Reviews

Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome by Sarai Gonzalez, Monica Brown

katie_samsock's review

4.0

Love this. It hit close to home because we called my grandfather Tata too (my family is from Chile). My daughter is in first grade so I have to read this to her but she devours it. It’s cool because she then asks questions about our own Spanish heritage.

allysonbogie's review

5.0

Sarai is an awesome Latinx girl who lives in New Jersey. One of her parents is from Costa Rica, and the other from Peru. She is close with her family, is confident, and loves school and reading.
I’m so excited about this series and I highly recommend her books (and her amazing performance in Bomba Estereo’s music video “Soy Yo.”)

lattelibrarian's review

4.0

Sarai is a fun, spunky girl who wants nothing more than to help others.  She's a business woman, an entrepreneur, and a dancer.  With a go-getter attitude, she takes matters into her own hands when she learns that her grandparents are going to lose their house.  And with fun illustrations and a bright narrative, this book shows that sometimes efforts can be ultimately ineffective but situations still are able to turn out all right.  This is just a feel-good book that introduces a culture to a wider audience.  It's great for grades 2-4, and perfect for children who are eager to aid others.

Review cross-listed here!

effiekaradimitri's review

3.0

Very sweet! Great book for assessing how characters respond to challenges with a totally realistic resolution.

sjarrell140's review

3.0

Reading Buddies Spring Semester book 1. This was a sweet read that touched on immigration, family drama, money and aspiring dreams.

mollie's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

kristinakg's review

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jennybeastie's review

4.0

Super fun new series -- Sarai is a determined young entrepreneur who rolls with set-backs and just keeps going. I appreciate the how she turns frustrations with her younger sisters into an opportunity to create a special place with them, and how she learns to listen over the course of the book. I particularly like how Sarai's family cultures are all recognized and represented -- she has family members that originate from several South American countries, and the book doesn't treat anyone as generic latinx. I particularly liked learning about Peruvian food and drink. Upbeat, good plot, diversity, with Sarai Gonzalez (11) as a co-author of the book (yay for youth voice). Cool project, well presented.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

wordnerd153's review

3.0

The main character has a great attitude and I appreciated the multicultural elements, but the writing could've been stronger.

starnosedmole's review

4.0

Young Sarai uses optimism and a go-get-'em attitude to take on challenges and look after her family.