Standing Strong

A young Latina faces family struggles, mental health challenges, and love while navigating life in Houston and Mexico. Her journey reveals resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of choices in overcoming obstacles and finding strength.

Fifteen-year-old Clarisa Sanchez, a dedicated student from Juarez Middle School, juggles responsibilities at the St. Francis church festival alongside her younger sister, Maribel. With a baby brother to care for and a troubled relationship with her ex-boyfriend Israel, a gang member, Clarisa's self-esteem is at an all-time low. As she grapples with the pressures of family and school, she encounters Israel again, igniting feelings she thought were buried. When Israel is violently forced out of his gang, Clarisa's heart aches for him, yet she knows their timing is off.

After learning that her mother has lost her job, the family heads to Mexico for a long-overdue visit with their grandmother. This trip brings unexpected challenges, including a near-drowning incident involving Maribel and a devastating hurricane that tests Clarisa's limits. Amidst these trials, her special needs cousin Esteban becomes an unexpected source of strength.

Through harrowing experiences, Clarisa discovers her inner resilience and the true meaning of love. As she returns to Houston, she embraces her responsibilities, determined to support her family while pursuing her education. Clarisa's journey is a testament to the power of choice, love, and the strength found within oneself. In Standing Strong, readers will witness how one girl's choices shape her future and the lives of those around her, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can prevail.