This novel is realistic fiction.

Pig Park is a community in Chicago that has been left behind. The American Lard Company has moved to another country, and Pig Park is literally in the shadow of the abandoned buildings. The family owned businesses are slowly going out of business and the families are moving away. Masi’s family owns a bakery and her father is optimistic. Her mother, on the other hand, is physically tired and mentally tired of being realistic about the bakery surviving.

In summer, one of the wealthy business owners, has an idea. There’s a famous man who has revitalized old neighborhoods. He proposes they build a huge pyramid in pig park to draw crowds in. The neighborhood kids will be lead by Colonel Franco, a retired veteran, to build this pyramid. They will be out in the heat of the day building in order for the crowds to come. Two helpers arrive, Felix and Belinda, who are college students who have worked on revitalizations before. As the summer progresses, Masi enjoys spending time with Felix even though she’s got a crush on Marcus, her best friend’s brother. Felix enjoys learning about baking from Masi’s dad and thinks Masi is kind of cute. A friendship ensues between all of them.

It all sounds great, but there are secrets the neighborhood people aren’t told. Masi’s mom can’t take it anymore and takes a vacation to stay with her parents in Texas. While she’s gone, Masi overhears some conversations that make her worry about everyone’s motivations. Will Pig Park really become a lively neighborhood again or are they being used only to be discarded when the pyramid is complete?

This is a fine novel. I think it’s well-written and has a nice message about ethics. ( )

An engaging, uplifiting story about a community working together to revitalize their urban neighborhood. This novel is notable for its well-deined characters, particularly the fifteen-year-old protagonist, who are appealing and relatable. ( )

Review to come soon.

*Won from Booklikes ( )