Red Glass

Sophie moves from fearful of everything in life to a person courageous and daring while Resau covers the plight of illegal immigrants, genocide in Guatemala and gems of philosophical insight throughout. ( )

This was an excellent book. The characters were varied and unlikely companions, the story deep and rich. It touches on many difficult subjects, loss, illegal immigration, war ravaged towns, and relationships. A well written novel.

This book is very well written and well performed. The characters are well detailed. Their transformations develop from their interactions with one another and their experiences on their journey. As their pasts are revealed, their individualities are clarified. They take these pasts with them as they encounter the future. Overall a great novel revealing human complexities in its simple writing. The cultural aspects are very enjoyable and enlightening. ( )

In "Red Glass," Sophie undertakes many journeys: not only to Mexico and Guatemala, but to self-discovery, love, and a greater understanding of the world in which she lives. The excitement starts when Sophie's family takes in Pedro, a 6-year-old boy who lost his family during the treacherous trip from Mexico into America. After a year, they manage to make contact with Pedro's family in a remote Mexican village, and decide it's best to take Pedro there to decide where he would like to live.

A cast of diverse and artfully depicted characters accompanies Sophie in this amazing coming-of-age story. Sophie’s journey is exciting, funny, scary, and touching in perfectly balanced amounts. The writing is descriptive and lyrical and the plot is well paced, not to mention difficult to put down. Highly recommended for grades 8 – 12. ( )

A very nice book about the growth of Sophie, a teen who journeys with friends into Mexico and Guatemala. Along the way she learns to appreciate all those around her, matures, and loses her irrational fears of nearly everything. ( )