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Breakfast Ideas For Girls-On-The-Go

December 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel like the most rushed and crazy part of the day happens right after your alarm rings in the morning to the moment you step out the door? Well, you are not alone! Whether it’s school, work or practice that you are waking up for, most girls can agree that mornings are not always a walk in the park! Between trying to pick out an outfit, doing your hair, applying makeup and getting your bag ready, it easy to forget to eat the most important meal of the day, breakfast!

We are all guilty of taking an extra ten minutes on our hair, rushing out of the door with an empty stomach and having to deal with embarrassing stomach growls until lunchtime. It is easy to forget that eating breakfast can make your day run a lot more smoothly. According to the American Dietetic Association, children and teens who consume a healthy breakfast behave better and perform better in school and they are able to remain focused until the next meal. This explains why you may feel sluggish or sleepy throughout the day when you skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast also decreases your metabolism and may cause you to overeat at lunchtime. People who eat breakfast regularly have a good metabolism, and can keep a healthy weight.

Taking a couple of minutes out of your busy morning to eat breakfast is definitely worth it! Check out theses delicious breakfast ideas that are perfect for a girl on-the-go!

Banana Breakfast Bread

Ingredients:

  1. 1/2 Small Banana
  2. 2 Slices Wheat bread

Directions:

  1. Toast the bread
  2. Cut each slice in half
  3. Cut banana in small slices
  4. Lay three slices of banana on each half and spread with a butter knife
  5. Sprinkle Cinnamon toast seasoning on each half
  6. If you don’t have the seasoning available you can use ground cinnamon and truvia (sugar)

(From:undressedskeleton.tumblr.com)

 

Pina Colada Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients

  1. 1/3 cup(s) reduced-fat vanilla yogurt
  2. 1/2 cup(s) crushed canned pineapple, or canned mandarin oranges
  3. 1 tablespoon(s) coconut

Directions

  1. Top yogurt with pineapple (or canned mandarin oranges) and coconut.

(From: delish.com)

 

Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients

  1. 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) plain fat-free yogurt
  2. 3 to 4 bananas, peeled, cut into chunks
  3. 14 ounces strawberries, stems removed, roughly chopped to equal 3 cups
  4. 1/4 cup skim milk or soy milk
  5. 2 tablespoons honey
  6. 1 cup ice

Directions

  1. Gradually add all ingredients to the jar of a blender; puree until smooth. Serve.

(Smoothies can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight!)

(From: marthastewart.com)

Cereal “Sundae”

Ingredients:

  1. A bowl of fiber-rich bran flakes (about 1½ cups)
  2. Lemon or vanilla yogurt
  3. 1/4 cup of nuts or fresh or dried fruit, such as chopped pecans or blueberries.

Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients!

(Make it portable by replacing the milk with and mixing it in a to-go container.)

(From: realsimple.com)

 

Kicked-Up Quesadilla

Ingredients:

  1. 2 flour tortillas (regular or whole-wheat)
  2. 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
  3. Several thin slices of a Granny Smith apple

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over one tortilla.
  2. Scatter the apple slices on top of the cheese and top with the remaining tortilla.
  3. Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts.
  4. For a crisper tortilla, use a large skillet and crisp for 1-2 minutes on both sides, until the cheese is melted.
  5. Cut into 6-8 wedges.

(From: parenting.com)

 

Whole-Grain Toast with Yogurt and Pistachios

Ingredients:

  1. 4 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
  2. 2 slices whole-grain toast
  3. 2 tablespoon honey
  4. 2 tablespoon shelled pistachios

Directions

  1. Spread nonfat Greek yogurt on whole-grain toast.
  2. Drizzle each with honey.
  3. Sprinkle each with shelled pistachios.
  4. Serve immediately.

