Scan barcode
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
If I had been browsing at a library or bookstore, I never would have picked up ON THESE MAGIC SHORES. The cover is...not very appealing. The story, however, has a lot to recommend it and I'm glad the book came to my attention via The Whitney Awards. While I didn't end up absolutely loving it, I enjoyed it overall.
Story-wise, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES covers a lot of ground. It hits on some tough themes—poverty, discrimination, fear of deportation, parental abandonment, children with too much responsibility, etc. As Minnie struggles, she also learns the value of friendship, asking for help, forgiveness, and being grateful for what you have, even if it isn't much. The tale teaches a lot of lessons, some more subtle than others. Although the prose and transitions between scenes are sometimes choppy, the story is engaging and compelling, with enough going on to keep it interesting. As for the magical realism sprinkled throughout, it worked for me.
Character-wise, Minnie and her sisters are sympathetic heroines. Minnie often acts like a victim-y brat, which makes her difficult to like at times. She does grow and change because of her struggles, but her prickly personality is still a little hard to take. Other characters (Maverick, for instance) act inconsistently, but they're generally a likable lot.
Overall, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES is a heart-felt, enjoyable read. It's eye-opening, empowering, and empathy-inducing. While the story's flow isn't always smooth, it's well-written enough to be both appealing and touching. I liked it overall. If I could, I would give the book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
Story-wise, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES covers a lot of ground. It hits on some tough themes—poverty, discrimination, fear of deportation, parental abandonment, children with too much responsibility, etc. As Minnie struggles, she also learns the value of friendship, asking for help, forgiveness, and being grateful for what you have, even if it isn't much. The tale teaches a lot of lessons, some more subtle than others. Although the prose and transitions between scenes are sometimes choppy, the story is engaging and compelling, with enough going on to keep it interesting. As for the magical realism sprinkled throughout, it worked for me.
Character-wise, Minnie and her sisters are sympathetic heroines. Minnie often acts like a victim-y brat, which makes her difficult to like at times. She does grow and change because of her struggles, but her prickly personality is still a little hard to take. Other characters (Maverick, for instance) act inconsistently, but they're generally a likable lot.
Overall, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES is a heart-felt, enjoyable read. It's eye-opening, empowering, and empathy-inducing. While the story's flow isn't always smooth, it's well-written enough to be both appealing and touching. I liked it overall. If I could, I would give the book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
neglet's review
5.0
So hard to put this one down! You have to admire Minerva’s determination to protect her sisters, even as you hope for her to achieve her dreams and take care of herself. Love how it addresses the problematic nature of Peter Pan, even as it makes room for the reader to wonder whether fairies are real. Highly recommended!
balto_hon's review
4.0
I loved the take on the story of Peter Pan. There were a few places where the story was just too much of a stretch but I certainly kept reading. What I absolutely appreciated the most- a best friend relationship between a boy and a girl that wasn’t laden with romantic undertones! Many of my closest friends have been male, and I rarely if ever saw those friendships reflected in literature.
This is an enjoyable story of family and recognizing your own strength when you absolutely need to. I see this story best in the hands of grades 4-7
This is an enjoyable story of family and recognizing your own strength when you absolutely need to. I see this story best in the hands of grades 4-7
suey's review
4.0
This is an author I meet in real life several years ago before she was published and I've been anxious to catch up on her stuff. This was a great first one to do that! A lovely yet sad story about a girl who has to grow up too soon.
