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tefthebookrat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
alysses's review
5.0
There is so much to unpack in this book. I think that this would be a great read for everyone but most especially for those children who find themselves in a similar situation as Adela. It would be a great group read for parents and children who find themselves in a similar situation. When a parent raises a child as a single parent, for whatever reasons, it's not easy. It's especially not easy when the other parent is not active in a child's life. The active parent has to always play chess. They don't want to talk ill of the other parent but don't want to the child to be potentially hurt. Eventually, children always figure out for themselves what's up and what's down and it hurts no matter how much you tried to save that child from the hurt.
This book speaks to familial loyalties, being manipulated into sacrificing your dreams for someone else's dreams, broken promises, found family, disappointments, and finding blessings within those disappointments. It speaks to nothing is as it seems and yet some things are exactly as they do seem. It speaks to acceptance and making life work within that acceptance.
Adela is incredibly smart and so very many topics were tackled in this book. She handled things better than all the adults.
All I can say is that Middle Grade killed it this year.
This book speaks to familial loyalties, being manipulated into sacrificing your dreams for someone else's dreams, broken promises, found family, disappointments, and finding blessings within those disappointments. It speaks to nothing is as it seems and yet some things are exactly as they do seem. It speaks to acceptance and making life work within that acceptance.
Adela is incredibly smart and so very many topics were tackled in this book. She handled things better than all the adults.
All I can say is that Middle Grade killed it this year.
bookishrealm's review
5.0
If you're interested in hearing my full thoughts, check out my video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wS0kCmyZaU
evamadera1's review against another edition
4.5
Unfortunately, since I'm still trying to catch up on reviews, only ARCs and SCASL books will get full written reviews.
b_jud's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
4.5
dominicangirl's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
princessdana36's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
percydabaddie25's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book had it all. Wrestling, science, GREEK MYTHOLOGY. I would describe it like Elizabeth Acevedo writing for middle schoolers. You really come to care about Addie and wish the best for her. I just want to keep her in my pocket and protect her. Addie asks the hard questions and she’s really brave. Although she might not have found exactly what she was looking for she found exactly what she needed and I hope that is enough.
jessidee's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
bibliobrandie's review
5.0
Adela Ramírez's doesn't know who her biological father is so when her mom suggests that her stepfather adopt Adela, she works to solve the mystery of her father’s identity (in part by visiting the historical society library!). She discovers that he’s actually Manny “The Mountain” Bravo, a famous luchador! From here, she is thrown into the world of the Bravo family’s wrestling dynasty. At school she has been given the lead in the school production of the Nutcracker, and I love how these two worlds collide. I really loved everything about this book. Loved the family, the homage to lucadores, Adela's drag queen uncle, and her struggle to honor her relationship with Alex (her stepfather) while staying true to her own wishes. Perez handles all the complicated relationships with care. This is just a really great read.