Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity

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Two Sisters. One life-changing trip.

Overachiever Luz “Lulu” Zavala has straight A’s, perfect attendance, and a solid ten-year plan. First up: nail her interview for a dream internship at Stanford, the last stop on her school’s cross-country college road trip. The only flaw in her plan is Clara, her oldest sister, who went off to college and sparked a massive fight with their overprotective Peruvian mom, who is now convinced that out-of state-college will destroy their family. If Lulu can’t fix whatever went wrong between them, the whole trip—and her future—will be a waste. 

Middle sister Milagro wants nothing to do with college or a nerdy class field trip. Then a spot opens up on the trip just as her own spring break plans (Operation: Lose Your Virginity) are thwarted, and she hops on the bus, more concerned about getting back at her ex than she is about schools or any family drama. But the trip opens her eyes about possibilities she’d never imagined for herself. Maybe she is more than the boy-crazy girl everyone seems to think she is. 

On a journey from Baltimore all the way to San Francisco, Lulu and Milagro will become begrudging partners as they unpack weighty family expectations, uncover Clara’s secrets, and maybe even discover the true meaning of sisterhood.

Media Coverage

Some nice things REVIEWERS have said

Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard pick!

STARRED REVIEW: “A funny, heartfelt story filled with unique and unforgettable characters, the strength of sisterhood and family, first love, and a love for STEM and the arts, this young adult novel will have readers laughing out loud while also thinking about their own future. Highly recommended for young adult collections.” — School Library Journal

“This novel digs deep into the twists and turns of sisterhood, and the girls’ voices are delightfully distinct and humorous…. Readers will feel like these deeply real, funny, and ambitious sisters are their own close friends.” -- Kirkus Reviews

BOOK OF THE WEEK: “Punctuated by sharply funny observations and witty dialogue, this delightful, insightful work that also examines some of the challenges of first-generation college students is a story of discovery and self-discovery in which revelations and realizations for both sisters strengthen their relationship, and the bonds within their family.” — Cooperative Children’s Book Center

“Alternating chapters fully develop Lulu’s and Milagro’s distinct personalities; they have different interests and priorities, but their admiration and love for each other is clear….Details from their lives as a family of Peruvian American women add depth to this story of sisterhood and self-discovery.” -- Horn Book Magazine

“This coming-of-age story explores the topic of post-high-school plans and the pressure some teens may feel to fit a mold or live up to certain expectations that have been set for them. Readers who are first-generation kids of immigrants will especially find Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity relatable.” -- ALA Booklist

Author Blurbs

"There's SO MUCH HEART in these pages. This outstanding debut is hard-hitting and hilarious. I'm so hyped for more Angela Velez stories." -- Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End

"Angela Velez weaves humor and heartbreak gifting us an irresistible, funny and propulsive novel about sisters. Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity offers up a fresh take on the road-trip novel. It's a brilliant exploration of girlhood and the challenges young women face when torn between personal dreams and ties to family." -- Angie Cruz, author of Dominicana

"In a truly hilarious and heartwarming debut, author Angela Velez breaks out with a story of sisterly love, family secrets, and the roles forced on us at a young age. Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a laugh-out-loud, college road trip novel full of Catholic school hijinks. You’ll fall in love and root for Lulu and Milagro!" -- Lilliam Rivera, Pura Belpré Honor-Winning Author of Never Look Back

“Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a tribute to girls everywhere as they figure out who they are and who they hope to be. Sharp, funny, and full of heart, it perfectly captures the heartbreak and joy of sisterhood, first crushes, familial expectations, and growing up.” -- Crystal Maldonado, author of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

“Lulu & Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a delightful journey of sisterhood, self-love, and chasing your dreams—even if they go in directions you never expected. I was cheering on the Zavala sisters every step of the way.” -- Natalia Sylvester, author of Running

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