pennyriley's review
4.0
By the author of Furia which is extremely hard to follow, but I paid full price for this on the basis of how much I loved Furia. I could have waited. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not nearly as compelling as Furia, although some of the themes are similar – strong young women in particular. When her mother disappears, Minerva Soledad Miranda is left wondering what has happened, and with two young sisters to care for. She is also determined to try out for the school play, landing a small part and realising that Barrie’s work leaves a lot to be desired and setting out to rectify it. She is helped in all of this by a stalwart eighth grader, Maverick, who becomes her best friend, and eventually confidante. There is magic, at least some magical realism and this is where the problem lies for me. There is so little it is almost unecessary and it is totally unexplained
pennyriley's review against another edition
4.0
By the author of Furia which is extremely hard to follow, but I paid full price for this on the basis of how much I loved Furia. I could have waited. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not nearly as compelling as Furia, although some of the themes are similar – strong young women in particular. When her mother disappears, Minerva Soledad Miranda is left wondering what has happened, and with two young sisters to care for. She is also determined to try out for the school play, landing a small part and realising that Barrie’s work leaves a lot to be desired and setting out to rectify it. She is helped in all of this by a stalwart eighth grader, Maverick, who becomes her best friend, and eventually confidante. There is magic, at least some magical realism and this is where the problem lies for me. There is so little it is almost unecessary and it is totally unexplained
iamrainbou's review against another edition
5.0
Minerva dreams of becoming the first Latinx US president. She has her life planned out and the first step involves getting a part in her school’s Peter Pan show. But things turn downhill very quickly when her mom disappears and she has to look after her two younger sisters, Kota and Avi. This story is beautiful and bittersweet, it explores immigration, growing up and Peter Pan’s racism sprinkled with magic.
One of the things I always come back to with MR (magical realism) is how well it handles difficult themes or topics, making it almost feel out of the world and so close to home at the same time. After all, that is what magical realism does and Yamile does it so well. The events of the book feel so magical and impossible, but they make sense in this world, no explanations needed.
On These Magic Shores takes a look at what it means to be the older sibling in an immigrant family, how taking the role of a parent completely changes your relationship with your siblings and the world. Taking from the story of the lost boys that didn’t want to grow, Minerva struggles with the bitterness that she had to grow up, that she was forced out of her childhood. It’s quite heartbreaking, and it’s also complicated and ugly.
Peter Pain is a perfect novel to see side by side with this book because, in the end, it’s also a story of hope and belief. Hope that her mom will come back to them, hope that they can survive by themselves, hope for better things. The story has these perfect moments that may be unexpected, but give the three sisters exactly what they need.
Sorry friends, I didn’t mean to go into details about MR in the book, but I also don’t want readers who may not be familiar with the genre miss what makes On These Magic Shores a phenomenal novel.
I’m not planning to go too much into depth about Peter Pan, mostly because I haven’t read the book. But I do want to mention that Yamile takes the time to take a hard look at the racism of the novel and it’s called out on page many times.
I’m not sure where to begin my love for the Argentine rep here. This is the thing I like to call, unapologetic Latinx because it doesn’t need to be explained or justified, it just exists. They think about milanesas, they use Argentine slang, they drink mate… Of course, they do, they are Argentine-Americans and this story is not about their struggle as Latinx girls. It makes my heart so full, for real. I feel validated and seen, how casual it’s done is wonderful. I will not call this book true Argentine representation, that would be ridiculous, as they’re so many different experiences and stories. But this feels so close to my own and that, that it’s more than enough for me. Now let me cry in the corner.
Oh, wait, before we have to talk about the characters.
Minerva is the sweetest, fiercest and strongest girl on the planet. Ok, I may be biased here but I adore her so much. She’s trying her best and has all these big dreams for her future. She had to grow up quickly, holding all these responsibilities and she’s angry. And tired, frustrated. She’s so sympathetic, that is it. I understand her heartbreak, as an older sibling myself. I understand how she can feel condescending of the other children and jealous at the same time. She wants to be cared for and loved, my sweet child.
Her two adorable sisters made me so happy. I laughed with their ideas, I cried with their pain. I was so touched by these three sisters and their love. Oh, their love and my poor heart. I also adore Maverick, his kindness and support, the slow friendship they made. The characters shine here, they are all so full of life and complexity. Because in the end, these characters are more of what Minerva sees at the beginning, which speaks a lot how she feels like a grown-up but she is a still child.
