Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F Osa
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ember (2005), Edition: Reprint, 304 pages
Description
Violet Paz, a Chicago high school student, reluctantly prepares for her upcoming "quince," a Spanish nickname for the celebration of an Hispanic girl's fifteenth birthday.
Subjects
Original publication date
2003
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member StonehamHS_Library
“What can be funny about having to stand up in front of everyone you know, in a ruffly-dress the color of Pepto-Bismol, and proclaim your womanhood? Nothing… Nothing funny at all. At least that’s what I thought in September.” In Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa, Violet Paz is a 15 year old girl who is
Throughout the course of the story, Violet is dealing with two major conflicts- figuring out who she truly is and which culture she should identify with. Since Violet is of teenage years, she grows and learns throughout the story about not only her culture and family, but herself as well. She comes to the conclusion that she doesn’t have to pick one identity to go by, and is proud of her multi-cultural family roots. This realistic fiction book has multiple themes, including Cuban Americans, Quinceñeros, Identity, and Multi-cultural immigrant families.
The theme of this book connects to the theme of the American Dream because Violet is dealing with internal and external conflicts (such as who she truly is, and how she should go about learning her cultures) the same way someone hoping to reach the American Dream does. Violet learns of identity and matures throughout the story the same way one trying to the reach the American Dream would. Both deal with struggles to reach their goals and learn important life lessons along the way, such as Violet accepting and embracing the fact that she comes from a multi-cultural family.
The story itself is very humorous from the moment you open the book, which made it extremely enjoyable. It follows the exciting events and happenings of a teenager from a biracial family, but is still an easy read that is very entertaining. The entire story is very believable, from the rate that Violet is maturing to the realistic accompanying characters, such as her family, best friends, and new boyfriend. The only slight problem
with this book is that it is a little slow at times, but other than that it was a very amusing read. Even readers who aren’t in a multi-cultural family will enjoy this book. Read this story to experience a life-changing adventure with Violet as she “takes a deep breath, opens her mouth, and lets the truth come out.” -B.M.
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struggling to find herself, all while trying to plan her Quinceñero, the Cuban celebration to “womanhood” a girl experiences at 15 years of age. Her father is of Cuban culture and her mother is Polish, but Violet is clearly less than thrilled to explore her culture or celebrate the traditional party. However, when beginning the planning for her Quinceñero, Violet decides to educate herself about her Cuban culture and learn more about her family. She becomes interested and grows to love her family and heritage. Throughout the course of the story, Violet is dealing with two major conflicts- figuring out who she truly is and which culture she should identify with. Since Violet is of teenage years, she grows and learns throughout the story about not only her culture and family, but herself as well. She comes to the conclusion that she doesn’t have to pick one identity to go by, and is proud of her multi-cultural family roots. This realistic fiction book has multiple themes, including Cuban Americans, Quinceñeros, Identity, and Multi-cultural immigrant families.
The theme of this book connects to the theme of the American Dream because Violet is dealing with internal and external conflicts (such as who she truly is, and how she should go about learning her cultures) the same way someone hoping to reach the American Dream does. Violet learns of identity and matures throughout the story the same way one trying to the reach the American Dream would. Both deal with struggles to reach their goals and learn important life lessons along the way, such as Violet accepting and embracing the fact that she comes from a multi-cultural family.
The story itself is very humorous from the moment you open the book, which made it extremely enjoyable. It follows the exciting events and happenings of a teenager from a biracial family, but is still an easy read that is very entertaining. The entire story is very believable, from the rate that Violet is maturing to the realistic accompanying characters, such as her family, best friends, and new boyfriend. The only slight problem
with this book is that it is a little slow at times, but other than that it was a very amusing read. Even readers who aren’t in a multi-cultural family will enjoy this book. Read this story to experience a life-changing adventure with Violet as she “takes a deep breath, opens her mouth, and lets the truth come out.” -B.M.
