Call Me Maria
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Book Brief
144
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Children`s LiteratureNew York City • Contemporary
•
Family•
Language2004
Scholastic Paperbacks
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Call Me María by Judith Ortiz Cofer, published in 2004, follows María, a Puerto Rican teenager, as she adjusts to life in New York City and navigates her multicultural environment while living with her father. The novel, set in the 2000s, explores María's evolving identity, bilingualism, and family dynamics through a mix of prose and verse. Themes include language, poetry, and the complex relationships within her family.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
543 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer is a poignant novel that captures the complexities of cultural identity and adolescence. Reviewers praise the lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of a young girl navigating life between Puerto Rico and New York. Some critics find the narrative occasionally uneven, but the emotional depth and relatable characters resonate strongly.
Who Should Read Call Me Maria?
A reader who enjoys Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer is likely interested in multicultural narratives and coming-of-age stories. This reader might also appreciate books like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan for their themes of identity, culture, and personal growth.
543 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
María's father and a New York-born Puerto Rican, he becomes the superintendent of a building in New York after previously living in Puerto Rico, influencing María’s understanding of her cultural identity.
María's mother, a respected English teacher in Puerto Rico, whose past influence and current absence shape María's journey towards self-discovery and her dream of becoming a poet.
María’s closest friend who exudes a fearless and unique style, providing support and helping María build confidence amidst the cultural setting in New York City.
144
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
Children`s LiteratureNew York City • Contemporary
•
Family•
Language2004
Scholastic Paperbacks
YA
10-14 years
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