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Module 3 Poetry - UNDER THE MESQUITE - Written by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

 

Module 3 – Book Review 3

Review of Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s UNDER THE MESQUITE 

*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University. 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

McCall, Guadalupe Garcia. (2011). UNDER THE MESQUITE. Lee and Low Books. ISBN: 9781600604294 


2. SUMMARY 

“Under the Mesquite” is a novel in verse about a young Mexican-American girl named Lupita and her family in Texas. The story chronicles her childhood experiences and cultural heritage as she grows up with her family in Texas. There is a focus on her teenage years and the trials her family faces as her mother battles and eventually loses a battle with cancer. The novel shows how she copes and is forced to deal with the situation in her grief as she juggles the responsibilities of being the oldest daughter. The writing focuses on the emotions of a young girl and focuses on themes of family, love, loss and overcoming challenges. Through the story, McCall details the emotional connections of Lupita in her life through imagery and poetic language to tell her powerful story. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS  

Analysis of poetry is different from prose. In "Under the Mesquite" by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, the author tells a story through the main character, Lupita, and her struggles and bond with her family to touch on themes of family, identity, and what it means to grieve. The influence of Lupita's experiences and her actions show resilience as the novel unfolds. It is important to note that poetry is different from prose. The literature is a novel written in free verse which helps the author to better show the depth of emotion in the story. There is what is considered a lyrical quality in the language that McCall uses. To a reader unfamiliar with the difference between prose and poetry written in free verse, the layout of the words appears to be poetry; however, the form still tells a story in a way that is familiar to the reader.


The language and imagery are vivid, and the reader has a better understanding of the environment of the Texas landscape as well as powerful symbols throughout the books, such as the mesquite tree; the tree helps to portray Lupita's strength and connection to her roots of the family's Mexican-American culture—there is a moment's of the use of Spanglish, which also supports her cultural identity. As with any poem or form of poetry, emotional resonance is a key point to consider. It is through the struggles of grief combined with the love and honesty of the characters that McCall is able to show the characters. This novel in verse offers insight into the complexities and emotions of the human experience. 


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) 

ALA Notable Children's Books, 2012 

Pura Belpre Author Award, 2012 


Booklist (October 1, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 3)) 

Like the mesquite tree of the title, Lupita is sturdy and able to survive harsh climates with great potential for recovering from stress. Told in verse sprinkled with Spanish terms (a glossary is included), this story of Lupita’s high-school years details her increasing responsibility within her large Mexican American family after Mami is diagnosed with cancer. 


Horn Book Guide (Spring 2012) 

Lupita leads her seven younger siblings through the uncertainty of their mother's cancer. Lupita endeavors to keep her Mexican American family together while attempting to reach her own goals for college and a career. First-person free verse with Spanish carefully sprinkled throughout project this young woman's thoughts, fears, and triumphs with grace and resolve. 


Kirkus Reviews starred (August 15, 2011) 

A resilient Mexican-American girl copes with familial obligation and loss in this free-verse novel. With poignant imagery and well-placed Spanish, the author effectively captures the complex lives of teenagers in many Latino and/or immigrant families. A promising, deeply felt debut.) 


Library Media Connection (January/February 2012) 

Based on the author's teenage years, the book is an homage to survival despite great tragedy. Using beautiful metaphors and lyrical Spanish words, McCall writes simply of what it is to love and lose and to find strength in nature. It is eloquently written and strong in its sparseness. 


School Library Journal (November 1, 2013) 

Lupita's Aztec heritage is very much a part of her life in this contemporary novel about a Mexican American family in Texas. Spanning the teen's high school years, the story is beautifully told in free verse as Lupita and her family persevere in the face of economic adversity, cultural differences, and the cancer that strikes Lupita's mother.  


School Library Journal (October 1, 2011) 

This stunning debut novel in verse chronicles the teenage years of Lupita, a character drawn largely from the author's own childhood. The power of Lupita's story lies also in the authenticity of her struggles both large and small, from dealing with her mother's illness to arguments with friends about acculturation. This book will appeal to many teens for different reasons, whether they have dealt with the loss of a loved one, aspire to write and act, are growing up Mexican American, or seeking their own identity amid a large family. 


5. CONNECTIONS  

  • Related Books - Other books for children to see other novels in verse and stories of challenges for young people 

  • Acevedo, Elizabeth. THE POET X. ISBN 978-0062662811 

  • Lai, Thanhha. GARVEY’S CHOICE. ISBN 9781713746560   

  • Enrichment Activities -    

  • Family Tree Project – Let students create and talk about their own family trees and include stories about each member. This project will help the students show appreciation of their heritage and the importance of family.   

  • Coping mechanisms – Start conversations with students about how individuals cope with challenges and stress.   


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