{"title":"Graze Mullens","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"standing-strong-paperback","title":"Standing Strong - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA young Latina faces family struggles, mental health challenges, and love while navigating life in Houston and Mexico. Her journey reveals resilience, cultural identity, and the importance of choices in overcoming obstacles and finding strength.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFifteen-year-old Clarisa Sanchez, a dedicated student from Juarez Middle School, juggles responsibilities at the St. Francis church festival alongside her younger sister, Maribel. With a baby brother to care for and a troubled relationship with her ex-boyfriend Israel, a gang member, Clarisa's self-esteem is at an all-time low. As she grapples with the pressures of family and school, she encounters Israel again, igniting feelings she thought were buried. When Israel is violently forced out of his gang, Clarisa's heart aches for him, yet she knows their timing is off.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter learning that her mother has lost her job, the family heads to Mexico for a long-overdue visit with their grandmother. This trip brings unexpected challenges, including a near-drowning incident involving Maribel and a devastating hurricane that tests Clarisa's limits. Amidst these trials, her special needs cousin Esteban becomes an unexpected source of strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrough harrowing experiences, Clarisa discovers her inner resilience and the true meaning of love. As she returns to Houston, she embraces her responsibilities, determined to support her family while pursuing her education. Clarisa's journey is a testament to the power of choice, love, and the strength found within oneself. In Standing Strong, readers will witness how one girl's choices shape her future and the lives of those around her, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can prevail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50567878508767,"sku":"9798318813436","price":21.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/xWAIjJUYau9798318813436.webp?v=1783997515"},{"product_id":"standing-ground-paperback","title":"Standing Ground - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYoung Latinos in Houston face tough choices that shape their futures. As sisters navigate family, school, and street life, their decisions reveal the power of perseverance and cultural identity. Every choice counts in their journey toward growth and resilience.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eStanding Ground\u003c\/em\u003e, Clarisa and her younger sister, Maribel, embody the struggles of many young people in their community. Clarisa, a diligent student, balances her responsibilities at home while caring for her baby brother and guiding Maribel through the challenges of adolescence. Maribel's rebellious nature often leads her into trouble, and Clarisa finds herself constantly trying to steer her sister away from danger. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they encounter a rival gang on their way to school, resulting in Clarisa's detention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFaced with the prospect of a dull detention, Clarisa makes a risky decision to skip school and spend time with her boyfriend, Israel, who is deeply entrenched in gang culture. This choice spirals into a series of events that test her values and relationships. As Clarisa grapples with the consequences of her actions, she learns that every decision, big or small, can have lasting effects on her life and those around her.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStanding Ground\u003c\/em\u003e is a poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment. It highlights the importance of making informed choices and the impact of cultural identity on personal growth. Readers will be drawn into Clarisa's world, where the stakes are high, and the lessons learned are invaluable. This compelling narrative serves as a reminder that the choices we make today shape our tomorrows.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50567879229663,"sku":"9798318813412","price":21.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/MDkTm2tfh_9798318813412.webp?v=1783997519"}],"url":"https:\/\/blackandbarhe.com\/collections\/graze-mullens.oembed","provider":"Black \u0026 Barhe Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}