(From: marthastewart.com)

 

 

 

Filed Under: 411, Body & Soul, Teens

Dominique Gonzalez, 20 Latinitas Under 20

November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Name: Dominique Gonzalez

Heritage: Mexican-American

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Volunteer Experience:

Most of the volunteer experience she has is with Latinitas. Because  she is so passionate about the Latinitas mission to empower young Latinas, she decided to devote much of her time volunteering with this organization. Other than being a part of the Youth Editorial Advisory Board, she is also a Latinitas Club Leader in guiding a weekly after-school girl empowerment activities. Every week, she volunteers for a couple of hours after school teaching the girls in the club how to use media and technology, become media literate, and be proud of who they are as Latinas. She has also been a summer camp leader. She really enjoys being a big sister and mentor to all the girls in her clubs.

What challenges has she overcome?

Since she left home for college her grandmother’s dementia has advanced and most of the burden of taking care of her has fallen on her mother. Dominique has previously mentioned, “Sometimes I can’t help but wonder how much my help would have made a difference if I were home. It has really been a struggle for me to leave home for college in general, but to be away while my family needs me is even worse. It has really taken a lot of inner strength to convince myself everyday that finishing my degree at UT is what will really make both myself and my parents proud.”

What makes her a leader?

Dominique’s leadership and vibrant personality make her a valued Latinitas member. Through the Youth Editorial Adviosry Board (YEAB), I have seen Dominique grow as a writer and as an editor. She has assisted others find their true voice through their writing by taking on the leadership role as the YEAB Editor. She offers feedback on the article to each member and ensures each member understand the writing process towards submitting content to the magazine. She is a natural born leader and I am grateful for her contributions to the YEAB program.

What extra-curricular activities is she involved in?

Dominique is a Club Leader with Latinitas in Austin and is the YEAB Editor for the YEAB program. She is passionate about Hispanic literature and hopes to one day return to her hometown of El Paso to promote both youth and adult literacy. She loves to teach, dance, shop, cook, travel and above all try new things.

How is she a good example and positive role model to other girls?

She is a vibrant and compassionate individual and is not deterred by obstacles. These qualities, on top of her natural leadership qualities, make her a positive role model for other girls. Her involvement with the community and dedication to empowering Latina youth is admirable, because she is representing traits a strong Latina should have: courage and passion. She is passionate about writing and has made an impact towards improving the writing process and helping find the YEAB member’s voice through their writing.

When asked to share advice to younger girls, she says: “Advice I can give to other girls is  to never allow other people to tell you who you are. Every girl needs to search within and discover who they are, especially Latinas. We can’t give into stereotypes and let them define us. I believe learning to love yourself as you are and appreciating where you came from are the most rewarding accomplishments for a Latina.”
Filed Under: Her History, Superstars, Teens

Diary of a First-Time Voter

November 30, 2012 By 1 Comment

On October 31, 2012, I voted for the very first time. I was so excited I chose to do it the long way selecting each candidate instead of a straight party ballot. I even saved the neat little sticker with the Presidential seal and the year on it. I knew that the fact that I was able to vote at all was thanks to brave women, who just under a century ago fought with everything they had for the right. I also remembered the men and women who fought for minorities to be able to vote as well. People in other countries would give anything to do what I was doing at that moment. Even some younger friends were itching to get to polls, but they will have to wait until the next election.

Still excited, thankful and hopeful, I walked out of the voting center feeling quite patriotic. I was with a friend so we went out for a snack and talked, as usual. Our conversation inevitably went back to the polls as we were both first time voters. We wondered how people, especially women and minorities would chose not to vote. Personally, I was so consumed with this election that my mom would tease me, saying I should become one of the pundits on TV making their predictions and analyzing the campaigns. I was excited to be doing my civic duty as an American citizen. After all, there were so many issues at stake, from the economy to social policies. How could opinionated people not make their voices heard? As one of my favorite presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” As my friend and I chatted, we realized one reasons why people wouldn’t vote was common between us.

