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allicatca's review
5.0
I was enchanted by this book. It’s endearing and funny how the main character names everything (stuffed animals is not uncommon, but the refrigerator?).
I think the dialogue, feelings, and thoughts are spot on for a little girl.
I think the dialogue, feelings, and thoughts are spot on for a little girl.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
This is such a perfect chapter book. Simple language and appropriate storyline for young readers, without sacrificing character or interest.
rainbowbookworm's review
4.0
This book is perfect for elementary school students who are more hesitant than their peers to try new things.
jaimebz's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Too much of a downer at the end of every chapter —especially since a lot of kids might only be reading one chapter at a time.
Also, my guess is that a lot of anxious kids were given this book, but you really don’t see growth in the character until the final chapter — and that is when she just “decided” she would do something she was afraid of.
I don’t know anything about the author, but it felt like they didn’t understand anxious kids and their struggles.
The book was just too long/too much of witnessing the anxiety for a very short payoff - and no useful strategies to take away.
Also, my guess is that a lot of anxious kids were given this book, but you really don’t see growth in the character until the final chapter — and that is when she just “decided” she would do something she was afraid of.
I don’t know anything about the author, but it felt like they didn’t understand anxious kids and their struggles.
The book was just too long/too much of witnessing the anxiety for a very short payoff - and no useful strategies to take away.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
A charming middle grade novel featuring Marisol Rainey, a Filipino-American girl who learns to face her fears and climb the big tree in her yard. I loved the drawings and Marisol - I can't wait to read more in this series!
brandypainter's review
4.0
This is a late chapter/early MG book. While not quite as good as Kelly's more mature MG novels, it has a wonderful rhythm and a story many young readers will relate too. Kelly excels at writing the voices of children in all of their combined arrogance and uncertainty.
aengh's review
3.0
Erin Entrada Kelly is one of the most relevant voices in middle grade right now, crafting numerous character-driven novels that evoke emotions while still having compelling adventure plots. Because of this, I was very excited to see that she was publishing a book for a slightly younger audience.
This books is told in a third person perspective but focuses exclusively on the title character, Marisol. A lot of the kid-lit I read is told from the first-person perspective, so it is nice to introduce kids to more third-person narration. In this case, I think it made it more difficult for Marisol's feelings to come across in a compelling way. The book was ok, focusing on Marisol's desire to climb a tree, but something fell flat. Marisol is very relatable, the stories and chapters are relatable for kids, but I didn't feel drawn into the story at all.
This books is told in a third person perspective but focuses exclusively on the title character, Marisol. A lot of the kid-lit I read is told from the first-person perspective, so it is nice to introduce kids to more third-person narration. In this case, I think it made it more difficult for Marisol's feelings to come across in a compelling way. The book was ok, focusing on Marisol's desire to climb a tree, but something fell flat. Marisol is very relatable, the stories and chapters are relatable for kids, but I didn't feel drawn into the story at all.
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
I listened to the audiobook but will definitely need a physical copy to enjoy the illustrations.
I loved Marisol and how the book begins with her relationship with the tree, Peppina. It was a fantastic story for 3 reasons:
1-cyclical ending
2-imagination
3-being brave
I loved Marisol and how the book begins with her relationship with the tree, Peppina. It was a fantastic story for 3 reasons:
1-cyclical ending
2-imagination
3-being brave
tammys_take's review against another edition
4.0
My daughter continues to enjoy this series. It was cute with themes of courage and perseverance. I also really enjoy the positive uplifting friendships in this story.
dswhite's review
3.0
Cute story about a girl over coming a fear. Likable characters and believable plot. This book is for younger elementary school kids