I’ve joined up with the IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? kid-lit edition, hosted by Unleashing Readers. This will help me get more reviews posted – I have lots of books I’ve loved lately to share with you!
So, today I’m sharing reviews of two middle-grade books, one by a debut author and one by a MG icon. Hope these bite-sized reviews are enough to feed your fiction addiction!
Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo Published by Carolrhoda Books on April 2, 2024
Genres: Contemporary, Middle Grade
Pages: 248
Source: NetGalley
Cover Artist: Dana Sanmar
My rating:
Cruzita is going to be a pop star. All she has to do is win a singing contest at her favorite theme park and get famous. But she can’t go to the theme park this summer. Instead, she has to help out at her family’s bakery, which has been struggling ever since Tío Chuy died. Cruzita’s great-uncle poured his heart into the bakery―the family legacy―and now that he’s gone, nothing is the same. When Cruzita’s not rolling uneven tortillas or trying to salvage rock-hard conchas, she has to take mariachi lessons, even though she doesn’t know how to play her great-grandpa’s violin and she’s not fluent in Spanish. At first, she’s convinced her whole summer will be a disaster. But as she discovers the heart and soul of mariachi music, she realizes that there’s more than one way to be a star―and more than one way to carry on a legacy.
This MG contemporary is both an inspirational story about following your dreams and an exploration of Latino culture in its many forms. After Cruzita’s uncle dies, the family is mourning both his loss and the slow failure of his beloved Mexican bakery, which they’re trying to keep afloat. Cruzita believes that chasing her dream of being a superstar singer will also save the family business, but her grandmother has other plans for Cruzita’s summer—she wants her to learn the violin at a local mariachi school. The book focuses on Cruzita’s journey as she learns to embrace a culture she hasn’t felt terribly connected to in the past—she’s often felt less-than-Mexican, partially because she struggles in Spanish class. But as Cruzita grows closer to her new found family, she realizes she can pursue her dreams and embrace her ethnic roots. Many kids will resonate with Cruzita’s desire for superstardom and her fears of failure. Very relatable!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Willodeen by Katherine Applegate Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Published by Feiwel and Friends on September 7, 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 272
Source: Gift
My rating:
The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .
Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.
Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.
When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.
An utterly enchanting story with fantastical creatures at its heart: hideous screechers and adorable hummingbears. Meet Willodeen, the girl who loves them both.
I loved so many aspects of this book! I read it in one sitting because I was captivated by the characters and their quest to save the creatures of their town. The story is a perfect tool to talk about climate change and the interdependencies in our ecosystem. The message is strong without seeming heavy-handed. Kids will love learning the secrets of the bluewillow trees right along with Willodeen and they’ll be rooting for her to convince her town to listen to her concerns. The story has a fairy tale feel to it, with just a touch of magic, and the sweet illustrations bring the animals to life. This may very well be a new all-time favorite for me!
What I’m currently reading:
Right now I’m listening to Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross, the second book in the Letters of Enchantment duology. Definitely enjoying this continuation of the series! And I’m reading A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig, a spooky debut MG set in a Halloween-themed town!
You’ve sold me on Willodeen which sounds so delightful. I haven’t read Katherine Applegate’s last few books but I will definitely be looking for this one.
I know most people love Applegate for her One and Only Series, but this one tops that series (for me).
I got a little misty reading about Cruzita in your review. Sounds like a sweet and heartwarming story.
It really is! It’s one of those great stories that has really strong family connections and really strong friendships. So good!
Willodeen was already on my want to read list, but after reading your review, I went and downloaded it. I’ve also added Cruzita and the Mariacheros to my list.
I’m also excitedly looking forward to The Song of Orphan’s Garden!
Oh, thanks so much for letting me know you’re excited for my book! That’s the best feeling!!
I really hope you love Willodeen (and Cruzita too!) – I don’t think you’ll be sorry you downloaded it!
Willodeen sounds so sweet! And I love that it features a discussion on climate change. I feel like it’s so hard to tackle similar topics without being heavy-handed about it, especially when it’s written for a younger audience, so kudos to the author for managing to do just that! <3