Reviews

Shine On, Luz Véliz! by Rebecca Balcárcel

izedriftwood's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

anamazingday's review

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emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

cgsunit's review

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emotional 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

4.5

sara_hudson's review

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4.0

Luz has had quite an early spring - blew out her knew and lost her identity as a soccer star, gained a half-sister from Guatemala that she didn't know existed, finds a new passion in coding. A neat intergenerational twist with an elderly neighbor filled with curiosity and love for Luz. A great STEM book with a great family story too. I want Luz to be friends with Merci from Meg Medina's Merci Suárez series.

z_brarian's review

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5.0

I absolutely LOVED this book. When everything falls apart, there's nothing to do but pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try something new, which is what Luz has to do when her career in soccer falls apart. She turns to Robotics and Coding and discovers a whole new world thanks to her neighbor Mr. Mac. In addition to finding a new path in coding, her world is changed overnight when she learns that she has a half sister in Mexico who is coming to live with her and her parents. How will Luz learn to adjust to this new family unit? The author reflects Luz's struggle with trying to fit in, not just at school but at home. Not only is Luz trying to fit in, but Solana, her half sister is trying to navigate a new world, both family and school. Family drama, along with self discovery play a huge part in this story. I loved that Luz discovered Coding/Robotics. Young girls looking to step into this field need to read this book.

kelleemoye's review

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5.0

I loved this story! So much! I cannot wait for it to be out, so I can recommend it to readers! I mean the book is all about overcoming a loss of a passion, redefining family, second language acquisition and conversing beyond languages, and STEM! So much girl power STEM! And all of this with a wonderful, fast-paces story!

kawarwick's review

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4.0

A cute story for tweens.

zbrarian's review

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5.0

I absolutely LOVED this book. When everything falls apart, there's nothing to do but pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try something new, which is what Luz has to do when her career in soccer falls apart. She turns to Robotics and Coding and discovers a whole new world thanks to her neighbor Mr. Mac. In addition to finding a new path in coding, her world is changed overnight when she learns that she has a half sister in Mexico who is coming to live with her and her parents. How will Luz learn to adjust to this new family unit? The author reflects Luz's struggle with trying to fit in, not just at school but at home. Not only is Luz trying to fit in, but Solana, her half sister is trying to navigate a new world, both family and school. Family drama, along with self discovery play a huge part in this story. I loved that Luz discovered Coding/Robotics. Young girls looking to step into this field need to read this book.

miszjeanie's review

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5.0

Shine On, Luz Véliz is a riveting, heartwarming book about rediscovering your identity, coding, family, and languages. I adored the storytelling in this beautiful story. Balcarcel has outdone herself by creating a relatable, strong-willed protagonist trying to find herself after a major life disruption. I loved the Latino culture, Luz and Solana’s relationship, and all the coding with Mr. Mac! Definitely recommend!

Read my full review on the blog.

Many thanks to Chronicle Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

nodaybutoday05's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.0