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alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
I think the most important part of this book was how thoughtfully the manufactured "border crisis" was handled. Children separated from their families, walls separating communities because they happen to be on the Mexican-American border, and people protesting to both build and not build the wall - all included. But I think it was done very well.
And then there's the bonus of chupacabras! I'm looking forward to more books from this series.
And then there's the bonus of chupacabras! I'm looking forward to more books from this series.
jwinchell's review against another edition
5.0
Orry and I really liked this book about Mexican America chupacabras. We like that they included Spanish and that the author David Bowles wrote about what it meant for him to write about the complicated border. Orry liked that the book continues with the Jersey Devil.
mrprim's review against another edition
4.0
Got to teach my kid about international immigration and the political football that it is as well as forced separation of immigrant families.
ekimball's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
lispylibrarian's review
5.0
First book of my #springbreakstack! This ๐๐ผ book ๐๐ผ is ๐๐ผ WONDERFUL!!! @adam_gidwitz and @davidobowles made me feel like I was at home in the #Riograndevalley with all of the code switching, folklore, welcoming friends, and especially the FOOD described in these pages! I am SO happy that it is about helping some chupacabras because they have always been one of my favorite mythical (or not so mythical) creatures! This was a great adventure that I canโt wait to share with my students! #unicornrescuesociety @penguinkids #chupacabrasoftheriogrande #lispyreads #lispyreviews
resslesa's review against another edition
5.0
Great audio -love the message about borders and walls and family. Also love the collaboration between David Bowles and Adam G to write it.
jessalynn_librarian's review
4.0
I think a lot of the border stuff went over Benโs head, but for a slightly older reader, the parallels between chupacabras and people would be more meaningful. (I love that the ending stretches the ridiculousness of their mode of travel even further!)
allerkins's review
4.0
It was great to come back to these after reading something else. We were laughing right from page 1, these books are truly funny. My favorite thing about the series is how it seamlessly incorporates social issues at a level appropriate for young kids. This one had a lot to say about immigration, being set on the Texas/Mexico boarder. It makes for really good conversations with my first grader. The story of the chupacabras itself wasn't my favorite in the series, but we'll definitely keep reading!
jennybeastie's review
5.0
Wonderful! There are so many things I love about this series -- the humor, the fantasy, the mythological creatures, the collaborations between authors that brings authenticity and most of all, the ability to talk about real world problems and history in a way that kids can relate to. As a vehicle for big topics, it's hard to improve on, and it's an added bonus that the characters are gaining dimension as the series continues.
This is a particularly bright spark in the series -- illustrating perfectly the struggle of border families to work around imposed divides despite centuries of life before the border existed. It also illustrates one of the huge problems of physical barriers in destroying the ability of endangered species to thrive. Most importantly, it calls out the horrific removal of children from their families and the detention of beings who should have every right to flourish. I also really appreciated the message that people who disagree on one issue can still come together to help their communities. It's a ton of excellent messaging in a silly adventure package. Awesome.
Also partially in Spanish.
This is a particularly bright spark in the series -- illustrating perfectly the struggle of border families to work around imposed divides despite centuries of life before the border existed. It also illustrates one of the huge problems of physical barriers in destroying the ability of endangered species to thrive. Most importantly, it calls out the horrific removal of children from their families and the detention of beings who should have every right to flourish. I also really appreciated the message that people who disagree on one issue can still come together to help their communities. It's a ton of excellent messaging in a silly adventure package. Awesome.
Also partially in Spanish.