giulia004's review
funny
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
shighley's review
3.0
I can't remember who recommended this to me. It could be used in so many different ways in the classroom, for inference, prediction, plot, and more. I could see exactly what was going to happen, but perhaps students would not see it that way. I am sure that many of the students in our area would have no idea that such things have occurred in the past-- and probably are happening today.
lauralynnwalsh's review
4.0
I originally rated this at three stars, but I didn't realize how long the story would stay with me and speak to me. I may have to check it out from the library again. I think it may be useful for a discussion of repression with my 6th grade philosophy group.
libscote's review
3.0
A picture book for elementary school kids about the dangers of a dictatorship and how even the youngest can stand up to authority.
carma's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
malinwah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
scarlettsims's review
5.0
I really loved this book. I thought it was really suspenseful for a children's book, for one thing and I really had no idea how it was going to the end. I also think it's never too early to teach children not to trust the government :)
I can't really articulate everything I liked about this book... just enjoyed reading it and thought the story was really moving.
I can't really articulate everything I liked about this book... just enjoyed reading it and thought the story was really moving.
megallina's review
lots and lots of text on the pages
about a military dictatorship
imagery of soldiers with guns
all kinds of reasons this is censored
about a military dictatorship
imagery of soldiers with guns
all kinds of reasons this is censored
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review against another edition
4.0
People Pedro knows are being taken away by the government. It’s a scary time. Then a general comes to Pedro’s school and announces a contest for the best composition. The theme? What My Family Does at Night.
This little picture book shines. It could have easily been a diatribe against dictatorships
but the author makes his point without lecturing. And, in the process, he shares little moments in the lives of families during this scary time.
Here’s a little bit from the story, with Pedro talking to his friend about the essay.
“What are you going to write?” he (Pedro) asked.
“Anything,” said Juan. “How about you?”
“I don’t know,” said Pedro.
“What did your parents do yesterday?” asked Juan.
“Same as usual. They came home, they are, they listened to the radio, they went to bed.”
“Just like my mother.”
My mother started crying,” said Pedro.
“Mothers are always crying,” said Juan.
“I hardly ever cry,” said Pedro. “I haven’t cried for a year.”
“What about if I hit you and you get a black eye. Would you cry then?” asked Juan.
“Why would you do that when you’re my friend?” said Pedro.
“That’s true. I wouldn’t,” answered Juan.
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