Ambitious high school senior Efrain Rodriguez dreams of escaping the South Bronx for an Ivy League college like Harvard or Yale. But how is his family going to afford to pay for a prestigious university when Moms has to work insane hours to put food on the table as it is? And Efrain wouldn't dare ask that good-for-nothing father of his who has traded his family in for younger models. Left with few options, Efrain chooses to do something he never thought he would. He embarks on a double life--honor student by day, drug peddler at night--convinced that by temporarily capitulating to society's negative expectations of a boy like him, he can eventually defy them.
Sofia Quintero makes a stunning debut writing for young adults with this gritty, complex, and real exploration of the life of an urban teen whose attempt to leave one world behind for a better one could cost him everything.

"From the Hardcover edition."

"Friday Night Chicas" is a collection of four flirty novellas. Set in New York City, Miami's South Beach, downtown Chicago, and L.A., these stories explore dating, marriage, friendship, and sex, through the eyes of four different Latina women. "Friday Night in L.A" by Mary Castillo. Isela Harris, with an invitation to the hottest charity event in-hand, is determined to meet director extraordinaire Tyler Baxter. "Friday Night in South Beach" by Caridad Peneiro. It's Tori Rodriguez's thirtieth birthday and all she wants is a nice quiet day with her family and friends. However, armed with a reservation for an overnight casino cruise, Tori's friends have other plans. "Friday Night in Chicago" by Berta Platas. The once shy Cali decides to attend her high school reunion. She slips into her slinkiest Donna Karen and puts on her highest Manolos. After all, she's out to seek revenge, Latina-style..."Friday Night in New York City" by Sofia Quintero. Gladys's friends throw her a bachelorette party. They've got the limo, they've got the drinks, and they've got the strip club. But where's the bride-to-be?