Becoming Beatriz

Beatriz Mendez's dreams of becoming a professional dancer are shattered by tragedy on her quinceanera, when her brother is killed in a gang-related incident. With her family's life now defined by grief and gang responsibilities, Beatriz struggles to reconcile her passion for dance with her new realities. As she navigates the challenges of youth, romance, and her family's difficult past in 1984 New Jersey, the pull of her former dreams resurfaces, raising the question of whether she can reclaim her identity in a world that demands her loyalty. This companion novel to "Like Vanessa" explores themes of resilience and self-discovery amidst adversity.