"In a truly hilarious and heartwarming debut, author Angela Velez breaks out with a story of sisterly love, family secrets, and the roles forced on us at a young age. Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a laugh-out-loud, college road trip novel full of Catholic school hijinks. You’ll fall in love and root for Lulu and Milagro!" - Lilliam Rivera, Pura Belpré Honor-Winning Author of Never Look Back
“This coming-of-age story explores the topic of post-high-school plans and the pressure some teens may feel to fit a mold or live up to certain expectations that have been set for them. Readers who are first-generation kids of immigrants will especially find Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity relatable.” - ALA Booklist
“Alternating chapters fully develop Lulu’s and Milagro’s distinct personalities; they have different interests and priorities, but their admiration and love for each other is clear….Details from their lives as a family of Peruvian American women add depth to this story of sisterhood and self-discovery.” - Horn Book Magazine
“Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a tribute to girls everywhere as they figure out who they are and who they hope to be. Sharp, funny, and full of heart, it perfectly captures the heartbreak and joy of sisterhood, first crushes, familial expectations, and growing up.” - Crystal Maldonado, author of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
“Lulu & Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a delightful journey of sisterhood, self-love, and chasing your dreams—even if they go in directions you never expected. I was cheering on the Zavala sisters every step of the way.” - Natalia Sylvester, author of Running
"Angela Velez weaves humor and heartbreak gifting us an irresistible, funny and propulsive novel about sisters. Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity offers up a fresh take on the road-trip novel. It's a brilliant exploration of girlhood and the challenges young women face when torn between personal dreams and ties to family." - Angie Cruz, author of Dominicana
"There's SO MUCH HEART in these pages. This outstanding debut is hard-hitting and hilarious. I'm so hyped for more Angela Velez stories." - Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End
“This novel digs deep into the twists and turns of sisterhood, and the girls’ voices are delightfully distinct and humorous…. Readers will feel like these deeply real, funny, and ambitious sisters are their own close friends.” - Kirkus Reviews
“A funny, heartfelt story filled with unique and unforgettable characters, the strength of sisterhood and family, first love, and a love for STEM and the arts, this young adult novel will have readers laughing out loud while also thinking about their own future. Highly recommended for young adult collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
This book will make your heart bloom.
- Sarah Dessen, #1 New York Times bestselling author
A highly relatable story of grief and first romance. Ezzie's interior monologue feels authentic, and her character growth will resonate with teens.
- Kirkus
This entertaining read about a Latine teenager learning about one of her late father’s passions is a definite buy for young adult collections. - School Library Journal
With a cast full of flawed characters you can’t help but 'root' for, Tangled Roots & Wild Dreams offers a compassionate perspective on second chances and the messy, nonlinear path to healing. Velez shows us that, with enough love and nurturing, even our deepest buried seeds will one day sprout. - Sonido Reyes, award-winning and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
Tangled Roots & Wild Dreams is a tender portrait of a girl in bloom. Warm, funny, and big-hearted—Angela Velez’s voice is singular in YA literature. - Elise Bryant, author of Happily Ever Afters
Full of life, joy, and heart, Ezzie’s search for her roots is both universal and wonderfully captured by Angela’s fresh, effortless voice. - Ben Philippe, Morris Award–winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