The biggest reason that people we knew weren’t going to vote was because they believed their vote didn’t matter, or that the candidates were corrupt no matter which party they belong to. For example, my mom did not vote until the 2008 election, and only because I had to sort of guilt her into going. I told her that not only did her future matter, but mine did too. My dad on the other hand, still won’t vote because he can’t stand politics and doesn’t think his vote truly counts. Likewise, my maternal grandma, who became a citizen when she was about my age, never voted either because she believes even the best politician is crooked. My friend and I reasoned that while it is true that there are many “crooked” politicians out there, it is not true that our votes do not matter. The only way we can keep dishonest or greedy people from becoming leaders is to speak up.

I’ve also heard many people say they don’t want to vote because they don’t feel like they know the issues and candidates well enough. We need to educate ourselves on the candidates and pick the one that has the best intentions for our respective communities. Another friend of mine put it beautifully when he said “A good politician tries to make today better; a great politician tries to make tomorrow better too.” Because of this, I was excited and proud to cast my ballot for the first time that day and will be equally proud to cast it in the next elections. And you should too!

Filed Under: Her History, My Diary, Teens

My Bully Story

November 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Bullying has always been around, even since the caveman years. Today we are realizing how harmful and hurtful it can be for the bully and their victim. Everyone has their own story to tell and everyone has been affected by bullying, some more than others. These Latinitas were eager to talk about their experiences in overcoming a bully situation.

Friends Before Foe

Hally, age 17, has been a victim of bullying, a bully, and defended someone who was being bullied. Hally was bullied for her personality and because she started wearing glasses. “When I was younger I really didn’t understand what bullying really was until I entered middle school,” said Hally. Hally didn’t really pay attention to the comments her classmates made and was also bullied for being a “nerdy girl,” and for her short height. When she entered middle school, she bullied one of her best friends to be seen as a cool kid. “I do regret what I did to my very first friend I met in middle school,” said Hally. She did apologize and her friend accepted, now they are very good friends. Hally also saved someone from being a bully victim when she was in high school. “I can’t remember the words I said, but I remember the feeling of helping someone else,” said Hally.  She still gets bullied from time to time, but then remembers her own advice, “forget other peoples comments; do what you want and follow your dreams.”

No Regrets

When Evelyn, now age 17, entered elementary in the third grade, she was the only Hispanic student in her class where everyone else was white.  “Therefore, I bullied other students, so they wouldn’t bully me. My teacher never noticed  because to her I was known as the sweet and quiet one,” shared Evelyn. “When I bullied my classmates, I had no shame for what I did. I had anger and would ask myself  ‘Why am I so dark?’  I would let my anger go on my classmates, which made me the bully.” After seeing  a little boy get picked on by four kids who were bigger, she saved him and stopped her bullying days. “After helping him, it felt better than picking on someone else. Now I have grown  up, I regret my mistakes… I help those who are in need. Be careful of your actions, you  might regret what you did.”

New Beginnings for a Realized Beauty

Jasmine, who is 17, first moved to a new town when she was in elementary school. Jasmine was being picked on by her classmates because she had a different skin color. “I never understood why younger kids did this to me, just because I was a different color didn’t mean anything,” commented  Jasmine. “I would tell my teacher of my troubles with my classmates, but she would respond with ‘My students would never do such a thing’.” Jasmine also shared that during fine arts class one of the girls threw a pair of scissors at her and she had to go to the nurse immediately. She lied to the school nurse and to her mother by saying ” Oh, there was some scissors on the floor and I fell over them”. When Jasmine entered middle school she started to gain friends and  learned that there are other people who will ignore the differences and accept her the way she is. “We are all the same on the inside; we shouldn’t hate one another because of our skin, we should love each over no matter color we are,” shared Jasmine.

Filed Under: Girl Talk, Teens, Your View Tagged With:

Fall Fashion Formula

November 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Don’t trip, it’s fall! Just like seasons, trends come and go. This is the fall fashion formula to help you make every outfit in your closet unforgettable.

