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Marie Miranda Cruz

Author of Everlasting Nora

1 Work 122 Members 13 Reviews

Works by Marie Miranda Cruz

Everlasting Nora (2018) 122 copies

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Everlasting Nora is a story with heart set in the most unusual of places. I’m so happy to have discovered a Filipino main character, despite the sad circumstances that led us to her story. Nora is strong, resilient, and determined to find her mother and do her part to help them move out of the graveyard that has been their home since her father’s tragic death. While at times too proud and independent, she learns to rely on her friends and her little grave community to accomplish her mission.

This beautiful story shows the sad living conditions for so many in Manila, those children and families with no where else to go but the cemetery. However, the author has told Nora’s story in a way that highlights themes of family, friends, and hope; the story feels inspiring rather than depressing. Tagalog words are woven authentically throughout, with context clues for readers, although there is also a glossary at the end. There is also a discussion guide which is useful for teachers, parents, and reading groups. This book will help to improve the diversity of any school library or classroom. I’d recommend it for any middle grade reader and also as a read-aloud for younger readers who are mature enough for the topic but too young to read the book independently (my 6 year old loved listening aloud and frequently discusses the book with his Lola and Tatay, even though we finished it weeks ago). I’m grateful that the author has told Nora’s story; it’s inspired our family to find out how we can help people living in poverty in Manila. It’s a powerful book to build empathy and if you’re considering reading it, I would encourage you to get your copy ASAP.
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amandamreads | 12 other reviews | Jul 24, 2021 |
diverse children's middlegrade (homeless child living in Philippines cemetery with mom who has gambling problem)
nice story that builds empathy (for people of different backgrounds, and for people who are homeless) with flavorfully detailed Philippine setting.
The ending is a tiny bit abrupt, with all the pieces improbably falling into place to make a positive outcome, but it's a satisfying adventure/human drama with thoughtful characters who do their best to help each other out.

Parental notes: contains knife violence, fighting/bruising, festering wounds, scary situations.… (more)
 
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reader1009 | 12 other reviews | Jul 3, 2021 |
Everlasting Nora was what I like to call a ‘heavy book” So many feelings while reading this one. Nora herself is an active 12-year-old girl living with her Mom in a cemetery in Manila after her father dies. Although they have extended family, living with them is not an option through most of the story. Her Mom has issues, and they both have a fair amount of PTSD after the death of her Dad and the fact that they live with his bones in a mausoleum. When her Mom disappears, Nora has to step up yet again into a more adult role to find her and save them both.

This book tells a terrible story in such a matter of fact way. This much-needed look into poverty and the struggles to climb out of that hole up to a middle class is something every child and adult should read.
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JennyNau10 | 12 other reviews | Dec 7, 2019 |
After losing her father and her home Nora and her Mother must now live in the cemetery where her father is buried
½
 
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lindamamak | 12 other reviews | Nov 21, 2019 |

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Works
1
Members
122
Popularity
#163,289
Rating
½ 3.7
Reviews
13
ISBNs
9

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