lspignese's review against another edition
3.0
I received this ARC from the publisher through SLJ's Middle Grade Magic virtual conference in exchange for an honest review.
As an adult, I am clearly not the target audience for this book. I thought it was just ok. The author tried to bring a lot into this novel history, folklore, current events, etc. and unfortunately it made it feel a little forced and artificial. That being said, I do think a lot of kids will like it and can think of several students who will enjoy this as part of the series.
As an adult, I am clearly not the target audience for this book. I thought it was just ok. The author tried to bring a lot into this novel history, folklore, current events, etc. and unfortunately it made it feel a little forced and artificial. That being said, I do think a lot of kids will like it and can think of several students who will enjoy this as part of the series.
jessalynn_librarian's review
4.0
I think a lot of the border stuff went over Ben’s head, but for a slightly older reader, the parallels between chupacabras and people would be more meaningful. (I love that the ending stretches the ridiculousness of their mode of travel even further!)
allerkins's review
4.0
It was great to come back to these after reading something else. We were laughing right from page 1, these books are truly funny. My favorite thing about the series is how it seamlessly incorporates social issues at a level appropriate for young kids. This one had a lot to say about immigration, being set on the Texas/Mexico boarder. It makes for really good conversations with my first grader. The story of the chupacabras itself wasn't my favorite in the series, but we'll definitely keep reading!
jennybeastie's review
5.0
Wonderful! There are so many things I love about this series -- the humor, the fantasy, the mythological creatures, the collaborations between authors that brings authenticity and most of all, the ability to talk about real world problems and history in a way that kids can relate to. As a vehicle for big topics, it's hard to improve on, and it's an added bonus that the characters are gaining dimension as the series continues.
This is a particularly bright spark in the series -- illustrating perfectly the struggle of border families to work around imposed divides despite centuries of life before the border existed. It also illustrates one of the huge problems of physical barriers in destroying the ability of endangered species to thrive. Most importantly, it calls out the horrific removal of children from their families and the detention of beings who should have every right to flourish. I also really appreciated the message that people who disagree on one issue can still come together to help their communities. It's a ton of excellent messaging in a silly adventure package. Awesome.
Also partially in Spanish.
This is a particularly bright spark in the series -- illustrating perfectly the struggle of border families to work around imposed divides despite centuries of life before the border existed. It also illustrates one of the huge problems of physical barriers in destroying the ability of endangered species to thrive. Most importantly, it calls out the horrific removal of children from their families and the detention of beings who should have every right to flourish. I also really appreciated the message that people who disagree on one issue can still come together to help their communities. It's a ton of excellent messaging in a silly adventure package. Awesome.
Also partially in Spanish.
wmhenrymorris's review
A compelling premise with a bit of humor is exactly what you want from a middle grade book. And I thought the border issues were dealt with rather deftly and in ways that actually fit with the plot and characters.
livthebooknerd's review
3.0
REVIEW: https://livthebooknerd.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-chupacabras-of-rio-grande.html
I was sent this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Unicorn Rescue Society series. It's such a great way to educate kids about important issues and immerse them in other cultures. I absolutely adored the setting of the Texas/Mexico border. The issues that were touched upon -- border relations -- are written in a way that children will understand and create their own opinion about the matter. In this story, Elliot and Uchenna head to Laredo, Texas with Professor Fauna to save the chupacabras and preserve their homes. As they are investigating the scene, they meet former Unicorn Rescue Society members, a young chupacabras, and the stinky Schmoke Brothers. This was such a great addition to the series -- definitely one of my favorites-- and I'm eager to see where Gidwitz and Bowles take this series. It's so freaking fun, powerful, and relevant. These books are the stories that I hope young readers find and read...I'll definitely be reading these to my future children.
I was sent this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Unicorn Rescue Society series. It's such a great way to educate kids about important issues and immerse them in other cultures. I absolutely adored the setting of the Texas/Mexico border. The issues that were touched upon -- border relations -- are written in a way that children will understand and create their own opinion about the matter. In this story, Elliot and Uchenna head to Laredo, Texas with Professor Fauna to save the chupacabras and preserve their homes. As they are investigating the scene, they meet former Unicorn Rescue Society members, a young chupacabras, and the stinky Schmoke Brothers. This was such a great addition to the series -- definitely one of my favorites-- and I'm eager to see where Gidwitz and Bowles take this series. It's so freaking fun, powerful, and relevant. These books are the stories that I hope young readers find and read...I'll definitely be reading these to my future children.
oiler02's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series for my kids and they were so excited about this new release. This story felt a tad too political. I absolutely appreciate the inclusion of a very relevant current political tragedy but aside from having an understanding of family separation my kids were a little confused by the wall politics discussed. We listened to the audio and the significant amount of Spanish was wonderfully executed by the narrator and I felt, largely understood by my children.
woodpilemama's review
2.0
Better than the 3rd book in the series but the humor was more low brow. It had two gender-based jokes, also called someone “dumb” and at one point two characters jokingly call their dad a loser. The other books in the series didn’t have this type of humor and I felt it was misplaced for a book that was pointedly about the border wall between the US and Mexico.
More...