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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
An excellent depiction of contemporary realistic fiction that deals with issues of divorce, alcoholic, bullying and disability.
hopeful
inspiring
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
Good story, of a strong child in a difficult situation, surrounded by people who love her. Naomi's growth in confidence and abilities is inspiring, and empowering.
Pam Muñoz Ryan did it again with this book. I first heard of her when I read Esperanza Rising for my Children's Lit course in college and was amazed by the depth of that book -yet today appropriate for middle grades to read.
I have to say the same about this book. It's delightful use of language, its relatability for kids, and its deft treatment of themes such as alcoholism in parents, being raised by someone else, being in a biracial family and learning about the other side of the family.... it was a beautiful, hopeful, receptive story.
For the classroom:
- BIPOC/biracial main characters
- difficult family life - court system, divorce, estranged, but loving, father, a mom who struggles with alcoholism, a loving guardian
- Oaxacan festival at Christmas time
- lots of examples for teaching figurative language, especially similes
I have to say the same about this book. It's delightful use of language, its relatability for kids, and its deft treatment of themes such as alcoholism in parents, being raised by someone else, being in a biracial family and learning about the other side of the family.... it was a beautiful, hopeful, receptive story.
For the classroom:
- BIPOC/biracial main characters
- difficult family life - court system, divorce, estranged, but loving, father, a mom who struggles with alcoholism, a loving guardian
- Oaxacan festival at Christmas time
- lots of examples for teaching figurative language, especially similes
Naomi lives in a trailer with her Gram and her little brother. They are happy and content in their lives. Then, Naomi's mom comes back into their lives... Naomi begins a search to find out who she is.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Naomi and her little brother live with their grandmother. When their mother drifts back into their lives with a very unpleasant boyfriend, the children avoid her by visiting relatives in Mexico. Once there, they search for Naomi's father, hoping that he will sign custody over to Naomi's grandmother. Meeting her family helps Naomi learn more about why she is the way she is and to learn to celebrate her rich heritage.
Keep some kleenex handy.
Keep some kleenex handy.