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purplepenning's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Perfect balance of magical to real, traditional to contemporary, horrific to heroic!
Nestor, a middle grader whose dad is deployed to the Middle East, is used to moving around with his mom a lot, never putting down roots, never making real friends, and never letting anyone know that he can talk to animals. Until they move in with his abuela, who is being blamed for witchcraft in the woods and the disappearance of beloved animals. It'll take the help of all of his new friends (humans and animals) to defeat the evil in the woods, clear his abuela's good name, and give him the courage to find his community and his home.
Nestor, a middle grader whose dad is deployed to the Middle East, is used to moving around with his mom a lot, never putting down roots, never making real friends, and never letting anyone know that he can talk to animals. Until they move in with his abuela, who is being blamed for witchcraft in the woods and the disappearance of beloved animals. It'll take the help of all of his new friends (humans and animals) to defeat the evil in the woods, clear his abuela's good name, and give him the courage to find his community and his home.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Bullying, and Violence
Minor: War
dexkit10's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Bullying
Moderate: Death
greenlivingaudioworm's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"Sometimes it hurts too much missing somebody, so you try to convince yourself you don't really need them. And you think that trying not to love them so much makes it hurt less when they're gone.
It usually doesn't work."
This was an odd little book, but probably because I had no idea it was fantasy going in. Had I known that I probably would have been a little more prepared for the plot. Nestor, our main character, is feeling a bit down after he and his mom moved yet again after his father's recent deployment. They are currently staying with Nestor's abuela, who Nestor is excited to spend some time with again. Nestor hasn't told anyone his secret: that he can actually talk to animals. But when many of the animals in the area start disappearing, it's up to Nestor to figure out what's going on. Soon, his abuela is under scrutiny because she was seen leaving the woods where many of the animals have gone missing. Can Nestor figure out what is going on and help save the animals and his abuela's reputation?
Recommended for: Grades 4-8
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
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