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chubble's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
compass_rose's review against another edition
3.0
While I quite liked this book, especially the characters, I decided not to assign it to my middle grade book club after all.
Spoiler
I feel like the bad experiences with the alcoholic, self-centered mom cast too great a shadow over the good experiences with the other adults in their lives. I was never sympathetic toward her. And the suspense of the custody battle was too frightening given that in the real world not-great parents like her can twist the court to their way, while good parents like Abuela, who truly get the job done well with love, can sometimes lose.chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
A classic award winner--girl comes of age, finds cultural roots, has adults as both advocates and as wrongdoers plus a quirky brother.
brie__774's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
tobibi's review against another edition
5.0
This was a book I read as a child and it's always stuck with me. I see a lot of myself in the main character and her struggles, especially with family. I think it's an amazing book for a mid to late elementary schooler, and one they may reread a decade later and find they still enjoy (aka me).
jonathan_burgos's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fabyalexaa's review against another edition
5.0
A lioness inside a mouse. Truly a wonderful story that takes you along in its rollercoaster of emotions. I admire the Grandma soo much for all she went through honestly.
hthyhl's review against another edition
4.0
First official book read. This was one of the books we have to read and write a term paper after reading. I did oddly remember it for it was onbviously my first serious book (duh) but also how striking and compelling the story was. I wouldn't be interested in reading a book if it wasnt for this one. With that said it was a really good book. Good story, the flow is good, there is a lot going on but it was mere of an adventure. Yup, thats it. It was like you're an adventure with them. If you want your kids to be inclined in reading I recommend you to let him/her try this one. Words are easy to understand and it is very entertaining. As far as I can remember. I read this when I was 11 or 12 and Im double of that age so I have to re-read it for me to have a fully review on this.
eslismyjam's review against another edition
5.0
Loved, loved, loved this book. This is the kind of children's book I would like to write. It deals with a lot of tough stuff without weighing the reader down. This is a the kind of book that I love to read aloud to kids. Naomi is a plucky little heroine with a big heart. The cast of supporting characters were superbly written and the story keeps you hooked from page one. This a great example of middle grade fiction.