It's All or Nothing, Vale

November 4, 2024
Before enduring a serious leg injury, Puerto Rican seventh grader Valentina “Vale” Mari Camacho was a top-ranked fencer. Now she deals with chronic pain that keeps her from competing as well as she’d like, which often leaves her frustrated, as previous pressure from her parents (Mami “used to tell me second place was the same as last”) resulted in her conflating her self-worth with her fencing skills. Vale’s older brother Manu tries to distract her by introducing her to hobbies such as art and video games, but nothing satisfies her the way fencing used to. Pushing herself to get
better, Vale attends practice but feels threatened when Cuban American teammate Myrka proves a more formidable opponent than before. As she grapples with jealousy over Myrka’s improved abilities, Vale also contends with budding attraction for her teammate. Fluid verse by Arango (Something Like Home) aptly conveys all the tension, frustration, and confusion plaguing Vale. Despite the support of well-meaning adults, it’s Vale’s peer group that most effectively facilitates her satisfying emotional arc in a narrative that highlights chosen family and the integral part it plays in forming one’s sense of self. Ages 10–14. Agent: Rebecca Eskildsen, Writers House.

Starred review from December 1, 2024
After an accident, a talented fencer in Virginia struggles to balance recovery and her dreams of becoming a champion. Puerto Rican seventh grader Valentina Mar� Camacho can't wait to fence again. After she and Papi were in a serious motorbike accident, anticipating fencing again was the only way Vale endured doctors, surgeries, and "the complete rearranging / of [her] life." But her return four months later is far from triumphant. Unpredictable flares of pain make previously effortless moves challenging, and even worse, Cuban American newcomer Myrka Marerro, who's cued lesbian, has taken her place as top fencer. But, Vale explains, fencing is "what keeps meme." If Vale's not the best, who is she? Her parents have always pushed her to win. But now, Mami treats her like she's fragile--though Papi insists she's fine, causing arguments between her parents. Her older brother, Luis Manuel, suggests other hobbies, but Vale and fencing are inseparable. But pain--and Vale's growing crush on Myrka--risk thwarting her plan to beat her rival. Vale's vulnerable, angry free verse narration eschews overused disability storylines, intricately exploring issues including chronic pain, perfectionism, and parental expectations. Vale's ambivalence about identifying as disabled is particularly well expressed. Her relationships with her family are realistically nuanced, and non-Spanish speakers will understand the occasional lines of Spanish dialogue through context. In her acknowledgments, Arango explains that she drew on her and her husband's experiences with chronic pain when writing the story. Moving and insightful. (author's note)(Verse fiction. 10-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from January 10, 2025

Gr 5 Up-In Arango's verse novel, seventh grader Valentina (Vale) Camacho Guti�rrez 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. VERDICT Arango's fans will celebrate the opportunity to read another poignant story told in verse; it packs a punch, and is brimming with love and optimism. Recommend to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Barbara O'Connor, and Kwame Alexander.-Jill Shepard

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2025
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* After a car accident leaves Vale in physical therapy, a lot of pain, and emotional turmoil, the young Latina girl must decide if it's possible--and reasonable--to return to her life as a competitive fencer. Arango's quick, vibrant verse lunges and parries Vale's story along as she navigates dual parental goals in regards to her recovery, her own chronic pain, and her first crush . . . on the new (maybe better-than-her) fencer on the team, Myrka. This juxtaposed exploration invites the reader into Vale's mind and heart, to feel her emotional and physical pain as well as the confusion they produce. With a lot of fencing terminology skillfully woven throughout, this middle-grade novel in verse feels accessible and emotionally vulnerable, but the sports element will no doubt engage more reluctant readers in addition to lovers of novels in verse. While not quite as emotionally gut wrenching as Arango's other work, this tale of a tween struggling with chronic pain, the question of disability, and a queer awakening is an important addition to library shelves and provides an uplifting addition to Arango's backlist. For fans of Lisa Fipps, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, and Lilliam Rivera, this novel promises to be the rapier to the heart the reader needs to take control of their own choices.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.