Pig Park

* "The story of a community working together is uplifting . . . Martinez uses nicely specific physical details to relate Masi's experiences, and the moments in the bakery seem particularly authentic and are suffused with love."

* "Martinez uses diversity to her advantage, showcasing Masi, her family, and all of the people living in this town. . . Overall, this is a quick read that touches on family issues, young love, and the strength that comes when times get tough."

"Martinez creates an emotional dilemma for Masi, caught between a romantic crush and her family's struggles, yet. . . suggests a fairy-tale undercurrent within the novel."

"Pig Park is a contemporary Faustian tale that forces us to look at the desperate lengths people will go to in the name of community -- and maybe love. . . . Deftly crafted characters and an inherently fascinating and imaginative tale, Pig Park is enthusiastically recommended for personal reading lists and would make a popular addition to community library collections."

"A fast-moving page-turner, Pig Park is an excellent example of how young people, through creative action, really can bring about personal and political change. It's highly recommended."

"Filled with a first crush, an absent parent, fear of losing home and friends, and community engagement . . . readers will appreciate its strong characters and identify with the protagonist's teen angst."

"Between those yummy covers is an equally delicious book. . . The novel tackles that age-old question of how far, how much, what exactly would you do for something that matters to you?"