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missred's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
tbclawson's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book would be too sad, you know, like middle grade fiction has a tendency to be. And it was sad, but it was also utterly charming. I love the way the book flowed, how all the pieces of the story gradually came together. I loved the hints of magic - which save the story from being too sad. I loved the illustrations. I would give this book to 5th graders and up, those who enjoy realistic fiction - as an introduction to magical realism.
ashlee_green's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely little tale about kindness. It reads like a fairy-tale, but the magical element is very subtle. It addresses some big issues like grief, loss, fear, abuse, and the harmful effects of gossip - but still manages to be really hopeful and whimsical. This would be a great read-aloud - the writing has a really strong lyrical/storytelling quality that draws you in and keeps you really engaged. I read it in a few hours; I could have read it in one sitting - but I was at work and kept getting interrupted.
hopejrc's review against another edition
5.0
Fabulous. I'm going to read it aloud to my kids next because it will be a perfect read aloud. Such a well written story, great pacing and constant intrigue. Loved it.
heathssm's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
laurajones's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Fatphobia
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness
abby_rose's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
annanas123's review against another edition
2.0
Despite my two-star rating, I actually enjoyed the book. It's a kid-friendly quick read. However, it starts up very slow. I enjoyed the beginning because I was in the mood for some slice-of-life but it takes a while for the plot to even show up. Even then, when it does, it starts to feel a bit rushed. I really liked the writing style, though many of the characters other than Alberto and Tito seemed very one-dimensional and their actions seemed forced. The ending was nice...but sad, too. I suppose that's just me, though. I see things through a different lens and I could tell that the ending was meant to be a happy one. All in all, it was an okay read. It's something I would recommend to younger readers (elementary level) but it just wasn't meant for me.