Maria Testa

Rico is a young boy with down syndrome, but he does not let this hinder him from doing what makes him happy and meeting new people. In this short chapter book, we follow Rico through different points throughout his life and get to see how he reacts to different situations. The first chapter we meet Caesar who does not want to be friends with Rico when they meet for the first time on the basketball court. Rico is called a dummy and leaves crying and upset that Caesar does not want to be show more friends because of his disability. Even though Caesar shoots down the friendship at first, this does not stop Rico from trying and pursuing this friendship. Caesar finally accepts Rico as his buddy and friend because they are able to bond over their common interest of basketball. The second chapter is focused on Rico and his relationship with his sister. Nina and Rico are closely bonded and love each other very much. Nina has always been there for Rico, but one day she is invited to a sleepover. This invitation is the same time as Rico's big basketball game and Rico is hurt that she is choosing the sleepover over him. This is also a big decision and causes Nina a lot of grief having to decide what to do. They both have to look at the problem and decide what needs to be done, together. The third book is about Rico at school and dealing with a challenging time. He is struggling with art and feels that he is not good at this subject. His teacher suggests that it is not that he is not "good" at drawing, but is about finding something that he loves and using that in his drawing. Until he learns what this is, he struggles. Finally when he learns this, he "unlocks" his artistic side and is able to really let loose.
Thumbs Up, Rico is a great book that shows readers that just because Rico has down syndrome does not mean that he can not do what every other student can. Disabilities should not focus on what the students CANT do, but what they CAN do. This should be no matter if they need accommodations or anything else. I think that this also portrayed a student with a disability in a very good way as well. Many times books do not really capture the essence of a person, but this did a great job. show less

"Nine Candles" is a story about a seven-year-old boy named Raymond who goes to visit his mother in prison. Raymond's birthday starts out with his father giving him three gifts- which his father apologizes for, since he can't afford any more. The father and son go out and play while they wait for time to pass until they can go visit Raymond's mom. They eventually get on a bus that takes them out of the city and into the countryside, until they make it to "State Correctional Facility," and show more Raymond eagerly takes his dad through the large gates to the women's prison. His dad is surprised that Raymond is so excited to go to the prison, and Raymond explains that he hates the prison with all his heart, but he loves being able to visit his mom. It is explained that Raymond's mom is in prison for larceny, and Raymond tells how his mom stole money from her work when Raymond's dad was out of work. The duo eventually make it to the entry line for visiting, and they pass through the metal detector with no problems. Raymond thinks about how last time they visited, his dad's big belt buckle made the metal detector go off, and Raymond was scared that the guards were going to take his dad away to the men's prison, though this didn't happen. They finally make it to the visiting room, where they wait for Raymond's mom. She walks out and talks to Raymond briefly (but warmly) and Raymond is sad that she didn't wish him a happy birthday. She tells Raymond and his dad that she has to leave for a moment, and Raymond is heartbroken. But she comes back out holding a birthday cake for Raymond, and Raymond is overjoyed. He blows out the candles and the prison guard cuts the cake- because she's the only one allowed to handle knives- and they pass out cake to everyone visiting. Raymond then holds his mom and dad's hands, and the prison guard tells them that visiting time is over. Raymond is distraught, but his mom comforts him and he goes home with his father. As he goes to sleep, Raymond dreams of his ninth birthday, which is when his mother promised to come home. I think this book is really touching, as Raymond's birthday and his visits with his mom are bittersweet; he's extremely happy to see his mom, but he knows it's only for a little while. He wishes that he was older so she would be able to leave the prison, and at one point in the book when he sees one of his friends in line at the prison for visitation hours, he remarks on how he's lucky to already be nine, and the boy remarks that he would give anything to be eleven. This book highlights a part of life that isn't talked about with kids very often, even though it is sadly very common in many children's lives. One of my best friends grew up with their mom in prison, and they often felt ashamed of that. I feel like if we had more media with stories like "Nine Candles," my friend- and other children in similar situations- would not feel as ashamed to have a loved one in prison. I also feel that other children would benefit from learning that not every child has an ideal life, and that some don't get to grow up with both parents present. If there was more media like this, people would be able to be non-judgmental of these children and their parents, as I know that most people are wary of children who has a parent in jail, and some parents won't even let their children play with kids who have an incarcerated parent. I think this book is a good representation of a child with an incarcerated parent, as it is sympathetic but not overly pitiful; it also explains Raymond's feelings towards his mom's actions and the guards at the prison very well, and I think children would really understand his feelings in this situation. Additionally, I think it's important to point out that it is a little stereotypical to have a latinx family be the center of this story, but people of all races are shown in the prison so I don't think it's too problematic. show less

Thumbs up, Rico! is a great story from the perspective of a child with Down's Syndrome. Rico faces hardships with his friends, his family, and his school work. This book showcases his struggles and how he overcomes them. I would definitely recommend this book to someone trying to understand a person with this disability.

A little boy, his mother, and brother are homeless and looking for "someplace to go." His mom lost her job which resulted in them losing their home. His brother ends up getting a job to help their family because their moms salary was not enough. The author shows the harsh reality they have to face because of their homelessness. It shows a real occurring problem in the world, which most children do not know much about. This story could really teach kids to be more empathetic towards each show more other because not everyone has a home to go to at the end of the day. Very powerful read, but also age appropriate. show less