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yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Told in free verse poetry, this powerful book is a testament to the power of hope and love. Serafina faces many obstacles on her way to becoming a doctor. First, she must go to school, which is no easy feat when there is no extra money for tuition, books, or uniforms. She works hard every day doing chores around the house so that her family might survive. It is not always enough, and she is often hungry. But the love and unfailing spirits of her father and grandmother help to keep her strong and on the path to her dreams. This takes places in modern day Haiti, though it feels as if it is another time entirely. Recommended for grades 4 and up.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
3.0
I'm reading the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl books for the next school year with my daughter this summer and this is one of them. In fact, it's my last one.
Obviously, I'm not the target audience here, so that could color my experience. I liked this one well enough, but I'm going to go ahead and say that I just don't get the novel in verse thing. This one pulled it off better than the other reading bowl pick, Mountain Dog, but I still am just not a fan. The story here was simple and sweet and it's probably not something my daughter (or I) would pick up on our own, so it's nice to get something that's outside our usual realm of reading.
Obviously, I'm not the target audience here, so that could color my experience. I liked this one well enough, but I'm going to go ahead and say that I just don't get the novel in verse thing. This one pulled it off better than the other reading bowl pick, Mountain Dog, but I still am just not a fan. The story here was simple and sweet and it's probably not something my daughter (or I) would pick up on our own, so it's nice to get something that's outside our usual realm of reading.
kstep1805's review against another edition
5.0
Besides Shakespeare, I've never really read a book in verse and was delighted with the writing. I had expected rhyming, especially considering this is a middle grade novel but it was merely lyrical, making it an easy read. The words flowed beautifully painting this fantastic portrait of both Serafina and life in Haiti.
I think this book was probably more intense for me as a mother than it would be for a middle grader who wouldn't have worries of keeping babies and children safe in the world. I was impressed at the depth of feelings that she evoked and her ability to capture the emotions of infant loss. This book may be geared toward middle graders but can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
I think this book was probably more intense for me as a mother than it would be for a middle grader who wouldn't have worries of keeping babies and children safe in the world. I was impressed at the depth of feelings that she evoked and her ability to capture the emotions of infant loss. This book may be geared toward middle graders but can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
Serafina has a dream: to be a doctor like Dr. Antoinette Solaine, the clinic doctor who tried to save the life of her infant brother. To be a doctor, Serafina knows that she'll have to go to school... but there's no money for the books and uniform she'll need. Her family lives in a shack outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Serafina's every moment is taken up with chores to help the family eke out a meager living. And then disaster strikes and Serafina's family is left picking up the pieces. But what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
Ann E. Burg's sparse prose is hopeful as Serafina meets every new challenge with determination and optimism. I really regret the lack of an author's note giving a little background information about the flood and earthquake. Kids are going to need scaffolding with this book, especially since the verse format lends itself to a more visceral and sensory experience of the disasters, rather than spelling out what happened.
Readalikes:
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes because it's another story of a plucky young girl dealing with natural disasters hitting her hometown.
Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff because it's a novel in verse about a girl who's determined to follow her dreams and get an education.
Ann E. Burg's sparse prose is hopeful as Serafina meets every new challenge with determination and optimism. I really regret the lack of an author's note giving a little background information about the flood and earthquake. Kids are going to need scaffolding with this book, especially since the verse format lends itself to a more visceral and sensory experience of the disasters, rather than spelling out what happened.
Readalikes:
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes because it's another story of a plucky young girl dealing with natural disasters hitting her hometown.
Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff because it's a novel in verse about a girl who's determined to follow her dreams and get an education.
curly_and_caffeinated007's review
5.0
As a middle school English teacher, I really loved this middle grade novel written in verse about a Haitian girl who dreams of becoming a doctor. It’s a heartfelt reminder that there are children in other countries whose greatest wish is to have enough food to eat and to be able to go to school and follow their dreams. Even though Seraphina’s family does not have money or worldly possessions, they nurture her with love. As a result, she is empathetic, introspective, and hopeful about her future. The ending leaves the readers hopeful too.
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
There are novels in verse (like Out of the Dust, Brown Girl Dreaming) and there are others -- and this one is up with the good ones. Serafina's voice is distinct and her desire to become a doctor is emotionally authentic. The beautiful language, deceptively simple, appropriately captures Haiti. Her loving family encounters the hardships and misfortunes of the country and climate. Beautiful!
cedardleland's review
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0