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mrshillreadsalot2023's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aielinnae's review
4.0
As always Pam Munoz Ryan delivers a heart-felt, warm hero’s journey. Satisfying from the beginning to the end, her latest, Solimar, follows the titular heroine on a magical path of discovering her truest self as she completes her Quinceanera’s preparations.
sara_hudson's review
5.0
First of all, it is 190 pages, not 272 pages - and that matters for my purposes. I loved this briskly told adventure story with a bit of magic and a nice dose of feminism. Not feminism that will frighten anyone - just putting girls and women as motivators of a story set in a patriarchal kingdom. And a well-done conservation story about the beauty and magic of butterflies.
Solimar is a fantastic character - a girl who knows her own mind, but understands the importance of family. A family who loves her and is kind and honorable. Berto is endearing as her partner in adventure. A talking doll and loyal bird round out the crew that must harness the magic of the monarchs to save their habitat - and Solimar's kingdom. Her big brother is also a fantastic character - finding his own way and allowing her to find hers. Great parents for a refreshing touch.
I am a fan of Esperanza Rising, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi Leon, and Mananaland - and this one is my favorite of the lot.
Solimar is a fantastic character - a girl who knows her own mind, but understands the importance of family. A family who loves her and is kind and honorable. Berto is endearing as her partner in adventure. A talking doll and loyal bird round out the crew that must harness the magic of the monarchs to save their habitat - and Solimar's kingdom. Her big brother is also a fantastic character - finding his own way and allowing her to find hers. Great parents for a refreshing touch.
I am a fan of Esperanza Rising, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi Leon, and Mananaland - and this one is my favorite of the lot.
kkaste's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
annalisenak97's review
3.0
This was a sweet little book with a lot of fun fantasy and magic in it! The pacing was a bit strange to me, but I loved the setting, and Solimar's gift was so fascinating.
thea_d_brown's review
4.0
In the first few pages, I could tell that this book was a bit more fantastical than Ryan's other book I read. This often is a turn-off for me but not this time! I liked it hands down, and can't wait to share it with my sister.
ngreader's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I actually enjoyed this far more than I thought I would when I aged down the reader. Reading a book about a 14-near 15 year old protagonist that read more like a 10 - 11 year old person was annoying, but I get that Ryan wanted to latch onto the magic of a quince and its symbolism. PLUS, I'm a sucker for monarchs - I mean, it's the classic symbol of Mexican immigrants. How can you not love it?
However, if readers are wanting a book starring monarchs, adventurous young diverse girls and a grand mission, I would recommend "Little Monarchs" over this one.
I actually enjoyed this far more than I thought I would when I aged down the reader. Reading a book about a 14-near 15 year old protagonist that read more like a 10 - 11 year old person was annoying, but I get that Ryan wanted to latch onto the magic of a quince and its symbolism. PLUS, I'm a sucker for monarchs - I mean, it's the classic symbol of Mexican immigrants. How can you not love it?
However, if readers are wanting a book starring monarchs, adventurous young diverse girls and a grand mission, I would recommend "Little Monarchs" over this one.