Roosevelt High Series

Juanita Fights the School Board

When Juanita’s dreams of being the first in her family to graduate from high school are thwarted by an expulsion, the young Mexican-American girl enlists the help of a lawyer and the school counselor to fight discrimination at her alma mater. This is the first novel in Gloria Velásquez’s Roosevelt High School Series, which features a multiracial group of teenaged students who must individually face social and cultural issues (such as violence, sexuality, and prejudice) inescapable among young adults today.

Maya’s Divided World

Maya’s well-ordered and productive high school life receives an unwelcome jolt when her parents announce their impending divorce. How Maya copes with this blow and the reaction of her friends and family to her disorientation makes for engrossing reading in this second installment of the series.

“...the author does a nice job of giving readers a window into the culture and providing some positive role models.”

— BOOKLIST

Tommy Stands Alone

The third novel in the series focuses on the difficult issue of a young man’s struggle with his sexual orientation—a conflict made more difficult by his family’s traditional Hispanic expectations.

“Velásquez has written an engaging story that will help teens, gay and straight, to better understand the consequences of homophobia.”

— BOOKLIST

Rina’s Family Secret

This compelling novel portrays, with realism and compassion, one young adult’s experience with domestic violence and her attempts to keep it a secret from her friends.

“...a powerful story... recommend for public and school libraries.”

— VOYA

“...both strong and complete enough to stand on its own.”

— BOOKLIST

Ankiza

When an interracial couple begins to date, they’re mildly surprised (in ways good and bad) by the unexpected reactions of some of their friends.

“The author tackles a powerful social issue with compassion and honesty. A good discussion starter with a satisfying ending.”

— KIRKUS REVIEWS

French book cover

Teen Angel

Celia is a beautiful young girl on the brink of her sophomore year of high school. But when Celia discovers she is pregnant, problems spiral around her. What happens when her fellow students at Roosevelt High find out?

“[T]he characters and situations are true to life... this book would be an excellent choice for classroom discussions and for reading groups.”

— VOYA

“...one of the best young adult novels on the market today. It is difficult, hopeful and loving.”

— NEWS PAGES

Tyrone’s Betrayal

In this seventh novel in the popular Roosevelt High School Series, Tyrone must deal with his feelings of anger and betrayal as the son of an alcoholic, absentee father while struggling to fulfill his dream of attending college.

“...this book will hold teens’ attention, especially reluctant readers.”

— SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“[This series] provides not only positive role models but also constructive ideas for resolving social and cultural issues often facing multiracial teens.”

— VOYA

Rudy’s Memory Walk

Rudy's Memory Walk is the eighth novel in Gloria Velásquez's popular Roosevelt High School Series. This engaging novel for young adults tackles the problem of elderly family members who begin to suffer the effects of Alzheimer's.

Educational and at the same time compelling, the novel raises teenagers' awareness on [Alzheimer's]."

— KIRKUS REVIEWS