The ending is perfect for this story, it’s emotional and a little bit sad, but also hopeful and beautiful. I was worried about the way everything would come together, especially relating to the mother. Sometimes middle-grade forgives, I think, to quickly adults. But here, here, it’s such a satisfying ending. Not only makes sense in the context but forgiveness it’s slowly earned. And not an easy road. But don’t fear, although bittersweet, this is very much a happy ending.
Yamile Saied Méndez creates a world that feels genuine and innocent when exploring sadness and fear, with wonderful character relationships and one unforgettable main character. I can’t wait to see where this author goes next.
Read more reviews on my blog, Cande Reads
“The tooth wasn’t there. I searched frantically but instead of a tooth, I found a golden coin that sparkled, gleaming with magic and impossibility. Or was it possibility?"
One of the things I always come back to with MR (magical realism) is how well it handles difficult themes or topics, making it almost feel out of the world and so close to home at the same time. After all, that is what magical realism does and Yamile does it so well. The events of the book feel so magical and impossible, but they make sense in this world, no explanations needed.
On These Magic Shores takes a look at what it means to be the older sibling in an immigrant family, how taking the role of a parent completely changes your relationship with your siblings and the world. Taking from the story of the lost boys that didn’t want to grow, Minerva struggles with the bitterness that she had to grow up, that she was forced out of her childhood. It’s quite heartbreaking, and it’s also complicated and ugly.
Peter Pain is a perfect novel to see side by side with this book because, in the end, it’s also a story of hope and belief. Hope that her mom will come back to them, hope that they can survive by themselves, hope for better things. The story has these perfect moments that may be unexpected, but give the three sisters exactly what they need.
Sorry friends, I didn’t mean to go into details about MR in the book, but I also don’t want readers who may not be familiar with the genre miss what makes On These Magic Shores a phenomenal novel.
I’m not planning to go too much into depth about Peter Pan, mostly because I haven’t read the book. But I do want to mention that Yamile takes the time to take a hard look at the racism of the novel and it’s called out on page many times.
I’m not sure where to begin my love for the Argentine rep here. This is the thing I like to call, unapologetic Latinx because it doesn’t need to be explained or justified, it just exists. They think about milanesas, they use Argentine slang, they drink mate… Of course, they do, they are Argentine-Americans and this story is not about their struggle as Latinx girls. It makes my heart so full, for real. I feel validated and seen, how casual it’s done is wonderful. I will not call this book true Argentine representation, that would be ridiculous, as they’re so many different experiences and stories. But this feels so close to my own and that, that it’s more than enough for me. Now let me cry in the corner.
Oh, wait, before we have to talk about the characters.
Minerva is the sweetest, fiercest and strongest girl on the planet. Ok, I may be biased here but I adore her so much. She’s trying her best and has all these big dreams for her future. She had to grow up quickly, holding all these responsibilities and she’s angry. And tired, frustrated. She’s so sympathetic, that is it. I understand her heartbreak, as an older sibling myself. I understand how she can feel condescending of the other children and jealous at the same time. She wants to be cared for and loved, my sweet child.
Her two adorable sisters made me so happy. I laughed with their ideas, I cried with their pain. I was so touched by these three sisters and their love. Oh, their love and my poor heart. I also adore Maverick, his kindness and support, the slow friendship they made. The characters shine here, they are all so full of life and complexity. Because in the end, these characters are more of what Minerva sees at the beginning, which speaks a lot how she feels like a grown-up but she is a still child.
The ending is perfect for this story, it’s emotional and a little bit sad, but also hopeful and beautiful. I was worried about the way everything would come together, especially relating to the mother. Sometimes middle-grade forgives, I think, to quickly adults. But here, here, it’s such a satisfying ending. Not only makes sense in the context but forgiveness it’s slowly earned. And not an easy road. But don’t fear, although bittersweet, this is very much a happy ending.
Yamile Saied Méndez creates a world that feels genuine and innocent when exploring sadness and fear, with wonderful character relationships and one unforgettable main character. I can’t wait to see where this author goes next.
Read more reviews on my blog, Cande Reads
More...