Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Islandborn by Junot Díaz - ADVISABLE

Islandborn by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa PICTURE BOOK Penguin Random House, 2018 $18 9780735229860

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lola's classmates are from all over, so the teacher has given them an assignment to draw a picture of the country they are originally from. Lola came when she was just a baby, and she doesn't remember, but her family and neighborhood are all from The Island, so she asks. Her cousin remembers bats as big as blankets, her brother the coconuts and mangoes, other people tell about the music and the colors and the heat. But the old people have to be coaxed to talk, and finally the building superintendent tells about the monster that invaded the island. Lola has a lot of ideas for her drawing, now. 

First of all, what a great assignment to give a class like this! And talking to your friends and family about what they remember is great, too. I was lost by the monster story, though. I guess I should know what happened in the DR, but I don't. Wish there was an author's note or something. Sigh 

Lisa Librarian

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