This book relates the fictional story of Juanita Chavez, a Mexican-American teenager who unjustly faces expulsion from school after fighting with a White student who was spreading rumors about her family. Juanita knows that if she is expelled this will greatly disappoint her parents and shatter her dream of becoming the first one in her family to graduate from high school. Born to poor Mexican farmworkers, Juanita and her younger sister are responsible for the care of three younger children in the family. She also acts as an interpreter for her parents, as they do not understand the language or culture of their adopted country. With the help of a Latina psychologist and a civil rights attorney, Juanita confronts the powerful school board in a legal battle. The issue becomes justice for Juanita and other minority students who face discrimination in their schools. With the help of her friends and family, Juanita proves that regardless of race or social standing, all people of good will are one when it comes to fairness. Includes a glossary of Spanish terms used in the book. (LP)