 

First, take one basic piece – this may include dark jeans, a pencil skirt, or a basic top. Then, add one interest piece that highlights texture, prints, colors, patterns and shine. Dark colors are often used in the fall or winter seasons such as grays, black, blues and greens. Add a completer piece like a jacket, cardigan or belt. Finally, to complete the look, accessorize with boots, jewelry, fedoras or scarves.  Remember, when pairing an outfit together, always keep in mind the event you are going to.

Some fall pieces that are a must have in your closet are:

The little black dress is a piece of clothing that can get you out of so many stressful situations when your standing in front of you’re closet yelling “I have NOTHING to wear!!”  You can change it up by trying other dark flattering colors like gray or royal blue.  It gives any girl a makeover from ordinary to sophisticated diva making you the apple of anyone’s eye.

Another must have for fall is the blazer. This casual fashion favorite can always dress up or down any outfit. For a job interview, a black sheer blazer can complete a professional look without taking away the fashion edge. For a walk in the park, a thin blazer can keep you warm and at the same time make the outfit casual and chic.

Long coats create a more casual and cozy look. Here are some ideas and stores for outfits that will blow you away. Burlington has a wide variety of coats that are  designer brand, fashionable and at great prices. Also, Forever 21 always stocks up on different styles of coats and jackets for fall weather.

With all these styling tips, you are ready to take on the world one trend at a time. Shopping smart and with style without hurting our wallet is the key to becoming a fashionista. A great outfit is an essential part of any girls’ day. Wherever life takes you, make sure you always arrive with style.

Filed Under: 411, Fashion, Teens

An Alternate Quinceañera

November 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

Here I am standing in front of an inactive volcano with my dad, mom and brother. I celebrated my quince by spending a week in Ecuador. During my visit I went white water rafting, horseback riding, dancing, shopping, swimming, and so much more! I also go to spend time with my uncles, aunts and all my cousins. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much about my family and my heritage.

As early as ten years old, visions of pink, puffy, and sparkly dresses fill the minds of young Latinas all over the world. They dream about the sacred father daughter dance, their dreamy chamberlain, and of course the beautiful cake. They dream about having a quinceañera.

If this does not capture your heart, you are not the only one. These days many girls are opting for an alternate celebration. Some chose to keep it low key by going bowling, seeing a movie or just having a small dinner.  A popular option is also going with friends to a theme park.

Another option is to travel. A large number of girls celebrate their fifteenth birthday in other countries, typically in the country of their heritage. This option may seem expensive, but compared to a typical quinceañera that could cost $5,000- $20,000 you could actually save some money by choosing to travel.

Something to consider is that a quinceañera party is only one night, while traveling could be from 4 days to 2 weeks. Choosing to travel also provides you with the chance to meet extended family or family that could not have been able to celebrate your quince if you had a party. A quinceañera is the perfect time to learn more about your heritage, so what better way than in the heart and center of it all. Traveling also gives you the chance to expand your vocabulary and practice your Spanish. Some other benefits of traveling are that it increases your knowledge, widens your perspective, creates unforgettable memories, increase your resourcefulness, and gives you relaxation– instead of the crazy stress that may occur when planning a quinceanera.

A con to this is that you will not be able to celebrate with your friends. A solution to this could be having a small get together before or after the trip, but if this is a serious issue then traveling might not be the right option.

Regardless of how you chose to celebrate your quinceañera it will be a special day no matter what. Shoes, makeup, dresses, cake, tickets, and planes don’t make a quinceañera, the people you celebrate with do! I should know, I celebrated my quinceanera with my family in Ecuador!

Filed Under: Latina Beat, My Quince, Teens

Dealing with Tough Times

November 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Having an unemployed parent may be something that many kids never worry about. It was something that had definitely never even crossed my mind until it happened to my family. Having an unemployed parent can mean dealing with tough times and added pressure on families. Most of my life, it was the norm for my dad to go to work as my mom stayed home to drive me to and from school and run errands. Suddenly one day, I heard my mom and dad talking about him not working anymore. That moment changed everything. My dad lost his job and became a stay-at-home dad as he searched for a job. My mom was forced to get a job after she had not worked since I was a toddler. She began working at a daycare and now spends most of her day with other kids. Even though it may sound silly now as a teenager, it was a huge change for me to have her being busy and away from me most of the time. It was weird to see my dad at my school meetings and swim meets when my mom was away at work. I missed her and wished things could be normal again. This new situation was really uncomfortable for me at first.

