July 1, 2024
Each summer, a Mexican American girl visits her family. Clara's family all lives in California, and whenever she visits, Abuelo takes her everywhere...except the one place she longs to go, the orange groves. Everyone's taken a turn at helping Abuelo tend the groves, which have been part of the family since Clara's great-grandfather came over from Mexico. Everyone except Clara. "The dusty groves are no place for our visitor," Abuelo says, but Clara doesn't want to be seen as a mere guest. When Clara sneaks into Abuelo's pickup truck and goes to the groves with him, he's surprised but not upset. He tells her the groves aren't special; he works there to give his family a better life. But Clara wants to join in: She sings to the oranges, with Abuelo's encouragement, and prepares to defend the land against gophers and other pests. Together, they eat tacos, and she listens to his stories, including his difficult experiences of emigrating from Mexico. They sing and dance in the grove, and just as she knew it would be, it's a special afternoon of bonding. That night, Clara finally takes her turn describing her time in the orange groves. Full-page spreads depict a large, lively, loving family with a range of mostly brown skin tones. Characters are expressive, and Cruz Floren creatively portrays Clara's elaborate flights of fancy as she helps Abuelo. More muted hues are used for Abuelo's flashbacks. Heartwarming. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)
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September 27, 2024
K-Gr 2-During summer breaks, Clara and her parents take long trips to California, where her abuelos, t�os, t�as, and cousins live. At the dinner table, they gather to eat and share stories about their family and their orange groves, and Clara feels left out since she doesn't live there and has never visited the groves. She is eager to finally visit the beloved places that have been in her family for generations, to create her own memories and stories. Without anyone knowing, she follows her abuelo, who is going to work at the groves, and hops into his truck. When abuelo finds out, he and Clara use the opportunity to dream, talk, and create experiences of their own. Inspired by the author's family history, the story portrays a Mexican American girl's journey into connecting with her roots and finding her place within her family's legacy and history. The vivid spread-length illustrations capture intergenerational warmth and love, family dynamics, and household environment and the beautiful field landscapes of the orange groves in California. The English version incorporates some words in Spanish into the text, and includes an author/illustrator's note, as well as a glossary of the Spanish language words used. The Spanish version is sprinkled with some words in English. VERDICT A lovely choice for picture book collections.-Sujei Lugo
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