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Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
Her last name may mean "kings," but Ana Maria Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she's stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too lovey-dovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone's friends (way too often), and a piano (which she never gets to practice). And when her parents announce a new baby is coming, that means they'll have even less time for Ana Maria.
Then she hears about the Eleanor School, New York City's best private academy. If Ana Maria can win a scholarship, she'll be able to get out of her Washington Heights neighborhood school and achieve the education she's longed for. To stand out, she'll need to nail her piano piece at the upcoming city showcase, which means she has to practice through her sisters' hijinks, the neighbors' visits, a family trip to the Dominican Republic . . . right up until the baby's birth! But some new friends and honest conversations help her figure out what truly matters, and know that she can succeed no matter what. Ana Maria Reyes may not be royal, but she's certain to come out on top.
Then she hears about the Eleanor School, New York City's best private academy. If Ana Maria can win a scholarship, she'll be able to get out of her Washington Heights neighborhood school and achieve the education she's longed for. To stand out, she'll need to nail her piano piece at the upcoming city showcase, which means she has to practice through her sisters' hijinks, the neighbors' visits, a family trip to the Dominican Republic . . . right up until the baby's birth! But some new friends and honest conversations help her figure out what truly matters, and know that she can succeed no matter what. Ana Maria Reyes may not be royal, but she's certain to come out on top.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 7, 2021
Ana Maria Reyes has a plan, she's going to get a scholarship for the prestigious private school that her family can't afford with her piano recital. She's going to be big, going places very far away from her crowded, tiny apartment. Of course, nothing comes easy in her life. Her parents announce a new baby is coming and her aunt invites them to the Dominican Republic, which ends up opening Ana Maria's world open.
Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle is ultimately a book about family and culture, about helping and supporting your community, about the sacrifices we made for the people we care about.
Read my full review on my blog, Cande Reads
Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle is ultimately a book about family and culture, about helping and supporting your community, about the sacrifices we made for the people we care about.
Read my full review on my blog, Cande Reads
January 26, 2020
The cover art is misleading and too cutesy for a book of this depth. To me, this book is more appropriate for older middle school students, as it introduces a plethora of important issues that are worthy of serious consideration and contemplation. My fear is that this book will never make it into those hands because older students will look at the cover and mistakenly assume (like I did) that this book is geared more toward upper elementary and lower middle school. It's not that younger students couldn't read it and enjoy it-- it's just that some of the issues (child labor, alcohol and drug abuse, family/community relations, standards of living in other countries, etc.), although introduced in a way that is sensitive to younger readers and are mostly peripheral to the main story, would be more impactful and have more meaning for slightly older readers.
July 9, 2018
This is one of the first two novels I've edited for Lee & Low, and I've pitched it the following ways:
* "THE PENDERWICKS in Washington Heights"
* "A Latina LITTLE WOMEN" (which is also what Julia Alvarez called it!)
* "The smart, guarded, hilarious narrator of MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS meets the piano practicer of A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT"
* "A wonderful new diverse middle-grade debut, full of smarts and heart"
If that sounds like the sort of thing you're interested in, please add it on Goodreads too!
* "THE PENDERWICKS in Washington Heights"
* "A Latina LITTLE WOMEN" (which is also what Julia Alvarez called it!)
* "The smart, guarded, hilarious narrator of MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS meets the piano practicer of A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT"
* "A wonderful new diverse middle-grade debut, full of smarts and heart"
If that sounds like the sort of thing you're interested in, please add it on Goodreads too!
November 7, 2018
Eleven year old Ana María lives in a two bedroom apartment in Washington Heights in upper Manhattan with her parents, older sister Gracie, 13, and younger sisters Rosie, 6, and Connie, 3. Ana's parents are from the Dominican Republic, and although their children have never been there, they are proud of their heritage. Her father, a graduate of Columbia Law School, is a public assistance lawyer, so the Reyes family needs to watch their money carefully.
Ana is very smart and talented and it is assumed by her family that she will be accepted into and attend Bronx High School of Science, one of NYC's elite public schools. But on the day her sixth grade counselor gives her an application packet to apply for a full scholarship to the Eleanor School, the prestigious private school that Ana's best friend attends, Ana's parents announce that they are expecting another baby. And unlike the rest of her family, Ana is not happy about it.
