
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complexities of a blended family, meeting a long-lost relative, or trying to reconcile two very different parts of their identity. Edver, an American tech-loving boy, is sent to Cuba to visit the father he barely knows, only to discover he has a sister, Luza, who has been keeping her own secrets. Through Margarita Engle's evocative verse, the story explores the yearning for connection and the bridge between modern technology and the raw beauty of the natural world. It is a gentle yet profound exploration of how families can be broken and rebuilt, making it an excellent choice for children ages 8 to 12 who are navigating shifts in their own family structure or cultural heritage.
The book handles parental separation and long-held family secrets directly but with a poetic touch. The mother's absence is felt as a void, and the reconciliation is realistic rather than magical. It is a secular story that focuses on emotional honesty and environmental stewardship.
A middle-grade reader who feels like an outsider in their own family.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the ethics of the internet ruse the children use to lure their mother, as well as the history of political tensions between the US and Cuba that may have impacted the characters' families. A parent might see their child acting out from a sense of 'missing information' about their family history or expressing frustration about being forced to visit a non-custodial parent.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the adventure and the discovery of the 'forest world.' Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the nuance of the parents' failed relationship and the political barriers between the US and Cuba.
Engle's use of verse makes a complex emotional landscape accessible, and the specific focus on Cuban biodiversity combined with modern tech-addiction creates a unique juxtaposition not often seen in middle-grade fiction. ```
Edver is a 12-year-old boy from Miami who is sent to Cuba to stay with his father. Upon arrival, he discovers he has a half-sister, Luza, whom his mother never mentioned. While Edver is obsessed with video games and technology, Luza is deeply connected to the Cuban forest and its wildlife. The two siblings must navigate their resentment and curiosity while concocting a plan to bring their cryptozoologist mother to the island. Their plan involves an internet ruse that attracts dangerous poachers, forcing the siblings to protect both the environment and their family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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