Adios to My Old Life    by Caridad Ferrer Order:  USA  Can MTV, 2006 (2006) Paperback     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Seventeen year old Alegría Montero - a singer and guitar player - is one of 15 singers chosen from 40,000 contestants to become the next Latina Superstar. She never expected to get this far so she didn't tell her overly protective only parent that she had entered. Papi, a college music professor, shares his musical gift by teaching and doesn't understand Ali's need to perform. When Ali gets the invitation to join the production crew for final preparation in the upcoming Oye Mi Canto, she knows the time has come to tell her dad - who will probably ground her for life instead of allowing her to go. Fortunately, Elaine, his friend and fellow music professor at Florida International, is there when Ali opens the envelope and jumps in to be her surrogate mother, a position she often takes. She agrees to go along as chaperone while Ali prepares for the competition. Poised to win the final competition, Ali finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of make-up, wardrobe fittings, media interviews, and online fan blogs. She also finds herself the target of professional jealousy and sabotage. Is being an entertainer worth the price? Oye Mi Canto, an American Idol-type show, makes an exciting backdrop for this story of a proud Cuban American teenager. Though her life has been sheltered by her doting Papi, when facing adversity, Ali holds her own and remains true to her values. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews