Scan barcode
cedardleland's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
notinjersey's review against another edition
4.0
This semi-autobiographical account of a young immigrant from Cuba to NYC was more literary than I would expect from a middle grade book. I was so angry for Ruthie that she needed to be in a full body cast for almost a year! The friendships she made and maintained over this time were inspiring. Ruthie is also a Jewish character, which appeals to me as a Jewish reader.
katscribefever's review
4.0
Ruthie is a young Cuban immigrant whose father revels in the opportunities that the family's move to the United States affords their family. All those golden thoughts vanish when tragedy strikes and Ruthie becomes bedridden--for nearly a year. This is the story of Ruthie's long, arduous journey that all took place in her bed as she has to fight off the ills that are attacking her body and, perhaps even more menacing, her mind. A beautiful, memorable tale based on author Ruth Behar's own childhood experience.
reading_rachel's review
4.0
This book contained so much in its tiny volume. I loved that this was basically a creative memoir, and even though it took me a little bit to get into the story, I loved hearing Ruthie’s response to challenges and all of those who helped her. Her story of immigration is one that many readers can identify with.
readingpicnic's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Very fast paced perspective of a young disabled Cuban-American immigrant based on the author’s own experiences that was both emotional and heartwarming. I think the cast of characters were all very well-rounded, and the family dynamics and dialogue were all very believable. I loved all of the food descriptions, plus the recipes in the back! I haven’t read a middle grade book in a long time, but figured I would try it since the author teaches at my alma mater (I feel pretentious saying alma mater for some reason?), and I finished and enjoyed it in a day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Car accident, Excrement, and Medical content
Moderate: Grief, Xenophobia, Ableism, and Racism
chocodippedlibrarian's review
4.0
For the age range, I thought the subject matter was a little too mature. There are some serious issues going on with Ruthie's parents that may be upsetting for some people. I did like the fact that Ruthie was constantly meeting other people of different nationalities. I would still recommend this book but more so for junior high than middle school.
saidtheraina's review
4.0
Have you ever had an experience that totally changed the course of your life? Ruth thought that her life was already off-course. But then, she got terrible news.
One of my middle school Pizza & Paperbacks kids recommended this to me, so I decided to add it to my 2018 Middle School booktalk line-up.
Ruth breaks her leg, and her doctor decides that she needs a cast that covers not only her broken leg, but also her other leg (because she's still growing), and her torso. I doubt this would be the treatment now, but this was several decades ago.
The story is based on the author's life.
It's engagingly written. And I loved the fact that Ruth is Jewish, and from Cuba. That realistic intersectionality is good to see in our fiction for kids.
It wasn't a super-big-hit of my booktalks, but I think the cover is good enough that the right kids will find it.
One of my middle school Pizza & Paperbacks kids recommended this to me, so I decided to add it to my 2018 Middle School booktalk line-up.
Ruth breaks her leg, and her doctor decides that she needs a cast that covers not only her broken leg, but also her other leg (because she's still growing), and her torso. I doubt this would be the treatment now, but this was several decades ago.
The story is based on the author's life.
It's engagingly written. And I loved the fact that Ruth is Jewish, and from Cuba. That realistic intersectionality is good to see in our fiction for kids.
It wasn't a super-big-hit of my booktalks, but I think the cover is good enough that the right kids will find it.
rachelannak's review
5.0
This is another book I wish was around when I was growing up. Ruthie is an amazing young lady and the fire inside of her is so important for girls to read about and emulate.