maddieismith's review against another edition
3.0
A delightful middlegrade read! The Guardians and Hidden Ones in this story made me think of all the books about the Holocaust that i’ve read (notably The Book Thief and even the Diary of Anne Frank) and the surrounding stories about those who hid the Jewish runaways from the gestapo in basements and tunnels and closets…Mañanaland is the Mexican version of the hidden Jews in WW2. I loved this parallel because it shows how human decency can be a universal theme. It is what binds us. The journey of the Hidden Ones is clearly painted and so authentically Hispanic. I wish the ending gave me a little bit more info about Max’s mom. That mystery is the driving force of the whole book and the explanation fell flat for me.
hayley_cummings's review against another edition
3.0
Not going to lie, when I first started this book I did not think I was going to like it at all. It just gave me like 12yo boy into sports would enjoy this vibes and that is just not my thing. But as the story went on, it focused less on the mc and his soccer tryouts and we got to see an actually very complex, not quite fantasy storyline about our mc and the disappearance of his mother and then another connecting one about his family’s history and also immigration and war as a whole. A really good, deep, sweet, fun middle grade book that took me by surprise. I loved the Spanish setting and yeah the second half gets 4 stars but the first half brings it overall down to a 3. I’d recommend though for fans of adventure and mystery and a little bit of sports!
lferneau's review against another edition
I love the way this author writes, so much emotion. Very enjoyable book.
themartinmama's review against another edition
2.0
It's magical realism or it isn't? Based on truth or not? I felt the first two hours were so little info and then jumped into action and while excited for a change, I wasn't prepared or following the story well. I have heard rave reviews about Muñoz Ryan's writing but this may not have been the right start for me or did I miss something or a lot of things upfront?
ashleyaewert's review against another edition
3.0
Really enjoyed the songs within this story and the family dynamics.
bestpartofafire's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful concept and storytelling, but a really disappointingly unsatisfying ending.
genielyssereyes's review against another edition
5.0
So, so beautiful. Max, I won’t be forgetting you and your bravery anytime soon...
lizbusby's review against another edition
3.0
The last of our Brave Writer novel curriculum from homeschooling. This book gave me mixed signals the whole way through. I kept thinking it was going to take a turn into portal fantasy or magical realism, but it ends up playing it straight. The bittersweet ending was good here, where the main character got some of the things he wanted but not others. There are some beautiful passages here, but I just didn't love love it. I am glad that Brave Writer made me stretch in my novel choices for the kids, though.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
This wasn't what I expected after reading the description. It is not a work of fantasy. Instead it is a really important commentary about refugees and asylum and why people need to leave unsafe situations and the brave people who help them. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.