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librariandest's review
5.0
Thank you to Penguin for sending me this book. It shines with the same gentle brilliance as Last Stop on Market Street. I could not agree more with the Kirkus review that called it "another near-perfect slice of life from a duo that has found a way to spotlight underrepresented children without forgetting that they are children first." (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/matt-de-la-pena/carmela-full-of-wishes/)
mallen8509's review
5.0
Carmela is excited when she finally gets to hangout with her big brother.
Of course, her brother isn't thrilled.
Carmela thinks her day is ruined until her big brother saves the day.
Carmela and her brother reminded me of me and my big brother. I was super annoying, but he was always there when I needed him.♥️
Of course, her brother isn't thrilled.
Carmela thinks her day is ruined until her big brother saves the day.
Carmela and her brother reminded me of me and my big brother. I was super annoying, but he was always there when I needed him.♥️
hanlapham's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Category: Immigration Picture Book
Title: Carmela Full of Wishes
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Date Published: October 9, 2018
Age Appropriateness:
- I think this book is best for students ages 5-8. It’s a very cute and hopeful story about a young girl learning about the hope that comes from dandelions.
Summary:
The story begins with Carmela finally being old enough to head to the laundromat with her brother. She picks a dandelion and is about to blow it when her brother asks her if she even made a wish. Although she didn’t know that’s what she was supposed to do, she lied to her brother and told her of course she did. She holds onto the dandelion for a while, thinking about the perfect wish she could make until she trips, and the dandelion is destroyed before she could even make a wish on it. Although he was annoyed with Carmela, her brother brings her to a cliff overlooking the sea where dandelion spores are floating everywhere. As they leave, she asks her brother if he wants to know her wish, and he reminds her that if she told him, it wouldn’t come true.
Review:
- I think the idea of this book is very powerful and inspiring. As a Christian, I don't necessarily believe in wishing on dandelions. I think it’s fun to blow on them, but ultimately it’s just false hope. And, although I can’t teach my future public school students about the hope of Jesus, I am not sure I want to teach students about believing in blowing on weeds for a wish they want to come true. On the other hand, it tells the story of Carmela, a seemingly regular girl, except her dad doesn’t have the correct paperwork, so he is not around. It reminds students that even if it looks like someone is happy, there is often more that maybe they don’t realize.
nomefriegues's review
5.0
As if there was ever a chance I wasn't going to love this book!
Such a touching story about siblings, family, independence, kindness, and growing up. The illustrations are obviously a delight. Please read this!!
Such a touching story about siblings, family, independence, kindness, and growing up. The illustrations are obviously a delight. Please read this!!
worldlibraries's review against another edition
1.0
In the book, the boy provides for his sister when he sees she is in need. She rewards him by being less than who she is by removing bracelets he finds annoying. She knew what he wanted mattered most. The patriarchy in a nutshell.
shighley's review against another edition
3.0
I finally got the print version after listening to the audio book some time ago, which makes me wonder-- why an audio version of a picture book? It's amazing how technology has advanced so much that you can feel like you are seeing, as if almost touching the actual artwork. It's a nice little story.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
The art is only okay, the text is fine. But this captures a time and a place. And perhaps more importantly an experience. This never quite says migrant workers, possibly with a father not able to be back in country. But it doesn't hide it either. And it shows a youngster shopping on foot but also being able to be responsible for a younger sibling and walking over to where you could see the see.
idgey's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5