What a cool book! I really liked the strong message that it's ok for boys to like fabric/dolls/pretty things and that there is no shame in making things. I also loved the setting -- Honduras, and a young boy who suddenly becomes homeless with the death of his Abuela. So much compassion and kindness in this book. It's just a lovely story. I don't love the illustrations, because I think they make the book seem like it is for very young readers, and I think it would be of interest to upper elementary or even middle school if the emphasis were more on Pepe and less on his young friend Melky. I hope that it doesn't hold those readers back, because it's a great story. ( )

Such a charming and well-written book. Unfortunately, the illustrations are not the best. I fell in love with the characters and think my children learned a lot about the best way to treat fellow humans. 5 stars! ( )

RGG: A short chapter book, but with some difficult language and a gritty story of an orphaned child in Honduras having to live on the street and then having to move away from friends to start again in NYC with an uncle who doesn't understand him. Perhaps a good read aloud.