Sofia Acosta Makes a Scene

A poignant coming-of-age story about a Cuban American girl trying to figure out where she belongs—both in her ballet-loving family and the wider world. Perfect for fans of Front Desk and Merci Suárez Changes Gears.

“An important and honest look at immigration, racial inequities, and understanding how one person can make a difference.” —School Library Journal

It’s a good thing Sofía Acosta loves dreaming up costumes, because otherwise, she’s a ballet disaster—unlike her parents, who danced under prima ballerina Alicia Alonso before immigrating to the suburbs of New York. Luckily, when the Acostas host their dancer friends from Cuba for a special performance with the American Ballet Theatre, Sofía learns there’s more than dance holding her family together. Between swapping stories about Cuba, sharing holiday celebrations, and Sofía learning more about costume design, the Acostas have never been more of a team.

Then Sofía finds out about the dancers’ secret plans to defect to the United States and makes a serious mistake—she confides in her best friend, only to discover that Tricia doesn''t want “outsiders” moving to their community. Now Sofía wonders what the other neighbors in her tight-knit suburban town really think of immigrant families like hers. Sofía doesn’t want to make a scene, but if she doesn’t speak up, how will she figure out if her family really belongs?