Review by Booklist Review
Part of the Rise-Home Stories Project, which tells stories of social and racial justice and activism, this bilingual tale incorporates realistic events into a story that will resonate with modern readers. Nine-year-old Alejandria loves her home and barrio, where she lives in an apartment with her mother and grandmother. Her life is happy and secure until rent suddenly skyrockets, driving people from the neighborhood and landing her family with an eviction notice. Unwilling to lose her home, feisty Alejandria decides to rally her neighbors to help save their community from gentrification. Soft watercolor illustrations and color-coded text (green for Spanish, purple for English) help guide readers through the story, but the small print, advanced vocabulary (defined in a glossary), and longer sentences make this timely picture book best for older readers.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--5--The rent is going up again. "For sale" signs are everywhere in Alejandria's barrio. Friends are having to move--what's going to happen to her neighborhood? What about her friends and family? Her mom and abuela, Tita, are from Nicaragua, but nine-year-old Alejandria was born in the United States. She remembers Tita's stories about community activism back in her old country. The young girl and her abuela head for the library and then to the office of a community organization for tenant rights. They rally their neighbors and together they head for city hall to make their case. Despite feeling "hormiguitas" or little ants crawling around in her belly, Alejandria steps in front of the microphone and asks for a new law that would protect people and their homes regardless of income. Alejandria is a hero for change! Hernández-Linares's bilingual story in Spanish and English addresses the power of focused intent in the face of insurmountable odds and includes a glossary and website. Liu-Trujillo's watercolor illustrations highlight a diverse community and its journey toward empowerment. VERDICT This accessible introduction to social justice through knowledge and unification shows how people are neither too young nor too old to fight for what's right. A strong choice for bilingual shelves.--Mary Margaret Mercado, Pima County P.L., Tucson, AZ
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
When rent increases and eviction notices threaten her barrio, 9-year-old Alejandria organizes her family and friends to fight back. It's the start of summer vacation. Walking alongside her abuela Tita in the barrio, Ale comes across a for-sale sign. "There's a new one every other day," says Ms. Beatrice from the bakery. The following day Ale sees Julian and his family packing up to move out of their apartment. "My dad said the landlords raised the rent, so we can't stay here anymore," says Julian. Then Mami receives a letter with big words like RENT and INCREASE and 30 DAYS. Worried and unable to sleep, Ale recalls Tita's stories of bravery from Nicaragua and wonders if she can find the strength to push back. With a little encouragement from Tita and Mami, a little research on tenants' rights, and a little direction from a grassroots group, Ale leads her family, neighbors, and friends to city hall, where the young activist finds her voice to save her barrio. Featuring a racially and ethnically diverse cast of characters, parallel Spanish and English texts, and scrappy, lively artwork, this delightful guide to beginner's activism hits all the fuerte notes. At the center of Ale's tale stands an intergenerational trio of mothers and daughters of color--Tita, Mami, and Ale--a clear, vivid testament to the power of community and family. Simply inspiring. (glossaries) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
