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pianorunner421's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy reading middle grade readers in between all my "grown-up" books and literature. This one was like taking a big, relaxing, deep breath of fresh air. I love that characters are primarily females - they are strong, quirky and have skills that do not rely on a male character to bring them out. It is rare to read stories like this and I love the message it will send to all young readers - even if it is a subliminal one. I also very much enjoyed reading about the Filipino culture another path that is different than much of the literature that is available right now. This would be an excellent book to read aloud - it has good dialogue, easy descriptions for visualizing the story, and would be great for further study of the culture through food, music, and dancing.
helloakosisam's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hidingzeus's review against another edition
2.0
It fizzled out a little at the end. The grandma was amazing. She was easily the best part.
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received this book from the author/publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cute read and had a totally unique plot! Lou grows up living with her mom in her grandmother's house- but her large extended family is never far away and often spends time at their house. Her dream? To have her own tiny home on the land her father left her when he passed away. The story follows her trying to achieve her dream of a tiny home, be a good daughter/granddaughter/cousin/friend/niece/etc, learn the dance for the big Filipino culture festival, and navigate the normal things a young girl deals with (ie: crushes and how weird boys can be). I really liked how Lou was interested in shop class/construction as this isn't something you normally read about. Lou in general was a character that I could see young girls enjoying- creative, resourceful, friendly, caring, smart, and persistent. Overall the story was well done and intriguing. I thought the story lacked some depth at points but I did enjoy the read and found it to be a fun time.
This was a really cute read and had a totally unique plot! Lou grows up living with her mom in her grandmother's house- but her large extended family is never far away and often spends time at their house. Her dream? To have her own tiny home on the land her father left her when he passed away. The story follows her trying to achieve her dream of a tiny home, be a good daughter/granddaughter/cousin/friend/niece/etc, learn the dance for the big Filipino culture festival, and navigate the normal things a young girl deals with (ie: crushes and how weird boys can be). I really liked how Lou was interested in shop class/construction as this isn't something you normally read about. Lou in general was a character that I could see young girls enjoying- creative, resourceful, friendly, caring, smart, and persistent. Overall the story was well done and intriguing. I thought the story lacked some depth at points but I did enjoy the read and found it to be a fun time.
aprilyang1's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
tracybabler's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There is so much to celebrate in THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT. I know that my girl-power-loving second grader will love reading a book about a strong, smart, independent young girl who can bridge between goofing off with friends and managing a complex construction site. I'll also recommend this book to my half-Filipina nieces, who I’m sure will appreciate reading about Lou, her Filipino culture, and her loving extended family. I learned new Filipino vocabulary and customs, and saw references to some familiar elements like the lumpia we sometimes share at family gatherings.
THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT was a balanced, entertaining, and fast-reading book. I already pre-ordered 2 copies!
There is so much to celebrate in THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT. I know that my girl-power-loving second grader will love reading a book about a strong, smart, independent young girl who can bridge between goofing off with friends and managing a complex construction site. I'll also recommend this book to my half-Filipina nieces, who I’m sure will appreciate reading about Lou, her Filipino culture, and her loving extended family. I learned new Filipino vocabulary and customs, and saw references to some familiar elements like the lumpia we sometimes share at family gatherings.
THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT was a balanced, entertaining, and fast-reading book. I already pre-ordered 2 copies!
theanggegames's review against another edition
2.0
First of all, while the Philippines really does have lots of dialects, I'm pretty sure that what the author meant was "languages". It's true that "manang" means older sister/female relative but that word is Ilokano, while the word "ate" (which has the same meaning) is Tagalog. A different language, not dialect. She even mentioned "ading" in the same paragraph, which is another Ilokano word!!! I can't fully blame the author because even in the Philippines, we are taught that Ilokano and the other languages here are dialects of Tagalog. BUT we know now that is wrong and that the author could've researched more. That was the first strike that probably started my dislike for this book lol.
I didn't vibe with this book. I don't know. The writing is kinda off for me. Scenes that were meant to evoke ~feelings~ didn't really do much for me. Maybe it's just me though.
I do appreciate the sense of community in this book, though I don't think my relatives would be able to do the same for us given the situation here in the Philippines lol
Edited the formatting cuz I am new to this lol
I didn't vibe with this book. I don't know. The writing is kinda off for me. Scenes that were meant to evoke ~feelings~ didn't really do much for me. Maybe it's just me though.
I do appreciate the sense of community in this book, though I don't think my relatives would be able to do the same for us given the situation here in the Philippines lol
Edited the formatting cuz I am new to this lol
eggchelleee's review
4.0
This was a cute book. I appreciated the representation of Filipino culture. I was actually able to understand some of the words/phrases wow!
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
I loved meeting Lou and learning about her passion of building a very unique home.
genielyssereyes's review
4.0
This book is as warm and comforting as the house Lou envisions. I know that this protagonist's determination will stay with readers for a long while. And I am again so thrilled to read a story that illustrates the love and community of a Filipino American family...