Julia Durango

Angels Watching Over Me is an adaptation of the African-American spiritual by the same name. There are many variations of this song, and this contemporary rendition is just fine. But what makes this book truly exceptional are the illustrations by wonderful Elisa Kleven, whose work may be familiar to you because of her award-winning books, such as Sun Bread and Abuela (the latter written by Arthur Dorros).

Kleven’s exuberant and colorful mixed media illustrations – dominated by show more watercolors accentuated with collage - combine visions of both the inner and outer worlds of children. Her multicultural characters soar through the pages and convey joy and love and caring and the magical imagination of children of all ages.

The children in the book, watched over by smiling angels, engage in all manner of play, secure in the knowledge that angels are watching over them:

"Sky says race, I chase the wind.
Wind blows on ‘til meadow’s end.

Wind says soar, I take up flight.
Bird beside me gathers height.

All night, all day,
Angels watching over me."

Evaluation: I love this book, and I especially love that for once, angels are depicted as something other than white blonde cherubs. All the colors of the earth are represented by Kleven, and all the world is shown rejoicing with them. show less

A young boy named Wilson longs to be able to help his elderly neighbor Gigi in this engaging picture-book about cross-generational friendship and community engagement, envisioning all the ways he will one day repair and improve her house. His ideas find a receptive and enthusiastic audience with various community members, from the ice cream man to his teacher, and eventually "one day" arrives...

Inspired, according to author Julia Durango's note, by an annual community event in LaSalle show more County, Illinois, in which neighbors volunteer to repair the homes of the elderly, disabled and needy, The One Day House offers a poignant look at the power of community engagement, in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. I particularly appreciated the historical context Durango provided, in tying such activities to the long-standing American tradition, dating back all the way to colonial days, of community self-help and aid. I also appreciated artist Bianca Diaz's illustrations, which make use of collage and painted elements to depict a vivid, colorful world, one that is beautiful, even if impoverished. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about cross-generational friendship, community involvement, and creative responses to poverty. show less

"As I drove back to town, the sun at our backs and the windows down, I looked over to Rose, whose hair flew wildly in the wind. She stared out her window watching the trees and houses whip by .... I'd never felt happier sitting next to someone."

This book was so much better than I was expecting! I wasn't expecting it to be garbage by any means, but I thought it would be a pretty standard contemporary. And it was in some ways, but there was so much heart and warmth in this book I was show more immediately captivated. Here, There Everywhere is a story about family and finding yourself, and first loves. It was really a joy to read.

Things I Liked
I loved the diversity in the story! Zeus, the main character, is Mexican and Norweigan, his little brother Grub is Puerto Rican and Norwiegan. Rose, Zeus' love interest is Filipino. I loved seeing so much diversity in small town America, because diversity exists everywhere.

It was so easy to connect to the characters and the story. The best word I can use to describe this book is endearing. I didn't want to stop reading because I loved spending time with these characters.

I loved every single relationship in this book. Zeus and Grub and a fantastic brother duo, who clearly love each other very much. I loved seeing Zeus' close relationship with his mom. He came to her when he was upset and emotional, and I loved seeing so much support between them. I loved Zeus and Rose's getting-to-know-you phase, their dates were adorable. I liked seeing Zeus interact with all of the senior citizens at the retirement center - there were many vibrant characters. I liked that even after Zeus started dating Rose, he actually made his own friends too. This story wasn't only about the romance, we get to see great family and friend moments too.

Things I Didn't Like
I felt like all the points of conflict in the story were relatively weak. Because this is much more of a character driven story it didn't really bother me too much.

This book was such a pleasant surprise. It was so heart-warming and happy to read. I loved the characters and the relationships we get to see. Here, There, Everywhere is a great contemporary that is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. And it's really perfect for this time of year.

I received a copy of the book from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. show less

An emotionally satisfying coming-of-age story with a detailed sense of time and place and vivid characters. Calepino has been raised in extraordinary circumstances for a slave. After his mother dies giving birth, a wealthy woman takes him in and he grows up learning to read and speak 11 languages. His pampered upbringing does not prepare him much for the world outside the estate but on his 13th birthday, Father Pedro and Sacabuche suggest it is time he focus on a trade. Calepino ends up show more assisting a doctor at a leper's colony and the compassion he develops there gives him the conviction and courage to free a mother and son who are abused by their master. show less