Although they did not show it, I know it was difficult for my parents too. At times they were frustrated, angry, impatient, sad and nervous about their finances. I can only imagine how being unemployed and worrying about being able to take care of your family’s needs is probably one of the most terrifying things for a parent. Through the ups and downs my family remained strong and tried to make the best of it. We have all stayed strong, together, hopeful and faithful that these tough times are just temporary. In life there are many twists and turns and it is important to keep fighting and keep on going. I know I am not alone and that many kids have probably experienced something similar. If you are looking to help out with your family finances, here are a few thing you can do:

• Cut Back – It may seem that you really need new clothes for the next month or that you need the latest version of the iPhone or iPad, but cutting back on these things will truly save a lot of money. You will have to give up some of the things you want. Remember the difference between needing something and wanting something. Ask yourself – “Do I really need this?”

• Host a Garage Sale – There is always stuff around the house that we do not want or need, so why not put a good use to it? There could be many people willing to buy things that may be useful for them.

• Eat At Home – Besides the fact that it is way healthier and will help you feel good, making your own meals will definitely save huge amounts of money. If you save your lunch money- about five dollars a day- every day for a whole school year, that’s already $900 per year! Imagine what you can do with that.

• Carpool – Riding together benefits everyone and helps the environment. It is way more fun than riding solo, and it’s just more time to hang out with your girls!

• Get a Part-time Job – You could work at the mall, movie theater, restaurant or somewhere new. You could also try sharing your talents by tutoring, babysitting or dog grooming. You’ll get work experience, meet new people, make new friends and earn cash!

Nobody in the world has a perfect life. It may not seem like it because of we see the media with beautiful, talented celebrities who seem to have everything. In reality, every person has their own kind of problems and there are many things that we cannot control. Having a parent lose a job means having to cut back and give up things like cars, electronics, clothes, food, and everything in between. Situations like these make a person grow, appreciate things and not take them for granted. Instead of getting sad or frustrated, it is important to be able to learn from these experiences. Your energy should be used productively by focusing on figuring out ways to help. Even doing the smallest thing can mean a lot to a parent. By pitching in to help your family, you can make an impact.

Filed Under: Dealing, Get Real, Teens

Surviving the Interview

November 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

You worked hard on your resume, sent in many applications, and have finally landed an interview to a job or dream internship. Congratulations! However, your work is not done yet. You must survive the dreaded interview.

For many, it is very difficult to go through an interview. The questions are difficult and it is hard to make a good impression during such a short amount of time. Luckily, there are definitely ways to increase your chances in landing the position.

Presentation Tips:

