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ezwolf's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I make it a point to read as many Jewish children's books as I can since I never thought to try and find them when I was younger.
This is a wonderful story about a granddaughter and her grandmother, but on a deeper level it's still about the diaspora that Jewish people have and continue to face (and also the way that people who have lived places that are considered vacation spots for rich white families are forced out of their homes for the sake of tourism. I know this is a lot to read into a child's book, but it is there.
I'm glad to see more and more stories focusing on Jewish cultures that are not just Ashkenazi based since there is such a broader history to look at and it's usually ignored or even less about it is known than even Ashkenazi Judaism.
The illustrations were lovely and absolutely beautiful!
This is a wonderful story about a granddaughter and her grandmother, but on a deeper level it's still about the diaspora that Jewish people have and continue to face (and also the way that people who have lived places that are considered vacation spots for rich white families are forced out of their homes for the sake of tourism. I know this is a lot to read into a child's book, but it is there.
I'm glad to see more and more stories focusing on Jewish cultures that are not just Ashkenazi based since there is such a broader history to look at and it's usually ignored or even less about it is known than even Ashkenazi Judaism.
The illustrations were lovely and absolutely beautiful!
sunflowerjess's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? No
5.0
This is a sweet, precious, beautiful book that I am so glad is in the world. It is an #ownvoices story of a Jewish-Cuban young girl and her Tia. Over the course of moving day for Tia Fortuna, she shows her niece, Estrella, how to hold on to memories while embracing new chapters in life. I loved the author's note where she tells us about the journey of Sephardic Jews to Cuba and from there to Miami; each time they were forced from their homes by discrimination and war, and each time found a way to preserve and celebrate their culture.
dominicangirl's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The artwork is stunning.
inamerata's review
hopeful
reflective
4.5
A bittersweet story told and drawn with lots of warmth. I think the a lot of children will enjoy the wave-like repetition of words, and its gentle advice on acceptance, goodbyes, and making new friends are done well. Plus, the art is just lovely.
alexao's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
samisbooked's review
5.0
“Tía smiles. ‘We come from people who found hope wherever they went.’ ‘Esperanza, esperanza, esperanza,’ I say aloud. And I help Tía pack a box with the rest of the borekas.”
TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME: A JEWISH CUBAN JOURNEY, written by Pure Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, is a warm multicultural ode to what it means to create home within your community and within yourself.
In TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME we meet young Estrella, who is visitng her Tía Fortuna at one of her very favorite places — Tía’s little pink casita at The Seaway. But Tía Fortuna is moving to la casa de los viejos, an old folks home, and Estrella doesn’t understand how her Tía can be so happy on what Estrella thinks should be a sad day. As the two spend the day together — frolicking in the sand under a warming sun, eating borekas, and packing all of Tía’s most important possessions from both her Cuban and Sephardic Jewish culture into a little brown suitcase — Tía Fortuna shows Estrella that memories are things you can take wherever you go.
In a story that touches on the deep loss of displacement, Holzwarth’s watercolor and colored pencil artwork is as welcome as a warm hug. Inspired by the author’s own family history — Behar’s paternal family is of Sephardic Jewish ancestry, originating from Spain by way of Turkey and then Cuba — TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME is a soft yet meaningful exploration of the Jewish diaspora and a celebration of a rich culture and history.
TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME: A JEWISH CUBAN JOURNEY, written by Pure Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, is a warm multicultural ode to what it means to create home within your community and within yourself.
In TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME we meet young Estrella, who is visitng her Tía Fortuna at one of her very favorite places — Tía’s little pink casita at The Seaway. But Tía Fortuna is moving to la casa de los viejos, an old folks home, and Estrella doesn’t understand how her Tía can be so happy on what Estrella thinks should be a sad day. As the two spend the day together — frolicking in the sand under a warming sun, eating borekas, and packing all of Tía’s most important possessions from both her Cuban and Sephardic Jewish culture into a little brown suitcase — Tía Fortuna shows Estrella that memories are things you can take wherever you go.
In a story that touches on the deep loss of displacement, Holzwarth’s watercolor and colored pencil artwork is as welcome as a warm hug. Inspired by the author’s own family history — Behar’s paternal family is of Sephardic Jewish ancestry, originating from Spain by way of Turkey and then Cuba — TÍA FORTUNA’S NEW HOME is a soft yet meaningful exploration of the Jewish diaspora and a celebration of a rich culture and history.
bethfishreads's review
3.75
Sweet picture book about a little girl helping her healthy grandmother move into an assisted living type apartment in Florida. Lovely illustrations. The story is told in English with a mix of Sephardic and Spanish words. The book includes references to food and history. It ends with resources and a short historical note. The family is Jewish and presented in a matter-of-fact way, as it should be.
I'm now motivated to read Behar's adult work, especially those that address the Jewish Cuban community.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
I'm now motivated to read Behar's adult work, especially those that address the Jewish Cuban community.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
u_0's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I'm a Cuban American in a similar position to Estrella. My grandparents left Cuba when Castro came to power, hustled in New York, and spent their "retirement" in Miami until they had to leave their complex. I think most Cubans can relate to the deep longing of connecting with your familia and homeland culture, and this book definitely heals your heart of longing just a little bit. It was an interesting perspective of Jewish Cubans that I previously knew nothing about. The thing that pushes this book to a five star rating for me is the GORGEOUS ART. It's perfect for the setting and is absolutely beautiful and sentimental in the best ways. A big part of the story is the magic of the customs and beliefs Tía Fortuna is passing on to Estrella and the art captures this wonderfully. Definitely a rare gem in my quest to find more stories from Cuban authors. If you're considering it, give it a go! Also, the Literati Bookstore YouTube channel has a cool video with the author and illustrator with a read through and background info that I recommend! So glad I found this by chance! : )
alexanne's review
3.0
vamos a saludar la playa
a story about Tia Fortuna who move to the home for the aged because her old home is gonna destroy by bulldozer. heartful story about tradition, culture, and togerthrness and reminder that home is not merely where we live, but rather everything that lives within us. home is truly where the heart is. and also this book has glossry, so we don't really confused for the mix language in this book
a story about Tia Fortuna who move to the home for the aged because her old home is gonna destroy by bulldozer. heartful story about tradition, culture, and togerthrness and reminder that home is not merely where we live, but rather everything that lives within us. home is truly where the heart is. and also this book has glossry, so we don't really confused for the mix language in this book
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