City Girls - by Loretta Lopez (Hardcover)

About the Book

What Elisa, Lucia, and Alice see-and judge-of each other from the outside is drastically different from how each girl feels inside. They attend the same classes in the same New York City middle school, but no one knows that Elisa is trying to navigate the bewildering asylum process having just arrived from El Salvador; or that Lucia, who also speaks Spanish and brims with self-confidence, is caught in the middle of her parents' heartbreaking divorce; or that Alice, who appears to be a rebel in combat boots, carries the burden of her mother's progressing cancer.

Book Synopsis

Readers of Lucky Broken Girl, Hurricane Child, and The House on Mango Street, will love this debut middle grade novel about finding sanctuary with friends who understand the enormous changes life can throw at you when you're 11.

An NYPL Best Book for Kids 2024

What Elisa, Lucia, and Alice see-and judge-of each other from the outside is drastically different from how each girl feels inside. They attend the same classes in the same New York City middle school, but no one knows that Elisa is trying to navigate the bewildering asylum process having just arrived from El Salvador; or that Lucia, who also speaks Spanish and brims with self-confidence, is caught in the middle of her parents' heartbreaking divorce; or that Alice, who appears to be a rebel in combat boots, carries the burden of her mother's progressing cancer.

Narrated by each girl in alternating chapters, City Girls captures the vulnerability of being a middle schooler and the relief and joy of finding friendship where you least expect it.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful story that reaches deep into the lives of girls coming of age today as they confront loss and fear and sorrow while still trying to be young and free. How lucky we all are that Loretta Lopez has chosen to share her psychological understanding through such evocative fiction. She knows how to heal with words, and offers hope and love and kindness that wraps around our corazones."
--Ruth Behar, author of Lucky Broken Girl and Letters from Cuba

"A marvelous read, wonderfully intertwined with tragedy and hope. Loretta Lopez has written a compelling and honest account of what many young people go through and the friendships that get them through those trying times." -- Ernesto Cisneros, author of the Pura Belpré award-winning Efrén Divided

"In Loretta Lopez's inspiring debut novel, City Girls, readers are offered insight into the stories of three middle-school-aged girls, their struggles and hardships, and more importantly, their triumphs." --Latinxinpublishing

"This is a rare story where three young girls all battle through their own heartbreaking problems, and their parents' & caregivers' (immigration, divorce, cancer) and are still able to find joy in each other'sfriendship. The perspective here is key, as you rarely see these stories told through the eyes of the young girls in such a raw, honest, and relatable way. There is more than meets the eye with each of them, and the three stories come together tenderly and beautifully."
--Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, MA

"A smart and thoughtful story about the challenges of growing up, and the ways we see ourselves and each other. The three girls, Elisa, Lucia, and Alice, all feel so real in their hopes, fears, and struggles. A very moving debut!"
--Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, OR

"Lopez spins three connected stories of young women who are all dealing with big shake ups in their lives. It's a reminder to readers that none of us know what anyone else is going through and what is presented to the world can't be counted on as accurate. I love the perspectives and topics presented in City Girls. So many young people will be able to identify with Alice, Elisa, and Lucia."
--Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

"Warning: don't read this in public. You'll find yourself crying profusely, cursing, and ready to go to war for the girls in this story. City Girls is a very honest and powerful reminder that adults aren't the only ones who experience tribulation, and that each child has their own story to tell. I am excited to see it in schools, libraries, and indie bookstores!"
--Maryan Liban, Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers, Columbus, OH

About the Author

LORETTA LOPEZ is a Mexican-American therapist living in New York City with clinical specialties including childhood trauma, serious mental illness, and patients with refugee and immigrant statuses. She holds a M.A. from Columbia University's School of Social Work and a B.A. with Honors in the Written Arts from Bard College. Her writing has been recognized by the Gold Portfolio Award from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the Turkey Land Cove's writers grant.