I heard about this book from the mother of the author; the mother used to work in the Foreign Service in Mexico City. There's no buildup or climax in the story; just when you think, aha, maybe this is it, despite the drama, the moment comes off as anti-climatic. On the other hand, the author gives us a vivid picture of of Mila's life as an American teen attending an international high school in 1990s Mexico. There are parties, clubbing, substance use and abuse, the clique of wealthy and connected "fresas," and the impact of government corruption on daily life. I can see this adult novel appealing to sophisticated teen readers. ( )

This was a great book -- I think it has a ton of Teen appeal...I smell an Alex Award! The story was also inspirational to me about getting out of the country and exposing our children to different cultures, languages, and cultures. ( )

http://bookchronicle.wordpress.com/2008/09/07/fiction-mexican-high-by-liza-monro... ( )