Ana is also an accomplished pianist and when she shows up for her next lesson with her teacher, Doña Dulce, she finds three people from the Piano Teachers' Association already there. They have invited Doña Dulce to bring two students to their Winter Showcase to be held at Lincoln Center. Ana hopes to be one of the two, thinking it would definitely help with her Eleanor School application.
Into this mix, comes Tia Nona on the arm of fiancé Juan Miguel, announcing her upcoming wedding in the Dominican Republic and she wants the whole Reyes family to be there, and Ana, with whom she has a close relationship, to play the piano. And Tia Nona is willing to pay everyone's airfare to make sure they are there when she gets married.
The Reyes sisters are thrilled to meet their relatives in the DR and it proves to be a real eye-opening trip for Ana. Tia Nona, who is a doctor, is quite well off, living in a large home with servants, including a young girl Ana's age, and whose family lives in poverty. But when she sees her aunt mistreating the girl, Ana begins to look at the world a little differently.
Ana María slowly learns that her choices and her actions all have consequences - some good, others not so good. How all of this plays out over the course of approximately 6 to 7 months will keep young readers turning pages.
This is a lively book with a lot going on. And while I really enjoyed reading it, I didn't much like Ana María at first. She was a little selfish and self-centered, but as I read, I noticed how she was changing and becoming more aware of the world around her, realizing that some people's circumstances were much worse than hers - she was surrounded by a loving, supportive family and although they couldn't afford much, they did what they could and it was usually done with love. Not everyone has that, Ana discovers.
Burgos has peopled Ana María's world with characters who are realistically and vividly drawn, bringing out their different personalities (no easy task when you are writing about four sisters, each with their own, very individual personality) and their Dominican culture to life. I've lived in NYC my whole life, I love its diversity, and I thought Burgos captured the Reyes' Washington Heights neighbors to a T.
Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle is an engaging novel that tackles a variety of themes, such as the importance of education, family, living in a bi-cultural world, community, alcoholism, and abuse. But there is a lot of love and neighborliness to balance it all out and prevent the story from overwhelming the reader.
There is a very detailed, very useful Teacher's Guide provided by the publisher, Lee & Low, that can be downloaded HERE
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was borrowed from a friend
Ana is very smart and talented and it is assumed by her family that she will be accepted into and attend Bronx High School of Science, one of NYC's elite public schools. But on the day her sixth grade counselor gives her an application packet to apply for a full scholarship to the Eleanor School, the prestigious private school that Ana's best friend attends, Ana's parents announce that they are expecting another baby. And unlike the rest of her family, Ana is not happy about it.
Ana is also an accomplished pianist and when she shows up for her next lesson with her teacher, Doña Dulce, she finds three people from the Piano Teachers' Association already there. They have invited Doña Dulce to bring two students to their Winter Showcase to be held at Lincoln Center. Ana hopes to be one of the two, thinking it would definitely help with her Eleanor School application.
Into this mix, comes Tia Nona on the arm of fiancé Juan Miguel, announcing her upcoming wedding in the Dominican Republic and she wants the whole Reyes family to be there, and Ana, with whom she has a close relationship, to play the piano. And Tia Nona is willing to pay everyone's airfare to make sure they are there when she gets married.
The Reyes sisters are thrilled to meet their relatives in the DR and it proves to be a real eye-opening trip for Ana. Tia Nona, who is a doctor, is quite well off, living in a large home with servants, including a young girl Ana's age, and whose family lives in poverty. But when she sees her aunt mistreating the girl, Ana begins to look at the world a little differently.
Ana María slowly learns that her choices and her actions all have consequences - some good, others not so good. How all of this plays out over the course of approximately 6 to 7 months will keep young readers turning pages.
This is a lively book with a lot going on. And while I really enjoyed reading it, I didn't much like Ana María at first. She was a little selfish and self-centered, but as I read, I noticed how she was changing and becoming more aware of the world around her, realizing that some people's circumstances were much worse than hers - she was surrounded by a loving, supportive family and although they couldn't afford much, they did what they could and it was usually done with love. Not everyone has that, Ana discovers.
