bekkajmills's review
5.0
I’m currently making my way through the 2021 list of Florida’s SSYRA novels looking for books to read with my class of fourth graders. I LOVED this book. I loved the seamless inclusion of Cuban culture that a lot of my students will relate to. The one thing I will say is that there is a short passage at the end of one of the chapters where he is talking about being in emotional pain because his dad is deployed, so he wraps string around his finger until the physical pain dulls the emotional pain. If I read it to my class, I’ll probably omit that short passage because I don’t want to give any kids ideas about self harm. Other than that, the story and the characters are so fun, his Abuela is great! Definitely recommend!
mamabeardteacher's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ember12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
Really good book, I liked it a lot.
sarah1026's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
bookpotato's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
turrean's review against another edition
4.0
Hugely enjoyable. The cast of animals is a delight, snarky and sassy and valiant by turns. Nestor’s family and friends are lovingly portrayed, especially his Abuela. And his struggle to balance a natural yearning for friendship and permanency with his family’s iron-clad rule of protecting his military dad from unease about the family during his deployment is nuanced and frankly heart wrenching.
I thought there was a bit of airy hand waving at the conclusion (and then this turned out fine!) but I ultimately decided it suited the way the supernatural is as much a part of New Haven’s as mediocre cafeteria food, sixth grade social life, and indulgent grandmothers. (“Look, some kids are part of military families, some people teach middle school, and some people can turn into giant snakes. It happens.”)
I thought there was a bit of airy hand waving at the conclusion (and then this turned out fine!) but I ultimately decided it suited the way the supernatural is as much a part of New Haven’s as mediocre cafeteria food, sixth grade social life, and indulgent grandmothers. (“Look, some kids are part of military families, some people teach middle school, and some people can turn into giant snakes. It happens.”)
wombat_88's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
janeofalltrades's review against another edition
5.0
A well worthwhile book. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for other books from this author.