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julshakespeare's review against another edition
4.0
4.2/5 stars, full review to come! Storytelling, family, burgeoning independence and self-discovery... everything a middle grade book needs in my opinion. Wanted more of some elements but overall it was very charming.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
janelofton's review against another edition
5.0
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy at the California School Library Association conference. Thank you Pam Muñoz Ryan for bringing the copies! This will be a great choice for middle school students. Set in a fictional Central American country, 12-year-old Max is determined to discover the mystery of where his mother is and why she left when he was just a baby. During a courageous and dangerous trip helping a runaway young girl, what he learns is not what he expected.
carolynj_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Pam Muñoz Ryan has done it again. I listened to the Libro.fm ALC of this while running a marathon today. I cried at one point (pretended it was sweat). Max is a boy who lives with his father and grandpa; mom left when he was young. All he really wants is to make the local football team. One night, while home alone, a knock comes to the door that leads him on a challenging journey. Many themes to unpack here with students.
evs_shelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rhrousu's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent audiobook, compelling but grounded story about growing into something larger than yourself. Highly recommended for ages 9-13.
abbielester's review against another edition
3.0
Pam Munoz Ryan's new book reads like a fable about immigrants fleeing from oppressive circumstances. Max's frustration with his father's secretive and overprotective nature makes sense until the final revelation at the end. If definitely has fable-like qualities from Max's ability to lead someone on a dangerous journey with only the words of a story to guide him to his father's quick acceptance of his decision to even undertake the journey on his own. Suspend your disbelief and go on this journey with Max.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
dinnertime's review against another edition
5.0
Listened to this while doing chores so I finished it quickly. Deep story that I hope the kids in the library will read.
cafe_con_cass's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet fantasy story about a young boy who loves soccer and finds out his family is magical. Peak Muñoz Ryan.
jessicareads85's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-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
3.0
exitpursuedbyabear's review against another edition
3.0
I love Pam Muñoz Ryan’s work, particularly Echo and Esperanza Rising! This one is a good book from her - I loved the setting and symbolism. She weaves together so many beautiful elements. The one downside for me was that her story had so much exposition in comparison to the amount of plot, so much so, that it felt like half the book was lost and we somehow tied up loose ends really fast.