Burgos has peopled Ana María's world with characters who are realistically and vividly drawn, bringing out their different personalities (no easy task when you are writing about four sisters, each with their own, very individual personality) and their Dominican culture to life. I've lived in NYC my whole life, I love its diversity, and I thought Burgos captured the Reyes' Washington Heights neighbors to a T.
Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle is an engaging novel that tackles a variety of themes, such as the importance of education, family, living in a bi-cultural world, community, alcoholism, and abuse. But there is a lot of love and neighborliness to balance it all out and prevent the story from overwhelming the reader.
There is a very detailed, very useful Teacher's Guide provided by the publisher, Lee & Low, that can be downloaded HERE
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was borrowed from a friend
October 9, 2018
A 3.5 for the first book from this promising debut author. I hope we'll see more from her and more about her determined young protagonist. Ana Maria Reyes loves her family and her three sisters, but sometimes life in their New York City apartment is just too crowded for any privacy or the quietness she needs to practice her piano. Although she is shocked when her parents tell her there is another baby on the way, the eleven-year-old girl is determined to win a scholarship to a prestigious private school in the city. There is so much that happens in this story, including the family's visit to the Dominican Republic for her beloved aunt's wedding, a trip that raises her awareness about how the poor on the island are treated by those more financially privileged, and her maternal uncle's alcoholism that results in a life-threatening accident. It is impossible not to root for this girl to reach her goals or fail to be touched by her generosity. I wanted to spend more time in her company, partly because she isn't perfect but has the best of intentions, and even when she makes a mistake, it's clear why she does so. No matter one's culture, it will be easy to relate to many of Ana Maria's complicated feelings about her family and her place in the world. The author is particularly effective in tracing her disappointment in her aunt's treatment toward those less fortunate than she is as well as the hardships of being separated from one's homeland, culture, and family. I hope the author returns to these characters and tells additional stories.
January 2, 2019
The characters were likable and believable. The story was good. Would recommend to a middle grader.
February 24, 2019
I read this aloud to my 12 year old and 8 year old girls and they loved it. This book kept them interested to the end. Hilda Eunice Burgos must write a sequel! My girls want to know if Anamay gets accepted to the Eleanor School.
Situations in the book helped me have good discussions with my girls, such as, the scene where Mami slaps Anamay on the face at the beginning of the book. I let my girls know that in our state in the United States, slapping kids on the face is against the law. Legally in our state parents can spank with an open hand on the rear end, but hitting with an object such as a paddle, or hitting the face, is illegal where we live.
The second situation in the book that made for good discussion was Tio Lalo's drinking. Tio Lalo, the uncle, drives drunk and nearly kills Anamay's sister. We discussed if forgiving Tio Lalo is really what most mothers would do. Personally, if a family member nearly killed one of my children by abusing drugs or alcohol, I would sever the relationship.
Burgos also lightly touches on teen pregnancy when the older sister of one of Anamay's friends gets pregnant in high school. I discussed with my girls how the character in the book would struggle to finish high school and would probably not go to college. I discussed how some high schools have baby day care built in so that girls can bring their babies to school to graduate. My middle schooler was shocked at this.
There's a lot of piano pieces mentioned in the book. We had fun looking up performances on YouTube and listening to the music that Anamay was supposed to be playing in the book. I'm not sure I find it believable that Anamay could play Meine Freuden at a performance level after practicing only an hour a day for a few months.
An excellent and engaging book that prompted lots of conversation between my kids and I.
Situations in the book helped me have good discussions with my girls, such as, the scene where Mami slaps Anamay on the face at the beginning of the book. I let my girls know that in our state in the United States, slapping kids on the face is against the law. Legally in our state parents can spank with an open hand on the rear end, but hitting with an object such as a paddle, or hitting the face, is illegal where we live.
The second situation in the book that made for good discussion was Tio Lalo's drinking. Tio Lalo, the uncle, drives drunk and nearly kills Anamay's sister. We discussed if forgiving Tio Lalo is really what most mothers would do. Personally, if a family member nearly killed one of my children by abusing drugs or alcohol, I would sever the relationship.
Burgos also lightly touches on teen pregnancy when the older sister of one of Anamay's friends gets pregnant in high school. I discussed with my girls how the character in the book would struggle to finish high school and would probably not go to college. I discussed how some high schools have baby day care built in so that girls can bring their babies to school to graduate. My middle schooler was shocked at this.
