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mimela78's review
emotional
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
courtandspark's review
4.0
a book i will definitely read aloud to my future children to teach them to goodness of individuals and the importance of kindness.
mlottermoser's review
4.0
Arturo moves from Mexico with his family to the streets of LA. Each chapter tells a short story of a good person in his life. This book is a fictitious account that provides insight into the Latino culture and inspires young children to search for and be the good. I'd say it is perfect for late elementary school kids.
readitall199's review
3.0
Arturo describes the good and bad about growing up in the barrio in Los Angeles. He is a gifted writer and the beautiful descriptions leap off the page. This is more of “a slice of life” writing, without a formal plot. I read it as a series of short stories about the main character and his family. Many chapters are memorable: when a former NBA player helps coach the basketball team, the battles with a gang including a drive by, and the Green Needles Gang - could be used as a short story in class.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
5.0
Arturo and his family move to LA and run head on into both the terrible problems of the city and the amazing love of the town. Arturo’s Papi is very wise, showing the children how to find good in the world and revealing to them how to make good from bad.
p. 16 On the way home Papi says, “This Leo Love is a brave man. In spite of fear he saved Huitla. When no eyes are upon him, that is a person’s true test.”
p. 103 “Mijo.” With carino, Papi touches my shoulders and looks into my face. The world seems to wait while he arranges his thoughts. Then slowly he says, “In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it.” A big speech for him. And I can tell he’s not done. After a moment he says, “Remember this thing --- any small goodness is of value.”
p. 16 On the way home Papi says, “This Leo Love is a brave man. In spite of fear he saved Huitla. When no eyes are upon him, that is a person’s true test.”
p. 103 “Mijo.” With carino, Papi touches my shoulders and looks into my face. The world seems to wait while he arranges his thoughts. Then slowly he says, “In life there is bueno and there is malo. If you do not find enough of the good, you must yourself create it.” A big speech for him. And I can tell he’s not done. After a moment he says, “Remember this thing --- any small goodness is of value.”
carriealibrarian's review
5.0
A most uplifting read with beautiful writing. These small stories inflated my heart to nearly bursting.
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