Overview

A young Latina faces family struggles, mental health challenges, and love while navigating life in Houston and Mexico. Her journey reveals resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of choices in overcoming obstacles and finding strength. Fifteen-year-old Clarisa Sanchez, a dedicated student from Juarez Middle School, juggles responsibilities at the St. Francis church festival alongside her younger sister, Maribel. With a baby brother to care for and a troubled relationship with her ex-boyfriend Israel, a gang member, Clarisa's self-esteem is at an all-time low. As she grapples with the pressures of family and school, she encounters Israel again, igniting feelings she thought were buried. When Israel is violently forced out of his gang, Clarisa's heart aches for him, yet she knows their timing is off. After learning that her mother has lost her job, the family heads to Mexico for a long-overdue visit with their grandmother. This trip brings unexpected challenges, including a near-drowning incident involving Maribel and a devastating hurricane that tests Clarisa's limits. Amidst these trials, her special needs cousin Esteban becomes an unexpected source of strength. Through harrowing experiences, Clarisa discovers her inner resilience and the true meaning of love. As she returns to Houston, she embraces her responsibilities, determined to support her family while pursuing her education. Clarisa's journey is a testament to the power of choice, love, and the strength found within oneself. In Standing Strong, readers will witness how one girl's choices shape her future and the lives of those around her, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can prevail.

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Dr. Graze Mullens grew up in Houston's Near Northside, a diverse, but predominantly Latino neighborhood with a long history and story of its own. Having gone to school and worked in and near the community as an educator in public schools and universities for over 30 years, Dr. Graze became endeared to the community, its people, youth, culture, and spirituality.Dr. Graze wrote this novel for the youth and young adults in his neighborhood and all youth and teens in similar situations throughout the country who need to or have been able to overcome the many obstacles that exist in the barrio. He always thought of the students, teachers, and classrooms that could use these novels in a positive way in the schools and districts similar to those in his community. Dr. Graze endured in his own personal story, and so can you.""Sigue luchando por el bien. El futuro es brillante!""

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