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ashylibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez is a perfect book to begin the spooky season!
Nestor and his mother have moved around. A lot. Nestor had ten first days of school when he enters sixth grade (for the second time that year). He never stays long enough to become involved in school activities or make lasting friendships, but one thing that always travels with Nestor is his ability to communicate with animals. From the classroom hamster to the deer in his backyard, Nestor not only can talk to them and have them under what he is saying, but he can also understand exactly what they are saying.
I was initially intrigued by Cuevas' integration of the Panamanian folktale of the Tule Vieja described on the back of the book. I find folktales fascinating and had never heard of this one, so I was excited to see how Cuevas had interwoven the story of the Tule Vieja into this middle-grade novel.
Wonderfully, it turns out.
This is a funny, spooky, and relatable story all wrapped into one. The communication between Nestor and the animals made me laugh, the description of the witch and forest made my skin bump, and the connection between family and friends made me want a warm hug from all of the characters (animals included).
One thing I always enjoy about middle-grade stories (Nestor Lopez no exception) is the friendships. We aren't reading about friendships that may turn into romances like young adult books. Instead, we are reading about real, true platonic friendships. Nestor, Maria Carmen, and Talib may have been the three outcasts in the sea of middle school, but they create a friendship bond that truly shows Nestor that connections are worth making, even if you don't know how long they will last.
The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez captures also takes on the task of incorporating small details of what it is like to have a loved one (especially a parent) deployed overseas. From the ways each person copes to the triggers and traumas to the grief and absence. Cuevas delicately but smartly integrated this plot point into the story to create the complex character that is Nestor.
I am definitely adding this one to my list of recommendations, and I am looking forward to checking out Cuevas' other works in the future.
Nestor and his mother have moved around. A lot. Nestor had ten first days of school when he enters sixth grade (for the second time that year). He never stays long enough to become involved in school activities or make lasting friendships, but one thing that always travels with Nestor is his ability to communicate with animals. From the classroom hamster to the deer in his backyard, Nestor not only can talk to them and have them under what he is saying, but he can also understand exactly what they are saying.
I was initially intrigued by Cuevas' integration of the Panamanian folktale of the Tule Vieja described on the back of the book. I find folktales fascinating and had never heard of this one, so I was excited to see how Cuevas had interwoven the story of the Tule Vieja into this middle-grade novel.
Wonderfully, it turns out.
This is a funny, spooky, and relatable story all wrapped into one. The communication between Nestor and the animals made me laugh, the description of the witch and forest made my skin bump, and the connection between family and friends made me want a warm hug from all of the characters (animals included).
One thing I always enjoy about middle-grade stories (Nestor Lopez no exception) is the friendships. We aren't reading about friendships that may turn into romances like young adult books. Instead, we are reading about real, true platonic friendships. Nestor, Maria Carmen, and Talib may have been the three outcasts in the sea of middle school, but they create a friendship bond that truly shows Nestor that connections are worth making, even if you don't know how long they will last.
The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez captures also takes on the task of incorporating small details of what it is like to have a loved one (especially a parent) deployed overseas. From the ways each person copes to the triggers and traumas to the grief and absence. Cuevas delicately but smartly integrated this plot point into the story to create the complex character that is Nestor.
I am definitely adding this one to my list of recommendations, and I am looking forward to checking out Cuevas' other works in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Kidnapping
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