“A sensitive and beautiful story of culture, identity, and belonging ― a superb picture book outing for Díaz and one to be shared broadly in a variety of settings.”
NO MAJOR SPOILERS
I don’t read children’s books since my daughter grew up years ago but when Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz wrote one, I decided to check it out.
It is the wonderful story of Lola, a very young lady born on an unnamed Island, now living in a city somewhere. She is in school and her teacher has asked all the children in the class to write a brief story of where they came from.
Most of the kids have memories of their original home, but Lola was very young when she emigrated so she remembers nothing. When she tells her Mom about this, Mom suggests she ask her neighbors and friends about her Island, so this is what she does.
Nicely illustrated, the stories Lola hears are beautiful and she wonders why all the people left and came to where they are now.
She will learn about the Monster of the Island and how the heroes of the Island conquered the Monster. Lola draws about everything she hears and when the time comes to give her report, it is one filled with wonderful pictures.
A nice little book for kids to learn about where others come from. If you have a child or grandchild, it would be a nice addition to their library.
Reviewed by:
Richard Franco
Added 19th April 2018
