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marpesea's review against another edition
5.0
Lola is at a loss when her teacher asks the class to draw pictures of where they are from. She left the Island when she was so young that she has no memories, so her teacher suggests she talk to friends and family who could share their recollections.
Díaz's characters reflect on the music, food, wildlife and lush beauty of the Island as well as storms and the reason why many left. The book is an honest, but child-friendly look at the complexity of loving a place and having to leave. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, matching the story.
Díaz's characters reflect on the music, food, wildlife and lush beauty of the Island as well as storms and the reason why many left. The book is an honest, but child-friendly look at the complexity of loving a place and having to leave. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, matching the story.
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous colorful art, really fantastic. Themes of immigration, oppressive government, bravery, home and community expressed with subtlety and accessibility to a child.
rozesntea's review against another edition
5.0
The illustrations were beautiful and a wonderful read for anyone who is a first-generation American and wants to learn more about their heritage and family.
alysoninthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This story is moving, but the formatting throws me off. It's much longer than most books with its trim size. Better for elementary age kids than little ones.
glendaleereads's review against another edition
3.0
Cute little story which was definitely written more lengthy for kids I think but it was a good read.
nomefriegues's review against another edition
5.0
I have read this book about six times. I can't even collect my thoughts to express how meaningful it is to me and how beautiful I find it. Like all Diaz's work, it speaks so beautifully and painfully to the immigrant/Latinx experience and I can't wait to read it to my kids someday.
sarahvlovestoread's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite illustrations of the year (so far). They are so vibrant, whimsical, and pleasing to the eye. (Some of my favorites are the spreads with Abuela; her dress, the plants, the beach, the animals...) The premise is wonderful as well.
The "monster" might require some explanation for younger children. The construction of the story does necessitate some type of reason why everyone left an island that obviously had so many things that they loved, but children might be confused about the monster. There are also a few pages where I wished the typography had been a bit more of a contrast for easier reading. One of those is the gorgeous beach scene.
It's so fun just to languish on a single spread and enjoy the intricacies of the illustrations.
The "monster" might require some explanation for younger children. The construction of the story does necessitate some type of reason why everyone left an island that obviously had so many things that they loved, but children might be confused about the monster. There are also a few pages where I wished the typography had been a bit more of a contrast for easier reading. One of those is the gorgeous beach scene.
It's so fun just to languish on a single spread and enjoy the intricacies of the illustrations.