There's a lot of piano pieces mentioned in the book. We had fun looking up performances on YouTube and listening to the music that Anamay was supposed to be playing in the book. I'm not sure I find it believable that Anamay could play Meine Freuden at a performance level after practicing only an hour a day for a few months.
An excellent and engaging book that prompted lots of conversation between my kids and I.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
This realistic fiction novel for middle grade readers tells the story of Ana Maria Reyes. Ana Maria is a middle school student and the second of five children in her first-generation Dominican family. Throughout the story, she struggles with fitting in with her family and defining her values. By the end of the story, I’d say she has it figured out.
While most of the novel takes place in present-day NYC, some of it is set in the Dominican Republic when the Reyes family takes a trip to attend a family wedding. Reading this novel gives some insight into the Dominican culture, but not as much as I expected. I would have liked for more of the Spanish language to be interwoven (Elizabeth Acevedo is a master at that IMHO).
Overall, the character development is decent. There are definitely elements of characterization and theme that readers could dig into. The plot lacks tension at some points, which has the potential to lose young readers’ interest. I would say this novel is best suited for readers in Grades 4-6 and would recommend it to individual readers or a small group who may be interested in elements of the story rather than a whole class.
This realistic fiction novel for middle grade readers tells the story of Ana Maria Reyes. Ana Maria is a middle school student and the second of five children in her first-generation Dominican family. Throughout the story, she struggles with fitting in with her family and defining her values. By the end of the story, I’d say she has it figured out.
While most of the novel takes place in present-day NYC, some of it is set in the Dominican Republic when the Reyes family takes a trip to attend a family wedding. Reading this novel gives some insight into the Dominican culture, but not as much as I expected. I would have liked for more of the Spanish language to be interwoven (Elizabeth Acevedo is a master at that IMHO).
Overall, the character development is decent. There are definitely elements of characterization and theme that readers could dig into. The plot lacks tension at some points, which has the potential to lose young readers’ interest. I would say this novel is best suited for readers in Grades 4-6 and would recommend it to individual readers or a small group who may be interested in elements of the story rather than a whole class.
February 7, 2019
Read this with my 9yo daughter. Cute characters, good family dynamics and loved the strong family values. I did feel like it was a little in-your-face preachy at times. While the messages were good, the lessons were clear enough without stating them and undermining the readers abilities. But the strong family, community and individual values are a win for me and glad to share with my daughter.
November 17, 2018
I loved the character of Ana Maria. She is just so real. She is 13 and she can be quite mature and also very self centered as kids are at that age. Ana Maria's hard working, wonderful family is from the Dominican Republic and Ana Maria learns what is really important in life from them.
November 13, 2018
Eleven-year-old Ana Maria Reyes is a very talented, determined girl. She has her sights on the prestigious Eleanor School in New York city and believes her piano performance will help her win a scholarship. But practicing is difficult with three sisters in a crowded New York City Washington Heights aprartment and then mom and dad announce they're expecting another baby.
How will she ever practice now? She also has to figure out how to practice when her family goes to the Dominion Republic, paid for by her favorite aunt, a doctor, who is getting married. While in the DR, Ana Maria discovers that her problems are small compared to some of the locals, particularly the young servant who works for her aunt. This awareness helps Ana Maria become more empathetic to the needs of others and learn who she really is.
I loved the dynamics of a loving family where the parents modeled their values of people over money and the importance of developing Ana Maria's talent. I marveled how Ana Maria loved to practice the piano--while most kids do not. I'd love to spend more time with this intact family!
How will she ever practice now? She also has to figure out how to practice when her family goes to the Dominion Republic, paid for by her favorite aunt, a doctor, who is getting married. While in the DR, Ana Maria discovers that her problems are small compared to some of the locals, particularly the young servant who works for her aunt. This awareness helps Ana Maria become more empathetic to the needs of others and learn who she really is.
I loved the dynamics of a loving family where the parents modeled their values of people over money and the importance of developing Ana Maria's talent. I marveled how Ana Maria loved to practice the piano--while most kids do not. I'd love to spend more time with this intact family!
