In the groves

Each summer, a Mexican American girl visits her family. Clara's family all lives in California, and whenever she visits, Abuelo takes her everywhere…except the one place she longs to go, the orange groves. Everyone's taken a turn at helping Abuelo tend the groves, which have been part of the family since Clara's great-grandfather came over from Mexico. Everyone except Clara. "The dusty groves are no place for our visitor," Abuelo says, but Clara doesn't want to be seen as a mere guest. When Clara sneaks into Abuelo's pickup truck and goes to the groves with him, he's surprised but not upset. He tells her the groves aren't special; he works there to give his family a better life. But Clara wants to join in: She sings to the oranges, with Abuelo's encouragement, and prepares to defend the land against gophers and other pests. Together, they eat tacos, and she listens to his stories, including his difficult experiences of emigrating from Mexico. They sing and dance in the grove, and just as she knew it would be, it's a special afternoon of bonding. That night, Clara finally takes her turn describing her time in the orange groves. Full-page spreads depict a large, lively, loving family with a range of mostly brown skin tones. Characters are expressive, and Cruz Floren creatively portrays Clara's elaborate flights of fancy as she helps Abuelo. More muted hues are used for Abuelo's flashbacks. Heartwarming. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.