  • Do not chew gum during the interview. It does not allow you to speak properly and makes you seem immature.
  • Do not wear inappropriate clothing. Make sure that you have all the parts covered and should not be too revealing. Skirts must follow the fingertip rule. If you put your hands down the sides of your thighs, your skirt should reach at least to the end of your fingertips. You should try to look as professional and responsible as possible. Transparent blouses and flip flops are also highly discouraged.
  • Along with appropriate clothing, do not wear wrinkled or dirty garments. Show up looking as clean cut as possible. Make sure that you have showered, smell nice and have your hair done neatly. This shows the interviewer that you take pride in your appearance, which in turn gives the idea that you probably take pride in your work.
  • If it is a phone interview, DO NOT take the call in a bathroom. It is completely unprofessional to hear a toilet flushing in the background. The same thing goes for music and friends. You want to make sure that the call is in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
Pre-Interview Tips:
  • Do not lie about your professional experience. Employers realize you are still a student and do not expect you to have a large amount of experience. Show them you have pride in your work but do not over exaggerate, because if you are hired they will realize that you do not know as much as you said you did during the interview.
  • Do your research.  Find out what exactly it is that the company or organization does. Interviewers frequently ask, “Why did you apply to this particular company? What about us appealed to you?” You want to be able to respond with an answer such as, “The mission of your company really speaks to me because I believe that…” or “The work that you are doing in _____  is amazing and I would love to be a part of the team that helps put that together.”
Interview Tips:
  • Do ask questions. Interviews always end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. You should always ask questions. This shows that you did your research, you paid attention during the interview, and that you are truly interested in the position.
  • Do make eye contact. It is challenging to focus on what the other person is saying if you are nervous. If you are not making direct eye contact, the interviewer will feel that either you are not interested in the position or that you are thinking about other things and if hired, will not be able to concentrate on your work.
  • Do act confident. You want to use this opportunity to share your strengths, accomplishments and talents. You want to impress your interviewer with your positive personality traits. If you have previous work experience, share what you accomplished. If this is your first job, talk about your volunteer experience or dedication in your school work and extracurricular activities.
Post-Interview Tips:
  • Do give a good handshake, whether it is before or after an interview. This is a difficult skill to master, but practice makes perfect. Ask your parents or teachers to help you practice. There are various types of handshakes and it is important to know how to pick the right one. Look straight into the other person’s eyes, extend your arm out with your palm facing the opposite wall, and grasp firmly but not so firmly that you crush their hand. You do not want to extend your hand with the palm facing down because that indicates dominance. Other things to avoid: the “hug” handshake (you cusp the handshake with your other hand; this is only common with politicians), limp handshake (you grab their hand very softly; this indicates a lack of confidence), and the fingertip grasp (you grab just the fingertips of their hand; this is usually for a male to female interaction in which the male wants to impress the female and show that he admires her and finds her delicate.)
  • Do thank your interviewer before you leave. This is really important because they are taking time out of their busy day to sit down and see if they can provide you with an amazing opportunity. Thanking them also reveals a positive attitude which is always needed in an office environment. Sending a follow-up thank you card is also recommended.

Although it is a lot to keep in mind, with these tips you will have a much better chance of landing your dream internship or a job! Do keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself and you will go far!

Filed Under: 411, Buzz, Teens

¿You said QUE? The Language Divide

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Marie Hernandez has lived 10 miles away from Mexico her whole life. Growing up bilingual, Hernandez says sometimes she dreams in both Spanish and English. Chelsie Torres, who also grew up close to the Mexican- American border, said she’d rather speak English. David Gamboa said growing up with Spanish-speaking parents made it hard for him to understand English. According to National Public Radio, the language they choose to speak divides Latinos in America.

In a recent press release, ABC News and Univision have teamed up to create an English-language news network for Hispanics in the United States. According to The Los Angeles Times, Latinos make up 16 percent of the total population in the United States, a number that is projected to increase to 30 percent by 2050. Gamboa said he hopes this new collaboration can help him find an appreciation for English.

“I live, eat, breath the Spanish language,” he said. “But I know that if I cannot learn English my life in America will be much harder.” Hernandez said she hopes her Spanish-speaking relatives can tune in to the new network.

“I have it rather easy as a Latina,” she said. “I can speak English and Spanish fluently. Although I prefer Spanish because most my relatives speak it. I hope they can learn English through the new network. I also hope this can help break the gap between the language barrier of new Latino generations.”

Torres said both her paternal and maternal grandparents speak only Spanish. She says because she only speaks English she communicates with her grandparents through smiles and hand gestures. “It’s sad. I never learned Spanish and they never learned English,” she admits. “Now that we are both older it makes it harder to communicate.”

