Princess of Las Pulgas

 Author- C.Lee McKenzie
 Title- Princess of Las Pulgas
Carlie, her mother, and her brother must move from their home after the death of their father/husband due to the rise of the cost for the medical bills.  Not only must they leave their home, school, friends, and neighborhood, but they must move to a rough part of town that is the rival of their old school.  When they begin their new life they are all still dealing with the loss of their father/husband and therefore appear disengaged from their daily activities.  Carlie in particular is targeted as being criticized for believing she is better than everyone else.  Can she ever find a place for herself in this new school?  Will she ever find a way to face with the loss of her father? This story shows how the death of a loved one can and often does affect every aspect of a teenager’s life.  Carlie’s mother is clearly struggling with the loss of her husband, but at the same time is having a difficult time helping her children come to terms with the loss of their father.  Carlie’s brother, Keith, and she both handle their new surroundings differently, but the reasons behind their actions are very much the same.  Carlie’s perception at her new school clouds her experience and makes her an easy target for bullies.  All in all, a good story about a family coping with death and transition after death.