Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
Common Sense Media Review
By Maria Peña , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Captivating tale of girl diving into her Dominican roots.
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What's the Story?
In ANA MARÍA REYES DOES NOT LIVE IN A CASTLE, 11-year-old "Anamay" needs to practice hard for an important piano recital that could be the key that will earn her a scholarship to The Eleanor School, a prestigious New York private school. In the months leading up to the recital, Anamay's parents announce that a new baby is on the way, news that makes her very upset. The family makes a trip to their parents' birthplace, the Dominican Republic, to attend Anamay's Tía Nona's wedding. It's the first time Anamay and her three sisters have visited the island, and while there she meets many family members, learns about her cultural roots, and savors traditional foods. By the end of her stay, she finds herself in an unexpected situation that changes her outlook on what's really important and teaches her compassion and generosity.
Is It Any Good?
This is a captivating, relatable story of family and cultural roots with a determined, confident, but vulnerable girl at its heart. All of author Hilda Eunice Burgos' characters in Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle are vivid and full of life. Anamay's determination to prepare for her piano recital and get a scholarship to her dream private school in New York sets the tone for the book, and the overall story is full of real-life situations that many families can identify with. Anamay goes through a whirlwind of emotions, and all she really wants is for her parents to love and be proud of her, much like many girls and boys her age.
Anamay's last name is Reyes, which means kings, and her mother's maiden name is Castillo, which means castle. But it doesn't matter that she doesn't live in a castle. Her greatest treasure is her family and their unbreakable bond.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how news of the arrival of a new baby in the family affects Anamay in Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle. How would you feel if you found out you had a new baby brother or sister on the way? What do you think of Anamay's reaction?
Why do you think the family members don't want to talk about Anamay's uncle's drinking problem? Do you think it's hard to forgive people you love when they make mistakes?
How would you react if you saw an injustice happening to someone else? How would you help that person? What does being compassionate look like?
Book Details
- Author: Hilda Eunice Burgos
- Illustrator: Lissy Marlin
- Genre: Family Life
- Topics: Adventures , Arts and Dance , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , Middle School , Music and Sing-Along
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Lee & Low Books/ Tu Books
- Publication date: October 2, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 304
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: May 13, 2020
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