Reina Ramos Tour guide

Gr 1--3--Reina, her mom, and abuela go to the airport to pick up her cousin Andrés, who has flown into New York from "the island." Reina welcomes Andrés with a large bienvenido sign, but when Andrés and Abuela talk about people and places back on the island who Reina knows nothing about, she begins to feel left out. Artwork of the island hangs on the dining room wall, illustrating how two cultures live in Reina's home: New York City culture and island culture. When Andrés accidentally slams into Reina on the subway the next day, she voices her frustration with him and the two talk to each other about what's bothering them. And when they exit the subway and see buskers who play island music, Andrés discovers that not only is his abuela's home a place of two cultures, but so is New York City. This Level 2 reader has mostly simple sentences, but the sentence development also includes introductory clauses and compound sentences. A glossary provides translations for words like bienvenido, lo siento, nunca, and primo. VERDICT An easy reader with a simple plot, packed with all things adorable. Reina Ramos fills a need for representation and brings a metaphorical sliding glass door to classroom libraries.--Stephanie Creamer

Reina Ramos plays tour guide to her visiting cousin while navigating big feelings. Reina's excited to welcome Andrés to her city. He's two years older than her, and they haven't seen each other in a long time, so she wonders if they'll have a good time. Abuela and Andrés have so much to chat about as he shares news from "the island," but Reina has never been there and feels left out of the conversation. Even Reina's friend Carlos has been to the island and shares a connection with Andrés. Mami explains that Andrés is likely homesick, but Reina is still left feeling excluded. When Reina snaps at Andrés after a subway mishap, the cousins finally have a chance to clear the air. Reina realizes that even though the city feels familiar to her, it's a whole new world for Andrés, and he misses the island. He reminds her that they're family, and they decide that they'll teach each other about their respective homes. The book's concise sentences and its rich vocabulary, including both English and some Spanish words, make it ideal for beginning readers. The narrative skillfully portrays respectful conflict resolution, perspective-taking, and flexibility. The family is Latine; although which island Andrés is from is never explicitly mentioned, a reference to Celia Cruz hints at Cuba. Problem-solving is on display in this delightful story. (Spanish glossary) (Early reader. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.