lasafica_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, Police brutality, Confinement, Violence, and Deportation
goldentortoisebeetle's review
dark
informative
tense
Julio Anta and Anna Wieszczyk have created a true stunner. The topic matter is incredibly heavy. The recent developments of the "border crisis" - not migrants coming in to the country, but migrants being brutalized and treated as subhuman - are necessary for all people to learn about. I have not seen personalized / fictionalized stories before - this is my first and it was really good. How they include direct quotes from government agencies and how that impacts people real time is extremely moving. There are so many complex motivations swirling around, it really feels true to life.
I think the addition of superpowers lends hope to the series... but it also contrasts how those without superpowers in the universe of the book (and our universe) are helpless, at the mercy of the racist, nationalist branch of the US government known as ICE. The end alludes to a continuation of the series, but I haven't seen any news of a Volume 2 as of February 2023.
This book also comes with an educator's guide, which I did not read, but appreciate the presence of. I want this book to be taught in schools. It's a real empathy builder.
I think the addition of superpowers lends hope to the series... but it also contrasts how those without superpowers in the universe of the book (and our universe) are helpless, at the mercy of the racist, nationalist branch of the US government known as ICE. The end alludes to a continuation of the series, but I haven't seen any news of a Volume 2 as of February 2023.
This book also comes with an educator's guide, which I did not read, but appreciate the presence of. I want this book to be taught in schools. It's a real empathy builder.
mferrall's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping
chaosbooked's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
4.5
Really loved how they wove in real world policies and prejudices into a heartfelt and exciting story. Very excited to see the next volume. Art is excellent.
lordofbooks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
A debut graphic novel by @julioanta @imagecomics that will tug at your heartstrings, as well as promote action.
⛓️
A Guatemalan boy and his mother make the long journey to the US only to be put into a detention center at the border. As if that wasn’t bad enough Juan is pulled away from his mother as she is sent back to Guatemala. Juan manages to get away from ICE and contact his aunt, who rushes to get him. That’s when Juan confides in her that he has superpowers that helped him escape. Turns out he got those powers from his now-deceased father and his aunt & cousins also have them. Using those powers, Juan tries to reunite with his mother.
⛓️
This was such a challenging, but IMPORTANT story to read after the last administration had children and families in cages at the border. It broke my heart, but also gave me a resurgence of anger for what happened, and continues to happen, at the Texas-US/Mexico border. When we stop seeing people as humans, but as pawns in political moves or as something to be terrified of, we also lose some of our own humanity as well. Thank you @betzvela for recommending this #book. Volume one was powerful. I need to get my hands on 2-5.
CW: police brutality, violence, child separated from parent, death of a parent (recounted), hunger
⛓️
A Guatemalan boy and his mother make the long journey to the US only to be put into a detention center at the border. As if that wasn’t bad enough Juan is pulled away from his mother as she is sent back to Guatemala. Juan manages to get away from ICE and contact his aunt, who rushes to get him. That’s when Juan confides in her that he has superpowers that helped him escape. Turns out he got those powers from his now-deceased father and his aunt & cousins also have them. Using those powers, Juan tries to reunite with his mother.
⛓️
This was such a challenging, but IMPORTANT story to read after the last administration had children and families in cages at the border. It broke my heart, but also gave me a resurgence of anger for what happened, and continues to happen, at the Texas-US/Mexico border. When we stop seeing people as humans, but as pawns in political moves or as something to be terrified of, we also lose some of our own humanity as well. Thank you @betzvela for recommending this #book. Volume one was powerful. I need to get my hands on 2-5.
CW: police brutality, violence, child separated from parent, death of a parent (recounted), hunger
readbetweenthespine's review
dark
emotional
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
4.75
cassie_ellie's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5