Up in Flames

Alcaraz offers a modern retelling of Gone with the Wind in this uneven debut. Eighteen-year-old Ruby Ortega—the white-passing eldest daughter of a prosperous, land-owning Mexican American family—has everything she wants. Everything, that is, except for the love of her white childhood neighbor, Ashton Willis. Ashton’s ambivalence toward Ruby doesn’t deter her feelings; determined to win his affections, she enrolls in his university. Through her family’s business, she meets handsome, roguish Mexican immigrant Remy Bustillos, a self-made hospitality consultant who, intrigued by Ruby’s bold personality, pursues her. When a wildfire devastates the Ortegas’ estate and displaces people throughout California, Ruby and Remy are forced to confront immigration issues throughout the community. Compelled to help, the teens work closely together, but will collaborating with Remy help Ruby move on from Ashton? Ulterior motives dictate most of Ruby’s actions, negating potential sympathy from readers, and several supporting characters’ arcs fall flat. Alcaraz nevertheless adds depth by compassionately ruminating on the vulnerable position of immigrants with an undocumented status via a unique and engaging story in which deeply flawed characters confront difficult circumstances and engage with social justice. Ages 14–up. Agent: Amy Stapp, Wolfson Literary. (Oct.)