FICTION · NOVEMBER 2025
Rebecca, Jamoncillos, Cochitos, and Dates
- Silver Medal · 2026 International Latino Book Awards
- Honorable Mention · Best Young Adult Romance Book
- Honorable Mention · Best Cover Illustration or Photo
A coming-of-age story inspired by half-forbidden secrets overheard in childhood, and re-imagined by the daughter who remembered them all.
After an unfortunate and unforgettable circumstance, 10-year-old Rebecca (aka Becca) is sent to Mexico to live with her grandparents until she is old enough to return home to Tucson, AZ. Becca begs to stay with her favorite tío Jorge, the one with the bad reputation. Her sisters are in college, and Tía Aurelia is busy climbing the ladder at work. There are no other choices, so she must go where she will be cared for.
In Mexico, Becca joins her cousin Lana in activities she normally wouldn’t choose. Agnes, her best friend from the United States, visits in the summer, and the group discovers new aspects of the country together. They explore the town of Rayón and enjoy special events like the Día de San Juan festivities, with horse races, music, dancing, and lots of food. As much fun as Becca is having, she cannot fully embrace the joy until the day she shares the trauma with her best friend.
Then come the days when they are no longer children, but young adults. Boys replace their dolls, and the daily door-to-door sales of jamoncillos become rare. Becca faces important life choices while Lana and Agnes have already made theirs.
“Merino is a talented storyteller and easily draws the reader into Becca’s world.”Andrea Hernandez Holm, author of Not Enough, Too Much
For teen and adult readers. Includes mature themes, grief, and childhood trauma.
Softcover and Kindle on Amazon. Barnes & Noble online.
Read how her family’s stories became this book in Sylvia’s featured author interview.
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