All the Way to Havana
3-5
Realistic Fiction
By: Margarita Engle
Illust. by: Mike Curato
Henry Holt and Co., 2017
Lexile: 890
Tags: Curriculum: Cars; Cuba; Families
A young Cuban boy is off to Havana with his family to celebrate the ‘zero-year birthday’ of a new cousin. To get there, they must first repair their old car held together by little more than “wire, tape, and mixed-up scraps of dented metal.” Along the way, they enjoy the sights of Cuba and relish in the profusion of vintage cars that speak to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Cuban people.
This title provides a snapshot of life in contemporary Cuba. Vibrant, richly detailed illustrations are paired with an upbeat, delightful, onomatopoeia-filled text. Perseverance and a can-do attitude is a theme that is quietly imbued throughout the tale. Classic car enthusiasts will especially enjoy this title.
Reviewed by:
Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
Alma and How She Got Her Name
Easy Fiction
Written and illus. by: Juana Martinez-Neal
Candlewick Press, 2018
Tags: Names; Geneaology
Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela has a problem: her impossibly long name never seems to fit the paper, so her father decides to give her some family history to make her feel better. As he names each ancestor and explains that they were lovers of flowers and books, artists, and those with a big vision of the world, Alma sees that she likes those things, too, and finally rejoices in her kinship.
Simple, lovely pencil drawings have ethnic details showing Alma's Peruvian heritage, similar to the story of the author told in the back matter. Not just for those of Latino background, all students can find out the history of their names and decide what life story they want to tell.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
El grito
PS-2
Non-fiction
By: Alonso Núñez
Illus. by: Josel
CIDCLI, 2009
Tags: Rhyming in Spanish; Mexican history
Better known in Mexico than stateside, Alonso Núñez is a jocular rhymester with a special appeal for listeners 3 to 6 years old. No stranger to silly sayings about serious subjects, Núñez here presents the 1810 revolutionary call to arms known as El Grito de Dolores.
With help from Josel’s clever and cartoony illustrations, Núñez continues with a complete overview of Mexico’s history—Maya stone heads, Aztec codices, the colonial period, and more. Thanks to Nunez, 1810 will live in the minds of little listeners. 1776 should be so lucky. El grito isn’t currently in the DPS collection.
Reviewed by: Nick Bleckley
Cheltenham Elem.
Jabberwalking
Poetry
By: Juan Felipe Herrera
Candlewick Press, 2017
Tags: Writing, general; Writing, poetry; Curriculum
Study the exuberant explosion of bright cover-art color, with the whimsical addition of a man walking a dog. Add in what you already know of Lewis Carroll's nonsensical poem Jabberwocky. Stay out of the deep end of the Meanings ocean, and instead, let the lyrical text from the 2015-2017 U.S. Poet Laureate give you a fresh insight simply into writing poetry. Read the pages aloud! As with most poetry, these words and their rhythm should be heard rather than read silently. This, this is fun.
Teachers, try these writing techniques with your poets and authors. The beauty, power and imagery of words get excellent treatment with this technique. Just don't try to make too much sense of the text.
Reviewed by: Terri Faulkner
Library Services
Lucky Broken Girl
3-5
Realistic Fiction
By: Ruth Behar
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017
Lexile: 670L
Tags: Coming-of-age; Immigrants; Cuban-Americans; Healing
Winner of the 2018 Pura Belpre Award! In 1960s Queens, 10-year-old Ruthie, a Cuban-Jewish immigrant, is involved in a horrific car accident that leaves her in a body cast for nearly a year. Confined to her bed, Ruthie relies on books, art, her family, a multicultural cast of friends, and even the gods of other religions to heal.
This slow-paced novel, based on the author’s childhood experience, is filled with rich cultural diversity and adeptly captures the immigrant experience. This is a story about strength, determination, and hope. Readers in the midst of hard times will find Ruthie a positive role model as she grows, heals and finds forgiveness.
Reviewed by: Lori Micho
Library Services
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Realistic Fiction
By: Angela Dominguez
Square Fish Publishing, 2018
Lexile: 650L
Tags: Newcomer stories; Friendship; Shyness; Bullying; School stories
Third-grader Stella has much to celebrate: loving mother, wise older brother, solid best friend, a great school and teacher, and a fabulous fusion of Spanish and American cultures that surround her. She also has a bully and a deep fear of speaking up and not tripping over her words. But a series of successes - a spelling bee, a new friend named Stanley, growing confidence as an artist and fish expert - and sage advice from her mom help Stella focus on her strengths, brushing off both the bully and her own limitations.
This emerging chapter book has plenty of picture support and a very likable cast of characters. Like Clementine, Stella may make mistakes, but it is her plucky determination that lifts her up and opens opportunities for discussions.
Reviewed by: Terri Faulkner, Library Services
The Cholo Tree
9-12
Realistic Fiction
By: Daniel Chacon
Pinata Books, 2017
Lexile: 700L
Tags: Gangs; Racism; Stereotypes
Victor is a nice kid. He is an artist, likes to cook, knows about double negatives and watches Weeds. He dresses like everyone else in his neighborhood: baggy pants and death metal t-shirts in a variety of shades of black. Everyone thinks he is in a gang, including his mother and his best friend.