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LibraryThing member ht_youngadult
The book is light hearted while tackling serious issues and should appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Anyone with a quirky family will relate to this book, and Violet’s use of comedy is a positive example. The sections about Cuba are educational without being biased and show various points of
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view even within Violet’s own family. The quince does not dominate the plot, and any ethnic teen who feels more American than they feel their parents’ culture will relate to Violet’s dilemma. Show Less
LibraryThing member franoscar
Young Adult book. This is about a girl with a Cuban father & Cuban relatives, growing up in her 15th year & learning about her family, friends, etc.
LibraryThing member ajramsden
Violet Paz is a typical Chicago suburban teen: she enjoys hanging out with her two best friends, her younger brother perpetually annoys her, she is caught in the excitement of performing for her school’s speech team, and she is experiencing the thrills of her first crush in a classmate and fellow
While the celebration of Violet’s quinceanero is the foundation for this novel, the story is accessible to all teens with other storylines of generational culture clashes, the trials of growing up (including first love), the anxiety and pride of public speaking, and the hilarity of having an unapologetically colorful family. This is a smart and funny book that will appeal to teens with Violet’s original voice and pop culture references while providing a brief education on Cuban history along with some basic Spanish vocabulary.
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“speechie.” Violet Paz is also not a typical teen with her unique Polish and Cuban heritage, a mother who dresses and decorates their home from the treasures of her thrift store job, a father and grandparents who refuse to discuss their Cuban heritage, and an entire family who is obsessed with dominoes. On top of all of this, Violet has just turned 15 and her grandmother is insistent that they celebrate Violet’s “quince,” a tradition that Violet has little knowledge of (other than it involves pink, fluffy dresses and fussy tiaras), and has equally little interest in. To please her family, Violet finds herself going along with the celebration, but also learns more about her ethnic background, her family, and herself as she plans to observe her “quince” on her own terms. While the celebration of Violet’s quinceanero is the foundation for this novel, the story is accessible to all teens with other storylines of generational culture clashes, the trials of growing up (including first love), the anxiety and pride of public speaking, and the hilarity of having an unapologetically colorful family. This is a smart and funny book that will appeal to teens with Violet’s original voice and pop culture references while providing a brief education on Cuban history along with some basic Spanish vocabulary.
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LibraryThing member ladylonghorn
The book is about a 15 year old girl named Violet and her multicultural family. Violet is of Cuban and Polish background, whose Cuban grandmother wants her to have a quinceanero, that she does not want to have. She does not understand the Cuban culture and her Cuban family does not want to talk
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about life in Cuba. Violet does not want the party because she does not feel comfortable with such a party and having to dress up. Violet has to accept responsibility with being 15 and grow up. The book was very good, I have a minor in Spanish and I loved the Spanish themes in the book. The book even has Spanish words and phrases in the book, with the English meanings also in the book. Very good book, would recommend book be read by students in grades 6 through 8. Show Less
LibraryThing member cassiusclay
personal response: This most enjoyable part of this story is Violet's struggle to maintain the sense of individuality and American identity that she has established while trying to allow herself to be open to contemplation of ideas about her heritage. I think many teenagers can identify with this
Grades 8-10
curricular connections:
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same struggle as they begin to come into their own and are faced with trying to see the world for themselves versus following in their family's views in order to please them. Grades 8-10
curricular connections:
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LibraryThing member Euphoria13
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I'm actually surprised by how i fast i read this! I think it has to do with the fact that i really liked it :)
Violet Paz is a sophomore in High School who has just turned 15 years old. Her family is half Polish and half Cuban, yet she feels in between because she doesn't know
These are the types of questions and thoughts that linger through Violet's head as her family insist that she have a Quince Fiesta. In case you don't know, a Quinceañero is a traditional coming of age party for Latina girls when they turn 15. A bit similar to a Sweet 16 party. While reading this book i remembered when i turned 15, it really was a special moment for me! I didn't have a Quince fiesta though- i didn't want one. Nancy Osa did such a great job capturing that feeling of when a girl is in that part of her life where she comes to terms with becoming a Señorita (Young Lady)
There is also a Sub-Plot in this story that ties in PERFECTLY with the plot of Violet, planning her Quince with her family and two best friends. In school, Violet is invited to join the Speech Team with her two best friends by one of their teacher's. Violet is placed in the Original Comedy section of the team and to her surprise, she finds inspiration for her original piece from her family.Through this assignment, Violet finds herself seeking answers about her Cuban heritage. She even reaches the point where boundaries end up being crossed which results in a heartfelt climax with her family.
