This book is bargain priced from 06/27/2014 until 09/30/2014

At the age of 18, Esperanza Ignacio begins her college years at an upscale Los Angeles art school, where she studies to fulfill her long-term dream in Animation. But she soon learns the truth to the old folktale: “you can take the girl out of the barrio, but you can’t take the barrio out of the girl.” Even though she’s getting financial aid, Esperanza works a part-time job during her break from classes just to make ends meet. Her roommate, Anna, is what she calls a “chicana from Beverly Hills” because of the rich daddy and the new car she got for her quinceañera.

Things get a little confusing for Esperanza when an old friend comes looking for her, hoping to start a meaningful relationship. But is Carlos the right guy for her? She never even considered him to be anything more than a friend since high school. Then comes Jake, a gorgeous mechanic, who shares her passion for books and loves her for who she is. What’s a girl to do?

Strength and determination help pave the way for the future. And, as she approaches her graduation, she is faced with a difficult decision: should she leave Los Angeles and leave behind her family, her home, and everything she’s known? Ever since she was born in the California barrio of Hawaiian Gardens, she’s always had to look over the fence, wondering what she’s been missing. Now she’s taking a flying leap over to see what’s beyond the little barrio. What’s beyond her family, her friends, and her past? What’s beyond the little nothing town, where dreams don’t exist? What’s beyond The Gardens? Is it life, love, a future? The story of Esperanza is finally concluded in this wildly entertaining and heart-warming sequel.

Targeted Age Group: 13 & up

Book Price: $0.99
Link To Buy Bargain Book

How is Writing In Your Genre Different from Others?
My two novels focus on a young Latina striving to escape the stereotypes and hardships to make something of her life. While the works of other Latino writers rendered Hispanics as immigrants and gang members, I wanted to tell the story of a girl who didn’t fit in any of those categories and just wanted to go to college.

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Writers?
Write what you want to write.

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
When I first started writing Esperanza, I just wanted to utilize my own life experiences to create an inspirational heroine. But like any writer will say, it was the love of books and writing that got me started and why I keep on going. Ultimately, I write my stories for me.

About the Author:
Born and raised in Hawaiian Gardens, CA, Sandra C. López is one of today’s influential Latina authors in Young Adult literature. Her first novel, Esperanza: A Latina Story, was published in March 2008 WHILE she was still in college. Shortly after that, she wrote the follow up title, Beyond the Gardens, starring her inspirational heroine. Now, this young writer is a full graduate of Cal State University Fullerton with a BFA in the arts. She was named as one of “2011 Top Ten New Latino Authors to Watch” by Latino Stories.

Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Buy Beyond the Gardens

Social Media:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1656820.Sandra_C_Lopez
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Lopez/173657042664609