It’s All or Nothing, Vale

Gr 5 Up–In Arango’s verse novel, seventh grader Valentina (Vale) Camacho Gutiérrez is a nationally ranked fencer and the superstar of her gym. Gym mates accuse her of being too competitive to be a friend, but athletic success is her top priority. A serious leg injury had taken her out, but she is finally back to do what she does best. Vale is devastated when the return to her sport is painful and uncertain, and she is left questioning her own identity. She has the added challenge of newcomer Myrka, who seems to have succeeded her as the star, despite a much less competitive attitude. As she ponders the value in that approach to fencing, and her own growing crush on Myrka, Vale begins to consider what makes her who she is in a new light. Vale is Puerto Rican and Myrka is Cuban; each offers great windows into their cultures. Readers will want to jump in and join the salsa lessons Vale’s parents offer to her and Myrka. Themes of friendship and family unfold in a way that many readers will find accessible. And while Vale’s struggle with mental health may be familiar to some, others will find it a beautifully depicted introduction.