Fresh Off the Boat by Melissa De La Cruz

CITATION: De La Cruz, M. (2005). Fresh off the boat. New York: HarperTrophy.
IDENTIFYING #: ISBN-10: 0060545429
CLASSIFICATION: FICTION
GENRE: REALISTIC FICTION
CALL #: FIC DELACRUZ
RECOMMENDED AGE/INTEREST LEVEL: YOUNG ADULT
RATING:5

Annotation: When 14 year-old "V" (Vicenza) Arambullo's family moves from Manila to San Francisco, she tries to fit in to "the American dream" without looking like a FOB (Fresh Off the Boat).

Summary: This is the fun and hilarious story of a teenage girl who immigrates with her family to the United States. As if the teen years weren't already awkward and difficult enough, Vicenza also has to adapt to a change in her family's economic situation (she now shops at second-hand stores), a new private school where she doesn't fit in with the rich girls (she's there on scholarship), and parents whose cultural blunders (offering to share popcorn with strangers sitting next to them in the movie is just one), embarass her more effectively than most teen parents are capable to do. She can't even confide in her best friend back home, Peaches, because she is so embarassed. Instead, she sends letters about the life she wishes she had, pretending her new life is fabulous with many friends and a hot actor-type boyfriend. After sitting alone--next to the teacher (and what says social outcast more than that?!), V is befriended by zany Isobel from France who seems impervious to the pressure to conform. As Vicenza adjusts to life in a new land, she learns that she's not the only one having a difficult time adapting, and that just maybe, her life will be better than she knows.

Note: Finally! A FUN book written for Filipinas (although others will certainly enjoy it--I know I did)! It seems that most books I run across that target a Filipino audience tend to be very serious, and honestly, a little depressing. De La Cruz's accounts of the embarrassment teen parents can inflict and the stress so many teens feel over friends and their school image are hilarious. Who has not thought, or would not think, "Kill me now" when caught out at the movies on a Friday night with your dad, who loudly keeps asking why the characters are doing what they're doing, and your mom who brings her microwave-bag popcorn in and loudly offers you another "bag"? De La Cruz has great insight into the teen mind, and the dialogue is hilarious. If you're a Filipino girl, you've GOT to read this book, but other girls (and even some guys) will love this book because there are so many levels teens can relate to that go beyond race and culture, here. If you want a story that will make you laugh, and leave you with a good feeling in the end, this is it!