Reviews

Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

In response to that viral tweet (https://twitter.com/pyroov8/status/1383946640050950150) about square dancing, someone mentioned the racist origins of why square dancing is in school curriculums. The author of this book happened to pop in and mention that she wrote a whole book that addresses it.

Naturally, that's right up my alley! And even better, it's a middle-grade book! Middle-grade books that address serious social issues are my JAM!! And this book did not disappoint.

I also adore the inclusion of one of my favorite quotes (though I totally use the shorter version more often).

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.
-Maya Angelou

libraryladys's review

Go to review page

5.0

Oh, Lupe made me laugh! When she discovers the "true" meaning behind Cotton-Eyed Joe--priceless! But she also stands up for herself (sometimes in a misguided way) and chases her dreams!

jpluff2334's review

Go to review page

3.0

This was a funny story about a girl who stands up for herself when she feels like she is being forced to participate in square dancing in gym class. It literally starts out talking about the wedgie she has in her gym shorts, so I am positive you will giggle. Lupe is Mexican and Chinese and lost her father so she has some things to navigate and process in her life. She loves baseball and NEEDS all A's to be able to meet her favorite player who is also Mexican and Chinese. I wished she was not as selfish throughout the majority of this book because it made me not as attached to her story. I know it added to her character arc but I wasn't a fan.

aldarakamey's review

Go to review page

5.0

This book was read through an ARC.
This book will be published on September 8th, make sure you get this one.

So let´s talk about this book.


Firstable I feel like I need to let people know that is a middle grade book, that being said, if this book was centered around high schoolers it would work, because the story centers in over coming adversity.

Guadalupe Wong has a goal, get only As at her report card, if she accomplish that her uncle who works for the Marlins a MLB team, is going to introduce her to her hero Fu Li Hernández the first mexican-chinese pitcher at the MLB, sorry I didn't mention that Lupe is a mexican-chinese that is going to be the first pitcher at the MLB.


So if she is going to be the first pitcher is safe to assume that she is good at P.E (Physical Education), well usually it is but this time, it may cost her more, because she is going to dance, yes dance, square dance, to be more precise, and honestly I don't know how the square dance works but I assume that is like bailes folclóricos, so I remember it's not so much fun, because if you don't a partner that you like it could be a literal nightmare.

So as the book goes we follow Lupe in this adventure first of trying not to dance, second of overcoming adversity.


I'm 25 and the book is mostly aimed to young teens and I loved, it feel like if this had been published when I was a young teen this would had been definitely one of my favorite books, because it gives visibility to one of the communities who is easily ignored, like are asian-latinx, and just like afro-latinx, they are often made to pick a side when they are both.



So I recommend this book, with all my heart, it is good, it is an easy read but has a tons of heart.


Give it a try, you won't regret it.


I love it.

erincataldi's review

Go to review page

5.0

Charming, uplifting, and unique - this middle grade novel is a tour de force. Lupe Wong is willing to do whatever it takes to get straight A's so she can meet her baseball hero, Fu Li Hernandez. Like Lupe Fu Li is Mexicanese/Chinacan and since her father's death there has been a hole in her life and she is convinced that if she meets Fu Li it will somehow make her closer to her father. The only thing standing in her way is... square dancing. PE was supposed to be her easy A - but when she finds out that she will be required to dance and dance with a boy - she vows to do all in her power to stop it. What starts as merely a crusade against dancing turns into a crusade for cultural identity, friendship, and speaking up for what you believe in. I may or may not have teared up a few times as well. This story is warm, wholesome, and filled with the greatest characters and life lessons. I loved this book with my whole heart!

modernhobbitvibes's review

Go to review page

2.0

In fairness to the book, my comparatively low rating is a generational gap issue. Being over 1.5 decades older than the protagonist (and someone who never went to public middle school) made connecting a bit difficult. Someone closer to Lupe's age would probably get more out of this than I did.

thenextgenlibrarian's review

Go to review page

4.0

“Sometimes people want us to be something we are not, instead of seeing who we really are. You are many things. You are Chinese. You are Latina.”
⚾️
Lupe Wong’s got goals. She wants to be the first female pitcher for the Major Leagues of Baseball. She’s also never one to back down from a fight or a worthwhile cause. She’s made a deal at home that if she gets straight A’s she will get to meet her favorite pitcher, fellow Asian-Latino pitcher Fu Li Hernandez. Everything is going as planned until they are given the assignment to square dance in PE. And as we all know: Lupe Wong Won’t Dance.
⚾️
This MG novel deals with great topics for middle grade readers such as tenacity, standing up for what you believe in, friendship and has amazing representation. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book featuring a Chinese-Mexican character, which just goes to show how we need to diversify our reading and for publishers to publish more diverse and inclusive literature. I also thought this story would be perfect to share for #aapiheritagemonth It won the Pura Belpre award and the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor. It’s a great middle grade fiction book and should be added to all the classrooms and libraries.

bookenthusiast13's review

Go to review page

4.0

Age 8-12

neglet's review

Go to review page

Enjoyed this for the determined heroine who often seems to make things worse for herself but keeps trying anyway. Nails that awful/awkward nature of middle school, when friendships shift and everything seems like the end of the world.

ellsbeth's review

Go to review page

3.0

A fun middle grade read with good characters and interesting discussions of identity, bullying, friendship, and finding your way.