Maria Testa

"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

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

Thumbs Up, Rico! is about a little boy with Down's Syndrome who makes a friend, lets his sister attend a sleepover instead of his basketball game guilt free, and learns to love art through drawing what inspires him and that ended up to be basketball. Rico doesn't see himself as different and can't understand why Caesar keeps calling him a dummy when he doesn't even know him. He is persistent in showing Caesar that they can be friends and eventually Caesar becomes his best friend. Now his show more sister Nina has been there all of his life loving supporting and protecting him so when the day comes and she wants to go to a sleepover with a friend from school, Rico is heartbroken. He fast realizes that his sister must live her life too and it does not take away her love for him and that makes him feel better. The last adventure is him doubting himself in Art class and not putting any work on display because he hates his work. He tries and tries again though until finally he creates something he is very proud of. Rico always has a "keep going" attitude and that is admirable. He has his moments of doubt but he quickly recovers from them because even if no one else thinks so, you can tell Rico thinks himself very cool. Rico is another kid who is not his disability, he only has one. I think the message of persistence and acceptance are important ones for any age group. show less

Oh my gosh...I read this book in ten minutes at my desk. Mistake - I teared up numerous times. It's written in verse. Testa conveys so much in so few words. Written in first person from memories of events that occured when the narrator was 6, it is a masterful blend of insightful writing and childhood innocence. A true gem.