They Call Her Fregona

Bittersweet, poignant companion novel to THEY CALL ME Güero. In this novel readers learn more about Joanna 'Fregona' Padilla who is Güero's girlfriend. Her nickname means she's strong and tough, but Güero knows the truth. Joanna is loyal to her band of girlfriends, her family, and to him.

I loved Bowles's first novel, but this one has to be even more powerfully written. Seriously, Bowles is this generation's Gary Soto. The sweetness is not only on first love but also the love of friends and family. Readers see Güero in the summer with his friends, family, and Joanna. It's basically the calm before the storm. Eighth grade starts with Joanna's beloved father being detained by ICE agents. This resonated with what I saw as a bilingual teacher in the 90s when la Migra detained students' families while they came to school. It was horrific then and even more so now with our recent political climate.

Joanna is strong and opens herself up to Güero. When her father is detained, Güero tries hard to rally the town to support her. There is an incident of hatred that shakes Güero to the core.He can't get how those in his town would suddenly turn on one of their own. I love what his Uncle Joe tells him in the poem, 'What's Wrong With Our Town?'

...Some folks want whiteness
so badly, want that power,
they'll turn their backs
on their own gente...

Another poem, 'Meeting Her Parents' goes over the awkwardness of meeting Joanna's parents for the first time. You can feel the nervousness of Güero as he tries hard to make that first good impression.

There's so much to love in this heartfelt novel. Spanish is sprinkled throughout with brings authenticity to this amazing story. There's a glossary in the back with the translations.

Beautifully written coming-of-age novel that shows the power of friendship and love. Totally recommend. A very satisfying companion novel to They Call Me Güero.