Claudia Davila

I love that the subject matter is about creating community and steps within reach for climate change. There's a lot in here that feels like a teaching book -- the plotlines are pretty simplistic -- but it also has engaging illustrations, some funny by-play in the friend group, and a weird aversion to talking about pet rabbits. Definitely a great primer for urban faming, community gardening and social justice/direct action, with positive messages throughout.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Ruby loves, and I mean loves, to play superhero. I mean seriously who doesn’t? So when her mom gives her a “mission” to go into the deep, dark, scary woods, Ruby throws on her Red Cloak and becomes....Super Red Riding Hood! Dark paths, dark tree, dark bugs, none of it scares her at all! But what, will happen when Ruby meets...the Big. Bad. Wolf! Maybe even a superhero can’t conquer this one?

Alright lets get one thing out of the way first, yes this is yet show more another retelling of a classic fairytale. And what the heck is wrong with that? Look fairytales have been around for a long time and frankly they have to change and grow as we do! And Claudia Davila has written a great adaptation of Red Riding Hood mixing in what a lot of kids are make believing today...that they’re superheroes.

In Ruby, Claudia has crafted a character that is not only charming, but believable as well to everyone. Yes, young girls are going to enjoy the character, but so will young boys whether they admit it or not, because they can recognize the desire and the power of putting on a cape and being a superhero. And that is phenomenal achievement and not something everyone can do. The illustrations are pitch perfect and will give readers something fun to enjoy and look at as they follow Ruby along on her adventure. And may, just may, make even an adult or two leap back when the wolf appears.

It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can’t help but to enjoy this book. Pick up the book, find a reading buddy, and strap on your cape for a great adventure! 4 out of 5 stars. show less

I've always had a book-fetish about communities coming together in disaster. After reading the incredible [b:A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster|6444492|A Paradise Built in Hell The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster|Rebecca Solnit|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347471802s/6444492.jpg|6634525], I started seeing this pattern everywhere. This is the elementary/middle grade graphic novel version.

It's a given in this near-future that Bad show more Stuff Is Happening: blackouts are common and gas is too expensive for Luz's family to buy. Luz is grumpy at first about not being able to go to the mall when she wants, but thanks to some inspiration from her neighbors, she decides her community needs "a place to learn to be self-sufficient." So she and her friends build a community garden and park on a vacant lot, as

"proof that we're not alone, and we can all work together and help each other to learn stuff and grow stuff and make stuff and build stuff... So that in the end, whatever happens, we can rely on ourselves for the things we really need!"

This book was pretty much written for me, huh?

The story is a little thin, and of course it's preachy. Claudia Davila clearly started this book with the message, not the character. But it's not as preachy as it could be, considering. It helps that the over-the-top eco-warrior neighbor is played for (gentle) laughs. This feels like maybe 3rd-4th grade to me? Younger than my middle schoolers, certainly. show less

THis is a cute and well drawn graphic novel about a young Latina who lives in a neighborhood that suffers frequent blackouts. She finds solace in an empty, abandoned lot and has some good friends and meets quirky neighbors. She rallies the neighborhood to clean up the old lot and create a community garden and playground. This is definitely a message-driven book that kids will enjoy, but I wish the characters and situation had been better developed.