According to USA Today, more Spanish speakers are speaking English despite a steady influx of immigrants. “In Los Angeles County, the percentage of the Spanish-speaking population that has trouble with English slid from 21 percent in 2000 to 19.6 percent in 2005-07, the three years measured in the data released today. In El Paso, the share dropped from 32 percent to 28.5 percent,” according to USA Today.

Torres said if she cannot speak the language, she can at least know more about the culture. “I will make sure to tune in to the new network,” she said. “I will be able to understand what they are saying and learn more about my grandparents home. Hopefully, my grandparents can watch and learn more about my language.”

Filed Under: Culture, Latina Beat, Teens

Book Review: Gringolandia

November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann follows the life of Daniel and his father, Marcelo, and their struggle to find the father-son relationship they left behind in Chile.

Daniel Aguilar was born into a difficult time in Chile. Unfortunately, Chile was under the rule of Antonio Pinochet and the country was in a state of despair. Daniel’s papá, Marcelo Aguilar, was a revolutionary man, fighting to make a change in a country that he loved and wished to see free. Along with his partners, Marcelo would publish a newsletter, Justicia, revealing truths that the government wished to keep hidden away. In a dictatorship, any sign of defiance would be met with punishment and that is what led to the beginning of Gringolandia.

Part One of Gringolandia is labeled “Then” and takes place in 1980. The first chapter of Part One is narrated by Daniel Aguilar who at the time was just 11 years old. He tells the story of how soldiers filled his house, mistreating his mother and causing him great fear. Daniel bears witness to the arrest of his father and feels guilt; sure that it is his fault. Chapter 1 fades away with Daniel’s tears and into the struggle of his Marcelo in prison between the years of 1980 and 1986. This chapter is told in Marcelo’s hazy point of view. He has been beaten and tortured, losing even the ability to write. Chapter two ends with the release of Marcelo. “You have seventy-two hours to leave the country,” the commander tells him.

Part Two, “Now,” begins and lets us meet a seventeen-year-old Daniel. Daniel and his mother are at the airport waiting to finally see his father. It has been six years since Marcelo’s imprisonment and needless to say, both Daniel and his mother are excited to see him again. Upon first sight, Daniel is shocked. His father doesn’t look like what he remembered and what the picture assured he looked like.  “This guy is really messed up,” Daniel thinks. “Maybe he isn’t Papá.” The torture Marcelo endure in prison has taken a toll on his appearance as well as on the independent and strong demeanor he once had.

The majority of the novel is set in Daniel’s point of view. The reader learns that Daniel has taken a liking to the United States and even has hopes of gaining citizenship to become an American. He is in a band, does well in school, and even has an American girlfriend; “a pretty gringa,” Marcelo calls her. Marcelo is not impressed with the ease in which Daniel has gotten accustomed to American life. As a matter of fact, he aggressively likes to remind his family that they will soon move back to Chile so he can continue his fight against Pinochet.

Throughout the novel, the chapter changes point of view and we can see what Courtney, Daniel’s girlfriend, is thinking and experiencing. Although her life seems perfect, excellent student, excellent daughter, excellent teacher, and even excellent girlfriend, Courtney seems to have no faults. When we get the opportunity to read her story, the reader learns that she doesn’t have the perfect life that she is thought to have. In fact, she has gone through difficult times, just like Daniel had.

Because of the torture he faced, Marcelo took to alcohol to forget the pain. Sadly, he quickly became an alcoholic and lost control to that drug. Though he decided he wanted to continue writing a newsletter like Justicia, the alcohol often got in the way of his success. His family disapproved of his drinking habits and did not like his newly aggressive nature. The life Daniel imagined he’d have with his father back quickly proved to be quite the opposite; no one in the household seemed to want Marcelo around.

This young adult novel mixes Chile’s rich history with a father-son relationship fighting to grow stronger and stronger. Throughout Gringolandia, Daniel learns not only of his father’s new attitude, but of the true struggle his home country is going through.  Daniel must choose between the growing relationship with his father and his homeland, Chile, and the life he has known for the past six years.

 

Filed Under: Books, Fun, Teens
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