This book! You will be drawn in to this story from the start as you become invested in the characters and watch their relationship’s twists and turns. It is touching, suspenseful, heart wrenching, heartwarming, enriching, eye-opening and filled with hope.
It is so RELATABLE
—Every girl will relate to the self-doubt Ximena has. At least I did - I felt like I was 13 again!
—Every kid who has been bullied will relate
—Every boy who has had to be tough and macho all while dealing with emotional pain will relate
—Every kid who was doing terrible in school and just didn’t care because other things were on their mind and heart will relate
—Every child of immigrant parents will relate to their parents being just way more into their heritage.
—Every person who has tried to make a change in their life will relate to how there are always circumstances and other people trying to sabotage your efforts.
It gives positive messages without being preachy:
—the girl volunteers and is so blessed by her relationship with and the wisdom from her surrogate grandmother
—it shows how people in prison can take advantage of programs to grow and change
—family is first and foremost, they are there for each other even when they don’t want to; one of the most special moments (here come the tears) is her father’s love and support of her relationship with her biological father. I don’t want to be too specific and ruin it
And the dog. That part of the story line just gets me. I love the connection he made. Sorry so vague, no spoilers!
Oh yeah, it’s extremely comprehensible, written in simple language without being repetitive or boring and also has a comprehensive glossary.
So, it’s comprehensible. It’s compelling. Just go get this book. Your students (and you!) will love it!