March 22, 2019
3.5. Strong debut but it was really cluttered and Anamay was a tiny bit too much of a goody goody.
January 31, 2020
This is the kind of book you can hand to precocious readers looking for a well-told, solid story.
Ana Maria Reyes is a spunky, self-starting eleven-year-old who is practicing for a big-time piano recital, studying to take an exam for a scholarship to a private school, and staying involved with her close-knit, growing family.
Burgos has written a realistic contemporary fiction book about a likeable girl who is the second of four daughters, each seeking their "place" in the family. Ana Maria's problems and concerns are real - her uncle is an alcoholic, her family's finances are tight, her favorite aunt's actions gives her pause, she feels the pressure to perform academically and musically, her friendships are changing, and her mother is expecting a baby so the family is expanding. Her impulsive actions and reactions to the change are just as real as the rest of the story. Things are good until they aren't, so Ana Maria tries to fix things for her family. Told largely through Ana Maria's eyes, the story skews through her lens and is full of action and activity. Well-told!
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy the Betsy-Tacy books, yet are looking for a more up-to-date, contemporary story that offers inclusivity.
Ana Maria Reyes is a spunky, self-starting eleven-year-old who is practicing for a big-time piano recital, studying to take an exam for a scholarship to a private school, and staying involved with her close-knit, growing family.
Burgos has written a realistic contemporary fiction book about a likeable girl who is the second of four daughters, each seeking their "place" in the family. Ana Maria's problems and concerns are real - her uncle is an alcoholic, her family's finances are tight, her favorite aunt's actions gives her pause, she feels the pressure to perform academically and musically, her friendships are changing, and her mother is expecting a baby so the family is expanding. Her impulsive actions and reactions to the change are just as real as the rest of the story. Things are good until they aren't, so Ana Maria tries to fix things for her family. Told largely through Ana Maria's eyes, the story skews through her lens and is full of action and activity. Well-told!
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy the Betsy-Tacy books, yet are looking for a more up-to-date, contemporary story that offers inclusivity.
April 9, 2019
I’m trying to be more well-rounded and read different genres/age groups. This children’s chapter book was such a good start! Ana Maria; “Anamay” is the protagonist of this story and she is such a good example of how children can realize important life lessons without having an adult nag them all the time about life lessons.
Anamay comes from a big family, and although she loves her family, she is often overwhelmed by the size and energy level of her family in their tiny home. Despite the chaos, Anamay still manages to study and get excellent grades, while practicing and perfecting her piano skills as well. Her determination seems that it may pay off as Anamay has an opportunity to perform and win a scholarship to attend a prestigious school in the city.
I’ll be honest and admit that I sometimes found Anamay to be a bit snobby, but her growth is apparent as she learns a lot about family, responsibilities, and life throughout the story. All of that growth is especially apparent with how she selflessly places others needs before her own and realizes that it’s often times more rewarding to help others.
Anamay comes from a big family, and although she loves her family, she is often overwhelmed by the size and energy level of her family in their tiny home. Despite the chaos, Anamay still manages to study and get excellent grades, while practicing and perfecting her piano skills as well. Her determination seems that it may pay off as Anamay has an opportunity to perform and win a scholarship to attend a prestigious school in the city.
I’ll be honest and admit that I sometimes found Anamay to be a bit snobby, but her growth is apparent as she learns a lot about family, responsibilities, and life throughout the story. All of that growth is especially apparent with how she selflessly places others needs before her own and realizes that it’s often times more rewarding to help others.
July 11, 2019
This book has a little bit of everything and would be perfect for the library collection. It would meet the need of our population to a T. The cover does not reflect the content.
Ana Maria's family is from the Dominican Republic.DR She has a big family and it 's getting bigger. They live in a high rise apartment. She has 3 sisters and is about to get another sibling. Abuelita lives near.
Ana Maria (Anamay) is a real character. She is smart, plays the piano, sometimes feels invisible, but loved. This book is about family and the interconnectedness between family members and good friends. It is so realistic!
This book deals with alcoholism, drug addiction, class system, helping others, reaching for goals, love, not feeling like you are enough,making choices. You realize there are no perfect people-our human condition. But this book deals with it at a level perfect for 3-6, when kids are becoming aware of the world around them. It's a beautiful book and should be read to kids , so they feel like they can relate at many levels. I loved it.