I believe that a lot of girls would find this book to be an interesting read! It's funny, life like, and touching! Girls who are planning on having a Quince Fiesta will definitely enjoy this story! Grab this book Señoritas! :)
Violet Paz is a sophomore in High School who has just turned 15 years old. Her family is half Polish and half Cuban, yet she feels in between because she doesn't know
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much about her family roots, especially her Cuban side. When her Abuela (Grandmother) brings up the subject of a Quinceañero, Violet immediately objects to this nonsense. Who in there right mind would want to wear a puffy dress the color of petmol bistmol? Let alone, get in front of a crowd of people and proclaim your womanhood? These are the types of questions and thoughts that linger through Violet's head as her family insist that she have a Quince Fiesta. In case you don't know, a Quinceañero is a traditional coming of age party for Latina girls when they turn 15. A bit similar to a Sweet 16 party. While reading this book i remembered when i turned 15, it really was a special moment for me! I didn't have a Quince fiesta though- i didn't want one. Nancy Osa did such a great job capturing that feeling of when a girl is in that part of her life where she comes to terms with becoming a Señorita (Young Lady)
There is also a Sub-Plot in this story that ties in PERFECTLY with the plot of Violet, planning her Quince with her family and two best friends. In school, Violet is invited to join the Speech Team with her two best friends by one of their teacher's. Violet is placed in the Original Comedy section of the team and to her surprise, she finds inspiration for her original piece from her family.Through this assignment, Violet finds herself seeking answers about her Cuban heritage. She even reaches the point where boundaries end up being crossed which results in a heartfelt climax with her family.
I believe that a lot of girls would find this book to be an interesting read! It's funny, life like, and touching! Girls who are planning on having a Quince Fiesta will definitely enjoy this story! Grab this book Señoritas! :)
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LibraryThing member Andreaz
Author last name, first name. Title. Year. Publisher: City.
Osa, Nancy. Cuba 15. 2003. Delacorte Press: New York.
Genre: Multicultural Fiction
Themes : Cuban culture and customs, family relationships, high school, coming of age
Age / Grade Appropriateness : Recommended for grades 6-10. I think this is
Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Book (2004)
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee (2006-2007)
Pura Belpré Honor (Narrative, 2004)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2004)
Delacorte Press Prize for a First Young Adult Novel (Winner, 2001)
Censorship Issues: There are no evident censorship issues in this story.
Plot Summary: Violet Paz is a Cuban/Polish American teen, growing up in Chicago. For her fifteenth birthday, her Cuban grandmother insists on throwing her a quincenero – a traditional Cuban coming-of-age party. At first opposed to the idea, Violet pays little attention to the planning. As the quincenero nears, she becomes more interested in her Cuban heritage which her father refuses to discuss. Her father’s family fled from Cuba when he was a child and he has turned his back on his Cuban heritage. She attends a Cuban peace rally which causes a huge rift between her and her father. The prominent game played by the family is Dominoes. They play for dimes and extended family also stops by to play. Meanwhile at high school, she is recruited for the speech team. Her category is Original Comedy and she creates a very funny speech about her family. The story follows her through the speech competition season where she wins some and loses some. She also meets new people and cements relationships with her two best friends who agree to be a part of her quincenero. As her party nears, she becomes very excited and she finds a way to make the quincenero her very own. By the end of the story she and her father have reconciled and it is through Violet’s curiosity and encouragement that her father starts to show interest in his Cuban culture.
