Moochi's Mariachis

by Mary Ann Hutchison

Their teen friendship is tight, forged by their love of Mariachi music and their shared dream. It seemed so easy to Moochi, Chico, Ladybug and Turo - work hard and save the money needed for the trip from their small Arizona town to Tucson, to take part in the Annual International Mariachi Conference. No worries, until the strength of their friendship is tested and then shaken by unforeseen problems that shatter their security and trust, threaten to break up their band, and force them to deal with an intolerance they've never felt before. The answers they need may lie in the surrounding desert that has always offered them peace, as well as danger.

194 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2010

Reviews

[Chris Sharpe]

Paperback

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Monica Sheffo for TeensReadToo.com

Moochi is a daughter of the desert, living in Arizona along with her best friends Chico, Ladybug, and Turo. Together, they form the mariachi band Los Mariachis del Desierto Sonora.

When the opportunity arises for them to take part in the Annual International Mariachi Conference, the four friends immediately begin to save money. But will unforeseen problems on the horizon threaten their friendship and keep the mariachis from their dreams?

You'll have to pick up a copy of this delightful read to find out.

Richly rooted in Hispanic culture, MOOCHI'S MARIACHIS is a rare gem. Mary Ann Hutchison peppers her characters' dialogue with Spanish terms, enveloping the reader in her desert world. This one is a must-read treat.

[Gail Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet coming-of-age story set in the Sonoran desert. Family and friends pull together to help twelve-year-old Moochi Bernal and her friends travel to Tucson and perform at the International Mariachi Conference. However, the children must also grow up and accept their responsibilities as well. I enjoyed the inclusion of Hispanic culture and recommend it for young adults of all ages.

[Mary Ann]

No matter your age, the importance of friendship is paramount. Moochi's friends help each other through those problems that plague the new teen. You get the feeling that they will always be there for each other, no matter what. An important read for all teens.