Ana Maria's family is from the Dominican Republic.DR She has a big family and it 's getting bigger. They live in a high rise apartment. She has 3 sisters and is about to get another sibling. Abuelita lives near.
Ana Maria (Anamay) is a real character. She is smart, plays the piano, sometimes feels invisible, but loved. This book is about family and the interconnectedness between family members and good friends. It is so realistic!
This book deals with alcoholism, drug addiction, class system, helping others, reaching for goals, love, not feeling like you are enough,making choices. You realize there are no perfect people-our human condition. But this book deals with it at a level perfect for 3-6, when kids are becoming aware of the world around them. It's a beautiful book and should be read to kids , so they feel like they can relate at many levels. I loved it.
October 16, 2021
10/10/2021 ~ The Reyes clan is large and this tale takes place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York and in the Dominican Republic. Ana Maria is determined to win a scholarship to a prestigious, private high school. She sees piano as her pathway to a better school. However, how can she practice when her 3 younger siblings (and a baby on the way) are always underfoot in the family's 2 bedroom apartment? Through the course of the book, we see Ana grow as she learns more about her chief piano rival, Sarita, and as she comes to understand the experiences of an 11 year-old servant in her aunt's Dominican Republic home.
This book is full of opportunities for discussion: lawyers (parents) who choose to work on social issues in low-cost clinics, leading to tougher financial decisions for the family; child labor in the Dominican Republic; growing understanding that the adults in children's lives have complicated lives too; choices kids make to influence their opportunities for the future.
This book is full of opportunities for discussion: lawyers (parents) who choose to work on social issues in low-cost clinics, leading to tougher financial decisions for the family; child labor in the Dominican Republic; growing understanding that the adults in children's lives have complicated lives too; choices kids make to influence their opportunities for the future.
December 15, 2021
Read this with 7 y/o and we loved it! Ana María is the second oldest of 5, going on 6, kids in a Dominican family living in a two-bedroom apartment in Washington Heights. Just like Hilda Eunice Burgos’ children’s book “The Cot in the Living Room,” this book covers themes like the importance of family, community, and the ways neighbors show up for each other when they’re facing incredibly difficult challenges. I appreciated that Burgos didn’t shy away from issues like the impacts of addiction, poverty, and even criminalization — because these are real issues that young people and families of color deal with that aren’t often represented in middle grade novels. I loved Ana María’s growth throughout the novel, the relationship between the sisters, and the ways this family and community showed up for each other.
January 12, 2019
Ana Maria (Anamay to her family) has 3 sisters. Her mom stays at home and her dad is a lawyer, but does it more to help people than work for a big firm making lots of money. Anamay is the 2nd oldest and wants to go to a private school with her friend Claudia. She plays the piano and gets invited to an exclusive recital. Her aunt Tia Nona is getting married and wants the whole family to come to the Dominican Republic for her wedding. She will pay for all travel and at first Anamay's dad says no, but then agrees after some persuading from Ana Maria. Her parents also announce they are having another baby, ugh. Ana Maria learns some very tough lessons in this book about family, sacrifice, and helping others.
Read
August 24, 2022Amazing book!! I loved it. I borrowed it from my library for my 10 year old daughter & when she finished reading it & gave me a summary int grabbed my attention. Therefore I read it and I'm so glad I did. It brought my interest for reading back. I haven't read a book in over 11 years because life happens. Although I absolutely loved reading this back & I would definitely recommend it to any young girl. Especially if you're from a Spanish speaking family. I would literally bring you inside the book and make you feel as if you were back at home. The way the family in the book are the way they speak. The way the author make the family scenery language and descriptions so alive. It's amazing.
February 12, 2021
Such a fun and sweet read. The character development of Ana Maria is perfect for readers in this age group- upper elementary to middle school. A few drawbacks- sooo many characters introduced very quickly made it hard for me to keep up but Ana Maria has a lot of family. The author just need to make a few reminders of the characters and the relationship for a bit longer to help keep readers on track. For the target age range of the book, the length of the book may prevent readers from picking it up.
