Reviews

The Chupacabras of the Rio Grande by Adam Gidwitz, David Bowles

helena_999's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

5.0

I think the most important part of this book was how thoughtfully the manufactured "border crisis" was handled. Children separated from their families, walls separating communities because they happen to be on the Mexican-American border, and people protesting to both build and not build the wall - all included. But I think it was done very well.

And then there's the bonus of chupacabras! I'm looking forward to more books from this series.

jwinchell's review against another edition

5.0

Orry and I really liked this book about Mexican America chupacabras. We like that they included Spanish and that the author David Bowles wrote about what it meant for him to write about the complicated border. Orry liked that the book continues with the Jersey Devil.

mrprim's review against another edition

4.0

Got to teach my kid about international immigration and the political football that it is as well as forced separation of immigrant families.

ekimball's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

lispylibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

First book of my #springbreakstack! This 👏🏼 book 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 WONDERFUL!!! @adam_gidwitz and @davidobowles made me feel like I was at home in the #Riograndevalley with all of the code switching, folklore, welcoming friends, and especially the FOOD described in these pages! I am SO happy that it is about helping some chupacabras because they have always been one of my favorite mythical (or not so mythical) creatures! This was a great adventure that I can’t wait to share with my students! #unicornrescuesociety @penguinkids #chupacabrasoftheriogrande #lispyreads #lispyreviews

resslesa's review against another edition

5.0

Great audio -love the message about borders and walls and family. Also love the collaboration between David Bowles and Adam G to write it.

jackesq's review against another edition

4.0

Unexpected commentary on the boarder wall.

jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition

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 against another edition

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!