Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Coming of age, gentrification novel. The character of Arturo is ok, but the villain is very cliche.
This is a good middle grade read! Two years ago, I had a student read it. He was an 8th grader who told me I’d never get him to read anything. He read it and loved it! He emailed me last school year to tell me he was still surprised I found a book for him he liked.
This book is AMAZING and hilarious on audio. Definitely do yourself a favor and pick this up -- Arturo is a great main character and a real joy to read.
This book would be a good read aloud in 5th grade. The students would need help negotiating the Spanish that is sprinkled throughout the text, but each use is backed up by a clue as to what the meaning of the Spanish was. This is a good story about an immigrant family who is living the American Dream and has to fight for family and community.
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-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
Sweet middle grade novel telling the heartfelt story of the Zamora family. Yes, I did cry while reading. Arturo has big plans this summer, save his Abuela’s restaurant, La Cocina, and have success with his first crush, Carmen. Arturo’s has a few “epic fails,” but ultimately his spirit is guided by Abuela’s love, family recipes, poetry, faith, friends, and the power of community admits the looming threat of gentrification.
I started reading this but knew I would be in the car for a couple of hours so I ended up checking out the audiobook and it was really good! The author narrates and his voice fit the whole story perfectly (obviously).
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Lo mas importante, mi Arturito, es el amor y la fe,” says Abuela .
I loved this book! I loved Arturo and his family, I loved the dialog between Arturo and his friends (it made me laugh out loud more than once), and I really loved the message (and it wasn't heavy handed). This is a great introduction to first generation families, gentrification, and the poetry of Jose Marti. When Arturo reads these words from his grandfather, "A young person has the power to do many great things..." he decides to stand up to the big bad developer trying to take over his families restaurant to put up a high-rise. It requires bravery and love and a little poetry. This is so touching and filled with humor. An excellent middle grade novel about Cuban American life.
I loved this book! I loved Arturo and his family, I loved the dialog between Arturo and his friends (it made me laugh out loud more than once), and I really loved the message (and it wasn't heavy handed). This is a great introduction to first generation families, gentrification, and the poetry of Jose Marti. When Arturo reads these words from his grandfather, "A young person has the power to do many great things..." he decides to stand up to the big bad developer trying to take over his families restaurant to put up a high-rise. It requires bravery and love and a little poetry. This is so touching and filled with humor. An excellent middle grade novel about Cuban American life.