The Education of Margot Sanchez
Pretty in Pink comes to the South Bronx in this bold and romantic coming-of-age novel about dysfunctional families, good and bad choices, and finding the courage to question everything you ever thought you wanted—from debut author Lilliam Rivera.
Things/People Margot Hates:
Mami, for destroying her social life
Papi, for allowing Junior to become a Neanderthal
Junior, for becoming a Neanderthal
The supermarket
Everyone else
After “borrowing” her father’s credit card to finance a more stylish wardrobe, Margot Sanchez suddenly finds herself grounded. And by grounded, she means working as an indentured servant in her family’s struggling grocery store to pay off her debts.
With each order of deli meat she slices, Margot can feel her carefully cultivated prep school reputation slipping through her fingers, and she’s willing to do anything to get out of this punishment. Lie, cheat, and maybe even steal…
Margot’s invitation to the ultimate beach party is within reach and she has no intention of letting her family’s drama or Moises—the admittedly good looking but outspoken boy from the neighborhood—keep her from her goal.
Reviews
“While issues such as gentrification, family dysfunction and sexism frame the novel, there is plenty of room for Rivera’s honest and heartwarming portrayal of Margot, a girl who makes mistakes, seeks forgiveness and creates herself anew.”
“Debut novelist Rivera doesn’t sugarcoat Margot’s conflicted life … Margot makes mistakes, misplaces her trust, and gradually reestablishes who she is in an emotional story about class, race, hard work, and finding one’s place.”
“A debut of great candor, depth, and empathy.”Booklist
“Lilliam Rivera did a wonderful job creating a cohesive debut novel. She incorporated romance but left it at appreciable levels. Her book spoke volumes about the importance of being true to yourself instead of trying to be like others around you.”
“The vibrant storytelling is filled with amusing, lyrical language and authentic dialogue representing the South Bronx. The supporting cast is also distinctive, genuine and well-defined. Margot’s lofty attitude and personal angst are expertly done and will hook readers from the first page. A delightful read.”RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars!
"The Education Of Margot Sanchez is a phenomenal YA Contemporary novel that touches on a lot of important topics, while at its core being a compelling coming-of-age story."
“Introducing Lilliam Rivera, one of the most unique and exciting new voices in YA. THE EDUCATION OF MARGO SANCHEZ is funny, poignant, compelling and authentic. She nails the music and conflict of an evolving Bronx, New York. I adore this novel.”Matt de la Peña, author of Newbery Medal-winner Last Stop on Market Street
“THE EDUCATION OF MARGO SANCHEZ shatters the myth of assimilation by exposing the loss and ache that comes with it. Instead, Lilliam Rivera tells the reader that there is nothing more powerful and beautiful than staying true to oneself.”Isabel Quintero, author of Gabi: A Girl in Pieces
“In the hands of debut novelist Lilliam Rivera, Margot’s choices — which friends? which boy? which future? — take on a tense urgency. Lively and telling, smart and compelling, Margot Sanchez is a character to take to your heart and Rivera a voice to remember.”Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
“With a passionate voice, Lilliam Rivera weaves a layered, complex story of a girl awakening to herself and her family.”Cecil Castellucci, author of Tin Star
“THE EDUCATION OF MARGO SANCHEZ feels as classic as Judy Blume and, at the same time, entirely new. It’s a rich, page-turning tale about a teenage girl stuck between a rock and the growing-up place.”Veronica Chambers, author of Mama’s Girl and The Go-Between
“Rivera’s signature blend of atmospheric prose and magic realism bring to life this Orpheus and Eurydice retelling. The lyrical writing harkens back to epics of old while still maintaining a thoroughly modern outlook. Both Eury and Pheus grow throughout the narrative, battling trauma, depression, and death itself. This is a tender and loving story told with power and grit, breathing love and life into an ancient myth.”Laura Graveline, Brazos Bookstore