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gonsiorc's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sarahvlovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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
4.75
kmcmac's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
dbhiguera's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of my favorite reads for the year! I found myself getting emotional while reading. Born and raised in the Central Valley, the fields surrounded me. While I felt a kinship for so many reasons, that is not why I found this book so powerful. I found it so powerful, because it just is. Not because I felt familiarity.
I do hope this book replaces the common classic of those who worked the fields of Central California. THIS is the story kids need to read. They need to see someone their own age living this very real experience.
I'm not even mentioning how beautifully written it is. While I think the writing itself was brilliant, the true gift for me was in the storytelling. I became part of the family while reading.
I do hope this book replaces the common classic of those who worked the fields of Central California. THIS is the story kids need to read. They need to see someone their own age living this very real experience.
I'm not even mentioning how beautifully written it is. While I think the writing itself was brilliant, the true gift for me was in the storytelling. I became part of the family while reading.
careinthelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This taught me about a piece of forgotten American labour history and made me appreciate all the more the power of workers and the rights they've fought so hard for.
I love that this encourages kids to be interested in and aware of human rights and the fact that we have to fight for them to be recognized and progressed. And that BIPOC are too often left to fight for half of what white workers are afforded.
That being said, I did think that because the author gives so much space to develop the historical setting and conversation, it left something to be wanted in the actual narrative. The characters felt less developed than I would have liked and the story didn't go as far as I'd like outside of just historical events. If there had been more of an emphasis on the personal struggles, not just the political of the main characters, I'd have liked this even more.
But as it stands, this is still a heartfelt, emotional, informative middle grade novel-in-verse.
This pairs really well with a recent documentary I watched called <i>Invisible Valley</i> which in part tells the story of Coachella Valley's migrant farm workers and the lack of PPE and wage security they have.
I love that this encourages kids to be interested in and aware of human rights and the fact that we have to fight for them to be recognized and progressed. And that BIPOC are too often left to fight for half of what white workers are afforded.
That being said, I did think that because the author gives so much space to develop the historical setting and conversation, it left something to be wanted in the actual narrative. The characters felt less developed than I would have liked and the story didn't go as far as I'd like outside of just historical events. If there had been more of an emphasis on the personal struggles, not just the political of the main characters, I'd have liked this even more.
But as it stands, this is still a heartfelt, emotional, informative middle grade novel-in-verse.
This pairs really well with a recent documentary I watched called <i>Invisible Valley</i> which in part tells the story of Coachella Valley's migrant farm workers and the lack of PPE and wage security they have.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Chronic illness, Classism, Physical abuse, Medical content, Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia
Labour exploitation, child labour, unsafe working conditionsclaudiaslibrarycard's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
A beautiful book in verse about migrant farm workers and the fight for fair treatment and workers rights. This book is set during the time that Caesar Chavez was actively campaigning for migrant workers in California. The main character is a young girl with an abusive, alcoholic father, so do check content warnings.
abishop23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
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