Janet Rhyme Key

Rosa in Bloom Janet Rhyme Key

Rosa Bonilla is about to turn twelve years old. She lives in a Mexican-American household in Orange County, California. Her parents, who both work outside the home, are stricter than most American parents. Her grandmother, who lives with the family, is the strictest of all. Rosa is unable to find her voice in a culture that clashes with her home life. Her feelings do not seem to matter to the other members of her family. She feels overwhelmed by responsibility and very alone in the world. After a lecture from her grandmother, she finally lets out her frustration - "I don't want to live in this house anymore"