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mlottermoser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Family escapes an abusive father. Working through trauma. Felt like it showed how it affects people without glorifying it or justifying his actions.embe94's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse
sreddous's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My favorite part of this book is watching how Alba mulls over considering her own coping skills. Things like forgiveness and understanding are beautiful but complicated, and it's satisfying and interesting to watch Alba sort through all her complicated feelings. In this regard, I personally really liked the slow pacing.
The little romance is cute. The friendships with the other kids as well as the inter-generational friendships are all wholesome and well-developed. It's lovely to see how Alba learns valuable lessons and coping skills and finds love and patience from all sorts of diverse people.
For younger readers, I would add that there are some jokes that I'd maybe describe as PG-13, they're sort of potty jokes where the word "penis" is actually said -- I'd say this book should be "upper middle grade" and is almost YA because it's not unrealistic that tweens/middle-schoolers make dick jokes and such sometimes. But still, it might be a biiiiit much for elementary-school-ages. It didn't really bother me, but I can see why some people might think the dick jokes are a bit much for the advertised age group.
(Content warning: domestic violence)
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Minor: Cursing
naomiysl's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Domestic abuse
library_kb's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Moderate: Domestic abuse
clarabooksit's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Racism
buddinbookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Domestic abuse
imstephtacular's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, Medical content, and Grief
skeinsinthestacks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
emileereadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is about identity, community, family, and the power of food in culture. Set in Barcelona, you get a taste of not just the Spanish culture but the Filipino culture in Barcelona as well. Plus the language of the book is interlaced with Spanish and Tagalong phrases so you feel authentically planted in the story with Alba the main character. (there is a glossary at the end for all these words/phrases). This one will have you wanting to stuff your face with bread and you consider the roles of family and community in your life.
Moderate: Domestic abuse