as long as Estrella Alvarez can remember, her mother has beenplanning to throw her an elaborate quinceanera for her fifteenthbirthday -- complete with a mariachi band, cheesy decorations, and ahideous dress. Just thinking about her quince makes Estrella cringe. Buther mother insists that it's tradition.Estrella has other things on her mind, anyway -- like dating Speedy. Doesit matter that her new friends -- and her parents -- would never approve of aguy from el barrio? Estrella's almost fifteen and wants to start makingher own decisions. But is she ready to find out who she is -- and who shereally wants to be?

Malín Alegría is the author of Estrella's Quinceañera. She is an accomplished educator, dancer, and actress who has cowritten and performed in several stage plays. Ms. Alegría lives in San Francisco.