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themagic8's review
4.0
This was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump!
A fun, wholesome middle grade full of diverse characters. I love seeing female characters break outside of gender stereotypes and give younger readers the chance to experience what girls can really do.
I loved the emphasis on family in this story. That's an aspect I wish more books would have!
A fun, wholesome middle grade full of diverse characters. I love seeing female characters break outside of gender stereotypes and give younger readers the chance to experience what girls can really do.
I loved the emphasis on family in this story. That's an aspect I wish more books would have!
mxsunny's review
5.0
This was such a great coming of age story rooted deeply within a loving Filipino American community. Lou has a big dream to build a tiny house in the Bay Area. Along the way she's practicing for Barrio Fiesta (hopefully she doesn't trip while dancing tinikling) and trying to convince her mom to stay in Oakland. You'll definitely want to gift this to all your younger nieces and nephews; especially any who are builders and makers.
gabbysletsread's review against another edition
5.0
This story was so cute! I loved that Lou was mixed daughter (white dad) and (filipina mom). This book talk a lot about going for your dreams no matter how impossible others may think they are. It also talks a lot about family togetherness. And it talks about how it is okay to ask for help, people are always willing to lend a hand or two! Haha I also enjoyed Lou's determination (although it got her into trouble at times). And lastly learning about her family's past and filipino dishes and traditions was amazing!
imstephtacular's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Grief
pages_and_chaos's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jillcd's review
4.0
Lou is a fun and interesting character. I love that her hobby is building things, and she is determined to complete her mission. A wonderful cultural story about family, friends, and goals.
toryhallelujah's review against another edition
3.0
Cute, but very simplistic and too saccharine for me. And how many times is this girl gonna get "grounded" before her mom actually lays down the law?
angelcwrites's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me cry before I'd even finished the first chapter.
Lou exists in a very different context than I did as a young girl, but so many of the little touchstones in her life--Filipino food, family friends, working out her identity as a biracial Filipina-American girl--are familiar to me. Her stubbornness and spirit made me wonder if I was ever that strong as a kid, and her struggle with the idea of moving is a struggle my heart knows all too well. Mae Respicio writes Lou with a voice that rings true and real, her worries and dreams grounding her through this story.
I'm so excited for Filipino kids to read this book, and to have it as a piece of representation that understands them, and sees them, and values them. My heart is buoyed by stories like Lou's, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone I know.
Lou exists in a very different context than I did as a young girl, but so many of the little touchstones in her life--Filipino food, family friends, working out her identity as a biracial Filipina-American girl--are familiar to me. Her stubbornness and spirit made me wonder if I was ever that strong as a kid, and her struggle with the idea of moving is a struggle my heart knows all too well. Mae Respicio writes Lou with a voice that rings true and real, her worries and dreams grounding her through this story.
I'm so excited for Filipino kids to read this book, and to have it as a piece of representation that understands them, and sees them, and values them. My heart is buoyed by stories like Lou's, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone I know.
amsquared's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story about strong women of all ages. So much love and hope. I’m excited to share this with my students.