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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My only slight issue with this book is that it didn't feel genuine in terms of the intended setting. This story was supposed to be set in the 1930s and, while still very powerful, didn't feel set in that era.
This book tells an important piece of history: the repatriation (read: deportation) of Mexican-Americans in the 1930s. Over million people, six hundred thousand actual American citizens, were forced across the border to Mexico. It was chilling to read this account through the eyes of the last couple years.
However, and maybe this is my white fragility talking, as a story, I didn't enjoy it. The main character switched from whiny brat to shining activist to dutiful daughter over the span of days. It felt deeply hopeless throughout the novel until the last twenty or so pages. It was exhausting to read—I'd find myself actively avoiding reading so I won't have to hear about how this family was knocked down another peg. There was some really phenomenal writing—particularly the poems the main character would write—and then action would be written so heavy-handedly.
It was good for me overall, but I think I would have preferred to learn about this during history class.
However, and maybe this is my white fragility talking, as a story, I didn't enjoy it. The main character switched from whiny brat to shining activist to dutiful daughter over the span of days. It felt deeply hopeless throughout the novel until the last twenty or so pages. It was exhausting to read—I'd find myself actively avoiding reading so I won't have to hear about how this family was knocked down another peg. There was some really phenomenal writing—particularly the poems the main character would write—and then action would be written so heavy-handedly.
It was good for me overall, but I think I would have preferred to learn about this during history class.
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Estrella lives with her parents and baby brother in Texas during the great depression, although her family is actually fairly well off. However, the Mexican-Americans are despised and being denied access to certain stores and restaurants. Estrella and some of her friends organize a non-violent protest. Then a massive deportation results in her home getting burned down, her family being split up and being forcefully removed to Mexico.
A rarely heard story from our history, yet so relevant to what is happening in our political situation right now. Companion novel to Shame the Stars but stands completely on it's own. Grades 6th-10th
A rarely heard story from our history, yet so relevant to what is happening in our political situation right now. Companion novel to Shame the Stars but stands completely on it's own. Grades 6th-10th
An important book about an aspect of the Great Depression that isn't often talked about. And extremely relevant to what's happening in our own country today. The writing is supplemented with excerpts from Estrella's journal, more fully immersing you in her journey. Seriously, everyone should read this!