Topics explored- wealth in “things” vs wealth in people. Rich vs poor. Confidence, sibling rivalry.
Topics explored- wealth in “things” vs wealth in people. Rich vs poor. Confidence, sibling rivalry.
December 7, 2020
Tio Lalo, why!!!! Except for him (internal scream), this book was exquisite. The characterization, the development of the sister and friend relationships, and (most) of the family dynamics were authentic, complex, and moving. The writing is gorgeous and the main character is smart as a whip, hilarious, huggable, and has a beautiful heart. I could read several books about Ana Reyes. The social justice themes of standing up for what you believe in--even if you have to stand up against a family member--were done with sensitivity to Ana's age and depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
Even if her last name means "kings," Reyes lives in a crowded apartment with her siblings and loves #science and #piano. And then, a series of events including a #vacation to Dominican Republic, where she experiences the reality of life for some children who need to work, to help in the birthing of her sister! Her family comes together for her too, in many wonderful heartwarming ways!
#Endearing #Family #Hispanic #fiction #mg
#Endearing #Family #Hispanic #fiction #mg
April 24, 2019
I appreciated Maria's Father, an attorney for good, whose tell his daughter she's behaved like an adult since the day she was born.
Traveling for the first time to her parents first home helps Maria understands why they choose to treat everyone in their neighborhood like a substitute family.
Maria's dream of a scholarship to boarding school as her large family expects another sibling is understandable. Her natural desire to help Clarisa and her family is inspiring.
Traveling for the first time to her parents first home helps Maria understands why they choose to treat everyone in their neighborhood like a substitute family.
Maria's dream of a scholarship to boarding school as her large family expects another sibling is understandable. Her natural desire to help Clarisa and her family is inspiring.
July 19, 2020
Wow! I loved this book.
I became totally caught up in the lives of the characters, especially the main character. She seemed so alive and true to herself.
This book is chock full of things happening, with lots of emotion and plenty of funny moments.
When you read the book you start to think about what is important, what are good values to have, how do families work.
This is a book for kids. The main character is eleven years old.
I became totally caught up in the lives of the characters, especially the main character. She seemed so alive and true to herself.
This book is chock full of things happening, with lots of emotion and plenty of funny moments.
When you read the book you start to think about what is important, what are good values to have, how do families work.
This is a book for kids. The main character is eleven years old.
April 16, 2021
A middle daughter in a large boisterous family struggling to figure out what is most important in life. I liked that the author confronted readers with all the complications of life. Life IS complicated and I love that Ms Burgos respects young readers enough to portray that complexity. I really enjoyed this middle grade novel and can’t wait to recommend it to the kids in my public school libraries. Of course, I had to play the featured piano pieces as I read for mood setting!
June 7, 2019
I enjoyed this story about a bright Dominican girl who feels she has too many sisters and doesn't get enough encouragement. Her high-achieving aunt turns out to be a snob and mean to the little girl who works for her. Ana Maria is able to fix that. I'm not sure I believe that part. But it's a sweet and absorbing tale and Ana Maria has a strong, admirable personality.
September 3, 2019
4 stars. One of the jacket flap reviews calls this a Latino Little Women and I can see that comparison. Lots of spunky female siblings, a MC with dreams of making her mark, and a subtle look at how money and possessions aren't the only way to have wealth. Not when you learn that family, friends, and community are what bring true riches to our lives. A coming of age story I definitely recommend.
December 12, 2019
This was such a cute little story. Even though I am a boy I really loved the story and learning more about music and Ana Maria Reyes! I finished this book in a week and the only real issue I had was the music terms and the Spanish words. But I got help so it was ok. I hope to get another story from this author soon. ~ Christian (8 year old reviewer)
April 25, 2021
A lovely coming of age story for preteen girls. Immediately, I identified with Ana Maria and felt her journey and her dreams. Burgos's well crafted and enchanting story of Ana Maria Reyes kept my attention from start to finish. A tale of choices and attitude and learning how to do the right thing, even when the right thing is very hard to do.
May 31, 2019
Great first novel! There are so many themes and subplots woven throughout this story, nicely resolved in the end. I felt like this family was easy to identify with and loved that Ana Maria wasn't a perfect person but tried to recognize her flaws.
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