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evamadera1's review against another edition
4.5
After reading "The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto" just a few weeks ago, my expectations for this book went up significantly. Cuevas did not disappoint. She does an amazing job depicting the fear that many Cubans had under Fidel as well as the immigrant experience of a Cuban coming to Miami before the city acquired its Cuban flavor as well as the experience of a Multilingual Learner in American schools before the advent of modern TESOL.
pib003's review against another edition
5.0
This was gut-wrenching and so educational. Cumba really brought this moment in history to life. I will HIGHLY recommend this book to readers!
Also, the audiobook is performed by my absolute favorite narrator, Anthony Ray Perez. What a treat to listen to the story in his voice.
Also, the audiobook is performed by my absolute favorite narrator, Anthony Ray Perez. What a treat to listen to the story in his voice.
lauriehnatiuk's review against another edition
5.0
As Fidel Castro has taken over Cuba, Cumba's parents take risks to send him to Florida rather than risk having him sent to Russia to become a soldier. Managing to avoid the local recruiter who arrives early to take Cumba, he sets foot in Miami to stay with Prima Benita, who is doing her best to take in as many Cubans attempting to make a better life. Cumba, as expected, is struggling, missing his family and the stress of representing Cuba with dignity as requested by his parents. Having the assistance of Alehandro Cumba's roommate, Arnold, a new friend at school, and Marvin, a man working at a soda shop, Cumba adjusts to his new life, learning English, trying American food and figuring out a new way of life. When Prima Benita has more family arrive, Cumba must move into foster care and again begin another adjustment while seeing how immigrants are viewed and wondering when and if his family will join him.
What struck me the most about Cuba in Your Pocket is the time that author Adrianna Cuevas took to set up and share the life of the main character Cumba before his family sent him to Florida after Fidel Castro overthrew Batista in the early sixties. In novels I am familiar with, the focus is on the characters' journeys and adjustments to a new life. Adrianna Cuevas spends a lot of time letting us see life for Cumba in Cuba surrounded by his parents, his younger brother, his abuelo and abuela and his friends. Readers get a clear picture of his daily life, the culture and the worries during this time in history. Starting the novel this way allows readers to have a deeper understanding and empathy when Cumba's family takes the risk to send him to America - alone. New country, language, culture leaving everything that he knows and loves behind. I cannot fathom doing this as an adult, never mind, as a preteen.
Upon his arrival in the States, we see how Cumba adapts, courage to embrace change and the resilience to face the many new challenges with a positive attitude. Cumba is a positive role model, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the events during this time and another perspective that builds empathy. The story is based on the author's family experiences, providing opportunities for discussions. Although based on historical events, many will connect to this story today, and I highly recommend sharing it with middle-grade readers.
What struck me the most about Cuba in Your Pocket is the time that author Adrianna Cuevas took to set up and share the life of the main character Cumba before his family sent him to Florida after Fidel Castro overthrew Batista in the early sixties. In novels I am familiar with, the focus is on the characters' journeys and adjustments to a new life. Adrianna Cuevas spends a lot of time letting us see life for Cumba in Cuba surrounded by his parents, his younger brother, his abuelo and abuela and his friends. Readers get a clear picture of his daily life, the culture and the worries during this time in history. Starting the novel this way allows readers to have a deeper understanding and empathy when Cumba's family takes the risk to send him to America - alone. New country, language, culture leaving everything that he knows and loves behind. I cannot fathom doing this as an adult, never mind, as a preteen.
Upon his arrival in the States, we see how Cumba adapts, courage to embrace change and the resilience to face the many new challenges with a positive attitude. Cumba is a positive role model, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the events during this time and another perspective that builds empathy. The story is based on the author's family experiences, providing opportunities for discussions. Although based on historical events, many will connect to this story today, and I highly recommend sharing it with middle-grade readers.
librandian's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
I couldn't put this historical fiction story down. An important perspective to read.
charireads's review
5.0
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My how I loved this book! Cumba and his family are managing as well as they can from Castro's grip on Cuba. However, when mandatory youth conscription is threatened for Cumba, his family makes a way to smuggle him out of Cuba, to the United States. Poignantly written, you feel the emotion Cumba has about leaving his family, his country, and adjusting to a new country that is foreign to him in every way. I hope Adrianna Cuevas wins ALL the big awards for this one. She deserves it. #NetGalley #CubaInMyPocket
ipushbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
authorlibrarianrachel's review against another edition
4.0
It was beautifully written but it felt a little front loaded.