Maria Testa

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 other because not everyone has a home to go to at the end of the day. Very powerful read, but also age appropriate.… (mehr)

I enjoyed this book. Rico was a child with down syndrome and he loved to play basketball. He was really good at it, too. Rico wanted to be friends with Charles so bad, but Charles wasn't very nice to him. Rico didn't understand why. He tried being very nice and consistent with Charles and he hoped he would come around. He finally did and Charles supported him in his basketball games and they became friends. Then Rico wanted to do something special for his sister because of how much she does for him. His sister was conflicted with going to a friends sleep over or Rico's playoffs. Rico told her to go to the sleepover because he saw how much she wanted to go. She was so thankful for Rico. This book did a great job including Rico in everyday activities that children face. I loved that he was able to play on a basketball team. It is so important that we include every child in anything we do.… (mehr)

What amazing character development throughout this book! Rico is a boy with down syndrome. In the beginning he and a boy Ceasar struggle to be friends because Ceasar has trouble accepting Rico and his disability. Eventually, they grow to be good friends. Rico develops as a character as well. Rico's sister has always been by his side as his protector. As he becomes more comfortable with who he is he lets her go to a sleepover which is a huge step for him. Finally, he begins to become comfortable with art and expressing his feelings.… (mehr)