This book investigates racism within a race. Victor's friends and relatives cannot see past his dark complexion and clothing to the person he really is. This book could be used when discussing racism or stereotyping.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
The Go-Between
9-12
Realistic
By: Veronica Chambers
Delacorte Press, 2017
Lexile: 850L
Tags: Stereotypes; Racism; Social action
Cammi lives a life of wealth and luxury at home in Mexico City. When her family moves to LA where she attends a private school for the wealthy, the girls she meets immediately assume she is a “scholarship girl” and stereotype her as such.
This well-written book is an interesting, alternate look at stereotypes and well-intentioned racism. Give this book to students who are beginning their journey into social activism. The Go-Between will be okay in upper middle school.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
The Education of Margot Sanchez
9-12
Realistic
By: Lilliam Rivera
Simon and Schuster, 2017
Lexile: 580L
Tags: Social issues; Families; Gender bias
Margot’s family owns a grocery store and Margot goes to a pricey private school. One day she “borrows” her father’s credit card and charges six hundred dollars' worth of clothes. As punishment, she must spend the summer working in her father’s store.
The summer is an eye-opener for Margot and through her, readers. Issues surrounding racism and privilege are well and thoroughly handled along with issues of gender bias: what is right and good for a man is unacceptable for a woman. This thought-provoking read is better suited for a high school audience due to sexual content.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
Us in Progress
Short stories
Written and illus. by: Lulu Delacre
Harper, 2017
Lexile: 740L
Tags: Latinos; Immigration; Families
This collection of twelve short stories, all based on true events, focuses on the experiences of young Latinos in the United States. Some of the stories have familiar themes of family relationships, while others are centered around current events, including deportation and police brutality. A Dreamer tries to figure out how to stay in the U.S. to pursue a career; a young Tejano boy wants to become a border guard like his father to keep out "impure" Hispanics but then discovers his Indian heritage.
The variety of topics and situations in the book reflects the rich breadth of Latino culture as well as shining a spotlight on serious problems that need solutions. The author's mixed media portraits show "an array of feelings common to any young person," demonstrating that we are more alike than different. Use as a read aloud for great discussion starters.
Review by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life
9-12
Realistic Fiction
By: Benjamin ALire Saenz
Clarion Books, 2017
Lexile: HL450
Tags: Adoption; Identity; LGBTQ; Hispanic Americans; Death and dying; High-low text
This sensitive, thoughtful title delves into the complexities of relationships, while dealing with issues of grief, acceptance, and what it means to be a man. A must read for young adults.
Reviewed by: Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Realistic Fiction
By: Erika L. Sanchez
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2017
Lexile: 730L
Tags: Family tragedy; Depression; Suicide attempt; Self-discovery
Julia Reyes is an angst-ridden Latina in Chicago. Her older sister - the good daughter - has died in an accident for which Julia feels responsible; her parents might blame her as well. She is also trying to establish her authentic independent personality. This gritty novel throws in just about every emotional brick available: loss, depression, pregnancy, abortion, LGBTQ, suicide, family struggles and coming-of-age realism and also adds in the challenge of undocumented parents and DACA children while lauding Mexican culture. It is an ambitious work but the solidly-developed characters and well-paced action make it successful. Despite it's heavy topics, it also resonates with hope and spunk.
This book's larger purpose, according to the author, is to highlight depression, mental illness and the many resources available for those contemplating suicide. It shines a positive light on therapy and counseling and plays to the 'every teen' theater.
Reviewed by: Terri Faulkner, Library Services
All the Crooked Saints
9-12
Fiction
By: Maggie Stiefvater
Scholastic Press, 2017
Lexile: 980
Tags: Miracles; Family; Colorado
The story opens in Bicho Raro, Colorado, in the early 1960’s. This is where the Soria family settled. Each of the cousins has a unique ability to perform miracles. Daniel Lupe Soria was considered to be the best saint they have had for generations. He has the gift to remove darkness from the soul. His cousins Beatrice and Joaquin also have unique skills. Those coming to Bicho Raro are all looking for a miracle. However, when a miracle is granted, the result can be unexpected.
This story is a little different from some of Stiefvater’s others. There is a bit of mystery, a little of the occult, some magic and some very interesting characters. The story will appeal to high school readers and adults.
Reviewed by: Karen Burns
Place Bridge Academy
Love, Sugar, Magic: a taste of magic
6-8
Fantasy
By: Anna Meriano
Walden Pond Press, 2018
Lexile: 850
Tags: Magic; Brujas; Bakeries
Leonora (Leo to her family) is the youngest daughter in her family of five daughters. Her parents run a bakery and the older girls are all allowed to help out. The family is all preparing for the annual Dia De Los Muertos festival and Leo feels left out. She ditches school and sneaks into the bakery. What she finds there leads her down a twisted path of testing out her magic and trying to prove she is old enough to be helpful.
This sweet read will be fine for upper elementary students as well as middle school students. The magic of the brujas’ from the cultural past is interwoven with family dynamics and friendship in this fun read. There is a strong hint for further adventures in the Love, Sugar, Magic bakery.
Reviewed by:
Chris Coble
CEC Early College