Your critique: This book is written from a teen’s point of view. Even though Violet’s family have significant roles in the story, the main learning and growing up are done by Violet. I like the fact that Violet wins and looses during the speech competitions and that this is not considered a defeat or victory, just a fact. It really shows how she grows throughout this time. The story is fast paced with lots of things happening simultaneously. It was a quick read. The story did explore some of the Cuban cultural traditions which were really interesting. It also dealt with issues many teens deal with including family conflict, new experiences, growing up, and finding one’s own identity. The story ended on an optimistic note with all issues resolved positively.
Curriculum Uses: This would be a good multicultural book to add to a school or public library collection. It broadens the readers understanding of a key Cuban custom that many are unaware of. It appeals to girls mostly and could be used within a comparison of coming of age celebrations throughout different cultures.
Osa, Nancy. Cuba 15. 2003. Delacorte Press: New York.
Genre: Multicultural Fiction
Themes : Cuban culture and customs, family relationships, high school, coming of age
Age / Grade Appropriateness : Recommended for grades 6-10. I think this is
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accurate but older students may enjoy it as well.Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Book (2004)
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee (2006-2007)
Pura Belpré Honor (Narrative, 2004)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2004)
Delacorte Press Prize for a First Young Adult Novel (Winner, 2001)
Censorship Issues: There are no evident censorship issues in this story.
Plot Summary: Violet Paz is a Cuban/Polish American teen, growing up in Chicago. For her fifteenth birthday, her Cuban grandmother insists on throwing her a quincenero – a traditional Cuban coming-of-age party. At first opposed to the idea, Violet pays little attention to the planning. As the quincenero nears, she becomes more interested in her Cuban heritage which her father refuses to discuss. Her father’s family fled from Cuba when he was a child and he has turned his back on his Cuban heritage. She attends a Cuban peace rally which causes a huge rift between her and her father. The prominent game played by the family is Dominoes. They play for dimes and extended family also stops by to play. Meanwhile at high school, she is recruited for the speech team. Her category is Original Comedy and she creates a very funny speech about her family. The story follows her through the speech competition season where she wins some and loses some. She also meets new people and cements relationships with her two best friends who agree to be a part of her quincenero. As her party nears, she becomes very excited and she finds a way to make the quincenero her very own. By the end of the story she and her father have reconciled and it is through Violet’s curiosity and encouragement that her father starts to show interest in his Cuban culture.
Your critique: This book is written from a teen’s point of view. Even though Violet’s family have significant roles in the story, the main learning and growing up are done by Violet. I like the fact that Violet wins and looses during the speech competitions and that this is not considered a defeat or victory, just a fact. It really shows how she grows throughout this time. The story is fast paced with lots of things happening simultaneously. It was a quick read. The story did explore some of the Cuban cultural traditions which were really interesting. It also dealt with issues many teens deal with including family conflict, new experiences, growing up, and finding one’s own identity. The story ended on an optimistic note with all issues resolved positively.
Curriculum Uses: This would be a good multicultural book to add to a school or public library collection. It broadens the readers understanding of a key Cuban custom that many are unaware of. It appeals to girls mostly and could be used within a comparison of coming of age celebrations throughout different cultures.
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LibraryThing member jothebookgirl
This is a humorous book centered around a girl living in Chicago who is turning 15. Her grandmother is determined she will have a traditional Hispanic quince with a court and frilly dress.The plots become entwined with Violet's involvement in a public speaking team at school, her impending quince
The book reads slowly through its almost 300 pages but proves to be a fun one to read.
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and her fascination with her father's home of Cuba. She is even more intrigued by Cuba when her father refuses to talk about his heritage. This curiousity gets Violet in trouble near the end of the book and as the reader you feel her pain as she is severely reprimanded by her family. I felt it all was so unfair to Violet yet I did not come from her parent's background. Amid this seriousness of that subject is the haliriaty of her crazy family who love to play dominoes and party. There is the element of love as Violet experiences her first boyfriend Clarence. Her brother Mark adds just the right amount of sibling problem as he gets on her nerves. The book reads slowly through its almost 300 pages but proves to be a fun one to read.
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Pages
304