emmyrosem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bergha1998's review
3.5
This one is extremely interesting because it shows the opposite side of the history we are taught in school. Showing a rich, Haitian POV of the "discovering of America."
emmarj's review
2.0
At the beginning of Anacaona the author acknowledges that the Taino had no system of writing or reading and then goes on to write a stilted and unpleasant "diary" littered with typos. Just because you had to fake that Anacaona could have potentially written a diary doesn't mean you had to write it poorly.
taishacasimir's review
5.0
Anacaona: Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490 was an interesting read. It was nice to learn more about my Haitian heritage and history of Haiti. I would recommend this to people to read. :)
edythemighty's review
3.0
A fine book for teens and YA. You have to keep in mind that this is historical fiction. It reads a bit dry for the first half of the book, which mostly depicts a glamorized view of what might have been daily life for Anacaona. Towards the last quarter of the book, the book introduces us to Anacaona's interactions with the conquistadores. Just as the book is starting to get interesting, it abruptly ends. I would have liked to see the sections with the conquistadores expanded. Maybe then I would rate the book higher.
dandelionfluff's review
3.0
Looking around at all the really positive reviews makes me feel like I missed out on something. While I respect Edwidge Danticat immensely, I couldn't help but notice how flat-sounding the narration was. While this is definitely more of a mature edition to the series, addressing everything from natural death, to suicide, to tragedy, to imperialism, and even explaining Anacaona's murder in the Epilogue, I wasn't engaged with the text itself.
Her story is important, though, and I'm thankful Scholastic/Danticat took the time to tell it.
Her story is important, though, and I'm thankful Scholastic/Danticat took the time to tell it.
cassie5489's review against another edition
3.5
I enjoyed the historical note at the end more than the actual diary. However, it did educate me about a culture I knew little about. I also need to consider that I am not its intended audience.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Maria
Cover Story: Fig Leaf Modesty
BFF Charm: Maybe
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Oral Storytelling
Bonus Factor: Riddles
Anti-Bonus Factor: Christopher Columbus
Relationship Status: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Fig Leaf Modesty
BFF Charm: Maybe
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Oral Storytelling
Bonus Factor: Riddles
Anti-Bonus Factor: Christopher Columbus
Relationship Status: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Read the full book report here.