Mananaland by Pam Munoz Ryan

Mananaland by Pam Munoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020. Children's chapter book. Reviewed from galley provided by publisher.

This is such an important book! While Ryan told a girl's story of an immigrant family in Esperanza Rising, this is a boy's story on the other side of the Rio Grande. While the country is not defined, it could be anywhere south of the United States. In both books, Ryan draws readers into the lives and dreams of characters who long for more for themselves and their families. With so many of our students in similarly uncertain situations, this book will resonate with many who often do not see themselves in books. 

Max's mother disappeared when he was a baby. He wants to know more about her, but his father and grandfather have not shared much with him. Now, almost twelve, he longs to play futbol (soccer), but he does not have a birth certificate. He has grown up with the legends and stories of a seemingly magical bridge and a stone tower that has its own mysteries. A strange gatekeeper has led brave travelers into new futures. Will Max be brave enough to discover more? His own journey leads him into the future. Yet, Max is firmly grounded in the present of friends, soccer, and chores. Definitely a book about discovering, being brave, loving your own family (whatever shape that family takes), helping others, and building on your own past, the path to tomorrow is a compelling one.

Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo

Beverly, Right Now by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick, 2019. Children's chapter book. 

This is the third novel about Raymie Nightingale, Louisiana Elefante,, and  now Beverly Tapinski. Each of the girls has her own story, but this trilogy speaks to the power of family, friendship, and being yourself. Now, Beverly, always sort of crusty on the outside, but soft hearted, has run away from home. She ends up in Florida staying with a quirky old lady, Iola; making a new friend, Elmer, who works at the typical small town dollar store type of place, and working rather unexpectedly at a seaside diner. DiCamillo is a master at drawing readers into the simply told, but always complicated lives of her characters. Beverly's dog died and she is full of grief. She misses her friend Raymie. She wants so much to be independent, but longs for someone to love her. Start with Raymie Nightingale, move on to Louisiana's Way Home, but don't miss Beverly, Right Now.