Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer is a poignant novel that captures the complexities of cultural identity and adolescence. Reviewers praise the lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of a young girl navigating life between Puerto Rico and New York. Some critics find the narrative occasionally uneven, but the emotional depth and relatable characters resonate strongly.

A reader who enjoys Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer is likely interested in multicultural narratives and coming-of-age stories. This reader might also appreciate books like The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan for their themes of identity, culture, and personal growth.

Call Me María by Judith Ortiz Cofer, published in 2004, follows María, a Puerto Rican teenager, as she adjusts to life in New York City and navigates her multicultural environment while living with her father. The novel, set in the 2000s, explores María's evolving identity, bilingualism, and family dynamics through a mix of prose and verse. Themes include language, poetry, and the complex relationships within her family.

Contemplative / Nostalgic / Emotional / Bittersweet / Hopeful

**María**  
A young teenager who narrates the novel, she moves from Puerto Rico to New York and navigates her identity through family relationships and school experiences while expressing herself in both English and Spanish.

**Papi**  
María's father and a New York-born Puerto Rican, he becomes the superintendent of a building in New York after previously living in Puerto Rico, influencing María’s understanding of her cultural identity.

**Mami**  
María's mother, a respected English teacher in Puerto Rico, whose past influence and current absence shape María's journey towards self-discovery and her dream of becoming a poet.

**Whoopee Dominguez**  
María’s closest friend who exudes a fearless and unique style, providing support and helping María build confidence amidst the cultural setting in New York City.

Judith Ortiz Cofer

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Overview

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Call Me Maria Summary and Study Guide

Background

Call Me Maria Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-20

Call Me Maria Pages 1-20 Summary & Analysis

Pages 21-37

Call Me Maria Pages 21-37 Summary & Analysis

Pages 38-59

Call Me Maria Pages 38-59 Summary & Analysis

Pages 60-80

Call Me Maria Pages 60-80 Summary & Analysis

Pages 81-103

Call Me Maria Pages 81-103 Summary & Analysis

Pages 104-127

Call Me Maria Pages 104-127 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Call Me Maria Character Analysis

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Themes

Call Me Maria Themes

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Call Me Maria Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Call Me Maria Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Call Me Maria Essay Topics

Call Me Maria

Before You Read

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