Reviews by Tag: mexican americans

Teen Review
Falling Short book cover

Falling Short

By Ernesto Cisneros
Star Rating
★★★

Rated by
Leila S.
Jan 4, 2025

Isaac and Marco have been friends since they were little, Isaac the champion basketballer and Marco the champion mathlete, the two complement each other. However, when they start middle school things begin to change. Marco’s father has always wished he was sportier, while Isaac is sure that getting better grades will make his mom proud and fix his parents’ divorce. When a misunderstanding pushes Marco to try out for the basketball team the two dedicate themselves to their goals, but will they be able to achieve them?

Teen Review
The House on Mango Street book cover

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Jack M.
Oct 18, 2024

The House on Mango Street depicts the life of a girl, Esperanza. It shows her early life, all the way up to adulthood. Esperanza struggles with living a poor life often faced by immigrants, unable to live in a house of her own. She learns that life isn’t fair, and how difficult it is to grow up. Despite all this, she still dreams of owning her own house one day, on a hill, with a big yard. Esperanza’s story is one of my favorites. 

Teen Review
The House on Mango Street book cover

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Neil
Nov 20, 2023

The House on Mango Street is about a young Latino girl named Esperanza, navigating through her adolescent through teen life in Chicago. Her house and neighborhood aren't in very good condition, and throughout the book Esperanza talks about how she wants a house of her own in the future where she can be herself. Multiple events are happening in the book that shape her and give her new understanding of the world. However, near the end of the book, she learns an important lesson.

Teen Review
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Muñoz Ryan

Rated by
Aubrey M.
May 9, 2022

Esperanza is a young girl whose father owns a ranch called El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico. The night before her thirteenth birthday, something terrible happens. A series of events eventually forces Esperanza and her Mama to go to the United States in secret, where they hope to start a new life. In the United States, Esperanza’s life is changed forever. She must take care of babies, manage housework, and more. Will Esperanza be able to learn patience and strength as her new life unfolds before her and many things threaten to pull her down?

Teen Review

Aristotle And Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Saenz

Rated by
Ellie from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Aug 8, 2017

Aristotle is angry. And wondering. And confused. Dante is laid back. And smart. And confused. These two boys, opposites, with nothing in common, begin to spend more time together, becoming fast friends. The friendship that they discover is the kind that has the power to morph and change lives - and lasts a lifetime. And Aristotle becomes sad - then happy. And realizes things. And Dante gets angry - then hurt. And realizes things. This is a remarkable coming-of-age novel about two Mexican-American boys as they battle through the uncertain, calamitous front of life.

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