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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Pablo Cartaya

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

254

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Miami, Florida • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

In The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya, 13-year-old Arturo Zamora's summer takes an unexpected turn when he falls for Carmen Sánchez and his family's beloved restaurant in Miami faces demolition by developer Wilfrido Pipo, prompting Arturo to find the courage to fight for his community and his family’s legacy. The book includes themes of grief and loss.

Heartwarming

Humorous

Emotional

Inspirational

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

4,904 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Pablo Cartaya's The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora delights readers with its heartfelt narrative and cultural richness, offering a vivid portrayal of family and community dynamics. Critics praise its engaging characters and authentic voice. However, some feel the plot is predictable and certain themes are underexplored. Overall, it's a charming and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?

The ideal reader of Pablo Cartaya's The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora is a middle-grade student who enjoys stories about family, community, and coming-of-age. Similar to The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez and Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina, this book will appeal to those who enjoy cultural heritage and personal growth.

4.3

4,904 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Arturo Zamora

Thirteen-year-old Arturo is the first-person narrator living in Miami with his family. He is a gentle and somewhat hesitant teenager who is inspired by family letters and personal experiences to find his voice.

Cari is Arturo's mother, a talented cook who runs the family restaurant, La Cocina, after her mother falls ill. She values love and faith and believes in defending the restaurant through positivity and community rather than confrontation.

Carmen is a 13-year-old girl and family friend from Spain staying with Arturo's family for the summer. She is confident, knowledgeable about social issues, and becomes an important influence on Arturo's personal growth.

Abuela is Arturo's grandmother and the matriarch of the Zamora family. She is known for her exceptional Cuban cooking and her unwavering love and faith, which are central to her family's restaurant and values.

Abuelo is Arturo's late grandfather who, through his letters, shares valuable life lessons with Arturo. He loved José Martí's poetry and conveyed his understanding of love and courage through his writings.

Wilfrido is a real estate developer interested in acquiring the Zamora family's restaurant property. He is characterized by his wealth-driven attitude and antagonistic role.

Vanessa is Arturo's cousin and an active community advocate. She leads the Green Teens group and works to promote social and environmental causes within Canal Grove.

Bren is one of Arturo's close friends who emulates the style and persona of the rapper Pitbull. He is at a stage of exploring his identity like his peers.

Mop is Arturo's smart and intellectually curious friend. He is known for his humor and philosophical outlook, often exploring his own identity and beliefs.

Book Details
Pages

254

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Miami, Florida • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

750L

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