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applegnreads's review
4.0
sweet. the challenges and possibilities of moving, especially when moving to a place where you have to learn a new language.
lannthacker's review
4.0
A story in letters about a girl's immigration to the Great Lakes area from Mexico in the 1950s. Isabel writes about learning English and finding respite in a cardboard village she creates.
Very expressive illustrations, and while it is historical, the story may appeal to children learning English as a second language. I found it refreshing (though perhaps not entirely accurate nor a complete view of the immigrant experience) that the book dealt with assimilation, not prejudice.
Very expressive illustrations, and while it is historical, the story may appeal to children learning English as a second language. I found it refreshing (though perhaps not entirely accurate nor a complete view of the immigrant experience) that the book dealt with assimilation, not prejudice.
pacifickle's review
3.0
Isabel adjusts to life in the US after leaving Mexico. Charmingly detailed illustrations.
simplymary's review
4.0
My kids love this book about a girl who moves from Mexico to the northern US in the 1950s and processes the transition through letters to her aunt. I love that she finds peace in creating a quiet place for herself.
shawnareads24's review
4.0
Isabel, having recently moved from Mexico, writes letters back to her aunt to practice her English. A perfect story to teach "friendly" letters.
acdhamija's review
4.0
In the 1950s, Isabel and her family move from Mexico to the U.S. to begin a new life in an industrial city in the North. Isabel writes letters to her Aunt in Mexico so that she can practice her English. Her father gives her an empty refrigerator box which she calls her “quiet place.” When the box is ruined in the rain, Isabel gathers empty boxes from the birthday parties she attends with her mother, and builds an even more elaborate quiet place. At the end of the story, Isabel celebrates her own birthday and her quiet place is filled with her new friends from the neighborhood. The transformation of her quiet place into a place filled with energy and noise reflects Isabel’s transformation as she adjusts to her new life in America. A positive and realistic depiction of one girl’s immigrant experience that features a strong and supportive family dynamic and a focus on the internal metamorphosis of the character rather than external pressures. Because the text is written in letters from Isabel, it can be used to introduce the concept and conventions of letter writing to children. Recommended. Age 5-8.
a_manning11's review
4.0
The girl on the cover really invites you into the book. Amazing cover art. As someone who had a cardboard house when I was little girl, I completely get the fascination. It is so great for this little girl to have a save place to get her through a difficult time.
It seemed odd to me that the little immigrant girl writes perfect letter to her aunt. I suppose it is against stereotypes, but at the same time I found that jarring.
It seemed odd to me that the little immigrant girl writes perfect letter to her aunt. I suppose it is against stereotypes, but at the same time I found that jarring.
alysona's review
5.0
Retreat to your quiet place and read this book. Take a few tissues with you - you will need them but in the end you will be happy to see the strength and growth of Isabel.
asey's review
5.0
I really liked this book. It is historical, creative and sensitive. The story is very nice. I would recommend it for ages 7 to 11.