What's Happening?
René Peña-Govea's debut novel, 'Estela, Undrowning,' is set to be released in March by Quill Tree. The novel follows Estela Morales, a Latina student at an elite public high school, who becomes embroiled in a citywide debate over merit-based admissions
after her poem places second in a school contest. The story draws from Peña-Govea's own experiences in a San Francisco high school known for its diversity-related legal and policy challenges. The novel features over 50 poems that reflect Estela's struggles and emotions, incorporating lines from the author's teenage journals.
Why It's Important?
The novel 'Estela, Undrowning' addresses critical issues of diversity and inclusion within educational institutions, particularly the contentious topic of merit-based admissions. By highlighting the personal and systemic challenges faced by minority students, the book contributes to ongoing discussions about equity in education. Peña-Govea's work resonates with broader societal debates on how to balance merit with diversity, potentially influencing public opinion and policy regarding educational admissions practices.
