TUMBLE

Adela Ramírez’s life is like a telenovela.

At least that’s how it feels for the seventh grader, who has discovered something that her remarried, pregnant mom has been hiding about her biological father’s identity: He’s actually Manny “The Mountain” Bravo, a famous luchador! When Addie decides that she would like to meet him, she is thrown into the world of the Bravo family’s wrestling dynasty. Though Manny remains distant, Addie’s other newly introduced relatives welcome her with open arms, and she is immediately included in the family pastime. Addie quickly learns that each member of the Bravo family is also wrestling with their own personal struggles, including living up to the family’s illustrious name. On top of that, Addie must decide whether being adopted by her doting stepdad would be a positive next step. Addie navigates her new connections, middle school drama, disappointments, big decisions, and surprises with courage and humor. The characterization is strong, and the book offers portrayals of authentic, complicated relationships that are written with care, showing readers that biological family and found family can be equally important. Addie and her family are Mexican American; secondary characters are racially diverse, and one of Addie’s uncles is a drag queen.

A plucky, heartwarming tale that celebrates the complexity of family relationships.