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autumn_panda's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/53327885
One of the things I love most about my school is the amount of diversity and the acceptance and inclusion of all in the school; we do not care where you are from or what language you speak–you are welcome with open arms! While reading Love in English, I found myself being so upset with the students and some of the teachers in Ana’s school. Why was her ethnicity and language acquisition something that anyone would find funny or bully-worthy?! But then I remember that other places are not like my school…
I also found myself connecting with Mr. T the ELL teacher! When I first started working at my school, I was intimidated with teaching ELL students because I didn’t think I would be of any help with someone learning English when it was the only language I knew. But throughout my first few years there, I began to learn that teaching ELL students is one of my favorite honors of being a teacher. My 7th year teaching, I taught a class much like Mr. T’s class, and it is one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taught. Mr. T shows how an ELL class, done correctly, can truly become home at school.
Also, as a reading teacher & librarian at a school with a large Latinx population, primarily from South America, I found that it is so hard to find books that truly reflect my students’ experiences, but Love in English is a mirror for so many of them! It made me so happy while reading because I know that Ana’s experience is one that they will connect with.
Overall, this story looks at language acquisition in a way that I have not seen in another book and it does so during a wonderful story with some amazing poetry woven throughout. I also love that the language acquisition aspect is own voices. Although this aspect is own voices, I do wish that Ana’s backstory was own voices as well to ensure authenticity of all parts of the story; however, I feel like Maria’s explanation of this choice shows it was thoughtful (though my opinion is not as valuable as a Latinx, and specifically an Argentinian).
One of the things I love most about my school is the amount of diversity and the acceptance and inclusion of all in the school; we do not care where you are from or what language you speak–you are welcome with open arms! While reading Love in English, I found myself being so upset with the students and some of the teachers in Ana’s school. Why was her ethnicity and language acquisition something that anyone would find funny or bully-worthy?! But then I remember that other places are not like my school…
I also found myself connecting with Mr. T the ELL teacher! When I first started working at my school, I was intimidated with teaching ELL students because I didn’t think I would be of any help with someone learning English when it was the only language I knew. But throughout my first few years there, I began to learn that teaching ELL students is one of my favorite honors of being a teacher. My 7th year teaching, I taught a class much like Mr. T’s class, and it is one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taught. Mr. T shows how an ELL class, done correctly, can truly become home at school.
Also, as a reading teacher & librarian at a school with a large Latinx population, primarily from South America, I found that it is so hard to find books that truly reflect my students’ experiences, but Love in English is a mirror for so many of them! It made me so happy while reading because I know that Ana’s experience is one that they will connect with.
Overall, this story looks at language acquisition in a way that I have not seen in another book and it does so during a wonderful story with some amazing poetry woven throughout. I also love that the language acquisition aspect is own voices. Although this aspect is own voices, I do wish that Ana’s backstory was own voices as well to ensure authenticity of all parts of the story; however, I feel like Maria’s explanation of this choice shows it was thoughtful (though my opinion is not as valuable as a Latinx, and specifically an Argentinian).
catherine_silva25's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to give this book four stars but I just couldn’t bring myself to do that. I loved the way this book talked about language. The poetry was beautiful and I loved the Spanish bits. The plot was eh and the love triangle was ugh. But it’s still worth reading.
annymunoz29's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful example of surviving in a different language! It shows the ups and downs, the laughs and quizzical looks, the confused feelings and the lightbulb moments.
Definitely recommended to those of us that ventured into a new country with an unknown language, with hopes and dreams of a better future.
Definitely recommended to those of us that ventured into a new country with an unknown language, with hopes and dreams of a better future.
wowshai's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this read so much. It was such a sweet story. I’m a sap, but the ending brought me happy tears and I think this story brightened my mood. I am very happy to have found it.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
*DISCLAIMER* I’m going to preface this book review by saying when I originally picked up this book I thought it was an ownvoices story and throughout the entire novel it read like one. However after further research when finishing it I learned that this author only lived in Argentina for two years before moving to the US at age 8 and even admits she has white privilege. It’s disappointing because there are so many amazing #latinx authors out there that aren’t getting book deals that deserve them. While I really loved the book and there is a lot of author point of view throughout (you can definitely tell the author experienced a lot of what Ana went through herself) I wanted to make sure this information was shared.
jcreads85's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a moving story, and a perfect snapshot of the experience of young people trying to navigate a new culture without fully grasping the language. It is compelling without being overly dramatic. And while not from their perspective, it still gives a good view of the parental role and how it can mold and change you when you immigrate.
The story is one about change, honesty, and family. It’s a tale of traversing cultures, learning customs, and feeling alone in a room full of people. But more importantly, it’s about the power of language, friendships, and being true to yourself and the people you love.
I appreciated the mix of languages and how the author conveyed garbled words as ‘wah wah’. I also loved the poems. I don’t think I could have appreciated it as much if I hadn’t listened via audio, but I’m sure the tale is just as sweet read on paper.
I think this book should be read in many different circles. It will probably be comforting for English language learners; and I see it as offering an outlet to understanding the lived experience for their teachers. It should definitely be read by those working with noncitizens (of the US) and anyone needing a better understanding of the experience of the families who have chosen a new country to start over.
And for those who need a little less whimsy, here are some details...
It is an own-voices story with representation from multiple cultures - most prominently Argentina, USA, Dominican Republic, and Cyprus. There is also LGBTQ representation. And the trope is Love Triangle - but without the mess. It feels touch & go at the end, but without teenage angst, yelling, etc.You basically end up liking all the ‘players’, but know who you’re rooting for just the same.
Trigger warnings: bullying, xenophobia
The story is one about change, honesty, and family. It’s a tale of traversing cultures, learning customs, and feeling alone in a room full of people. But more importantly, it’s about the power of language, friendships, and being true to yourself and the people you love.
I appreciated the mix of languages and how the author conveyed garbled words as ‘wah wah’. I also loved the poems. I don’t think I could have appreciated it as much if I hadn’t listened via audio, but I’m sure the tale is just as sweet read on paper.
I think this book should be read in many different circles. It will probably be comforting for English language learners; and I see it as offering an outlet to understanding the lived experience for their teachers. It should definitely be read by those working with noncitizens (of the US) and anyone needing a better understanding of the experience of the families who have chosen a new country to start over.
And for those who need a little less whimsy, here are some details...
It is an own-voices story with representation from multiple cultures - most prominently Argentina, USA, Dominican Republic, and Cyprus. There is also LGBTQ representation. And the trope is Love Triangle - but without the mess. It feels touch & go at the end, but without teenage angst, yelling, etc.You basically end up liking all the ‘players’, but know who you’re rooting for just the same.
Trigger warnings: bullying, xenophobia
zbrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A story that takes a good look at the struggles kids from other countries have with the language barrier when coming to America and being thrown into school with very little, if no background of the English Language. The writer pushes across the pages the confusion Ana and Neo have with the English Language, how two words can sound exactly the same but have different spellings and meanings. How even using a translator still does not provide an accurate meaning. I really enjoyed the poems Ana wrote describing her confusion with the words. They also showed her progression of understanding with the English language.