Review by Kirkus Book Review
How do you ask for help when everyone is looking? Juan finds math tricky but is too embarrassed to ask for help with a tough worksheet. Then Juan is summoned to the board to solve a problem. Anxious and upset, Juan disrupts the lesson and scoots out into the hall, only to realize that someone else is having trouble, too. When Juan returns and tells the class, "I might need some help. This is hard for me," the teacher and other students share their own difficulties, leading Juan to realize that everyone struggles and that it's OK to ask for assistance. The solution to this well-intended story is somewhat oversimplified and doesn't necessarily recognize the complexity of academic difficulties; while many students do need to ask for help, the book puts that responsibility solely on Juan's young shoulders rather than on the teacher, who would ideally provide more support. Still, Juan is an engaging and sympathetic character whose insights will inspire those in a similar situation; others will gain understanding and empathy for those who need it. The appealing artwork relies on simple, flat colors. The class is diverse; Juan has skin the white of the page. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An encouraging tale that makes clear that nearly everyone needs--and needs to ask for--help. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
