Caraballo's words haunt us with their raw vulnerability and authenticity. She brings us into her world-a Boricuan woman standing strong against toxic relationships and trauma. With her powerful language and inventive lyricism, she weaves stories we won't easily forget. Stories of absent fathers, of struggling matriarchs, of healing, of abuse, and of love, stories in which we see ourselves. The courage of Growing Pains reminds us that sometimes we "... need to have space to just be" and that despite harsh realities, life is worth living.

-Karo Ska, author of loving my salt-drenched bones

The ache of grief throbs through this new collection by emerging poet, Anastatia Caraballo. Growing Pains unearths compounded trauma as the poet dances with her shadow. There is an element of magic that gives the reader courage and spiritual strength to turn each page. Read this brave collection with an open heart.

-Brenda Vaca, author, Riot of Roses