Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

A boy struggles with anxiety amid significant life changes.Pablo and his mother move around every few months and are currently residing in the Philippines. Ever since he was little, things bothered Pablo, but after his parents' divorce, Pablo has picked up more anxieties, ranging from tiny things like germs and crumbs to the sea—his biggest fear. On Pablo's 12th birthday, his mother brings home an orphaned Filipino girl with a cleft lip. Chiqui, as they call her, doesn't understand English, won't speak, and has a hard time adjusting to her new environment. At first, Pablo hates the change, but one evening Chiqui speaks to him and only him. Pablo realizes he wants to be strong for Chiqui and to protect her, and that feeling might be bigger than all his fears, even the sea. As related by Pablo, this is an indelible depiction of a child's struggle with mental health. Readers learn empathy as they feel Pablo's heartbreaking struggles firsthand, but they also experience the loving relationships that help him overcome them. Guerrero touches on many topics—anxiety, fostering, friendship, family, selective mutism, and more—seamlessly weaving them all together to create a strong, moving narrative. Originally from Spain, Pablo's mother mixes English with her native tongue, and other characters often speak Tagalog. Pablo and his mother are both white.A heartbreaking, heartwarming, powerful debut novel. (Fiction. 8-12)

ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Ever since his parents' divorce, Pablo has accompanied his zoologist mother all over the world. While her work to save endangered wildlife is noble, it has prevented Pablo from truly finding a home. Their latest stop is the Philippines, where his mother finds a new, unexpected task ring for a young girl found in a chicken coop with no family and an unknown past. The presence of this new member of the household forces Pablo to confront several truths about himself: his fractured relationship with his distant father; his feelings for his neighbor, Happy; his phobias about germs, dirt, and large bodies of water; and his connection to the orphan girl who desperately needs someone to trust. Guerrero's heartfelt debut brings to life the colors, textures, and tastes of the Philippines, while also showing a boy's struggles with crippling anxiety. The book evolves in light touches, focusing on Pablo's emotional journey. Presented with care and compassion, Pablo's quest to find courage when another's welfare depends on it will touch and inspire readers.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A boy struggles with anxiety amid significant life changes.Pablo and his mother move around every few months and are currently residing in the Philippines. Ever since he was little, things bothered Pablo, but after his parents' divorce, Pablo has picked up more anxieties, ranging from tiny things like germs and crumbs to the sea—his biggest fear. On Pablo's 12th birthday, his mother brings home an orphaned Filipino girl with a cleft lip. Chiqui, as they call her, doesn't understand English, won't speak, and has a hard time adjusting to her new environment. At first, Pablo hates the change, but one evening Chiqui speaks to him and only him. Pablo realizes he wants to be strong for Chiqui and to protect her, and that feeling might be bigger than all his fears, even the sea. As related by Pablo, this is an indelible depiction of a child's struggle with mental health. Readers learn empathy as they feel Pablo's heartbreaking struggles firsthand, but they also experience the loving relationships that help him overcome them. Guerrero touches on many topics—anxiety, fostering, friendship, family, selective mutism, and more—seamlessly weaving them all together to create a strong, moving narrative. Originally from Spain, Pablo's mother mixes English with her native tongue, and other characters often speak Tagalog. Pablo and his mother are both white.A heartbreaking, heartwarming, powerful debut novel. (Fiction. 8-12)

School Library Journal (Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Gr 3-7 Twelve-year-old Pablo finds himself adjusting to another new environment as his zoologist mother explores fresh opportunities. This time they land in the Philippines, and even though Pablo is starting to make connections, his OCD and anxiety are escalating. He misses his estranged dad and feels at fault for their sporadic relationship. Then his Mom takes in Chiqui, a traumatized orphan with a cleft lip. Pablo warms up to Chiqui, finding himself tentatively opening up to new people and experiences while making peace with a world in which he has little control. Debut author Guerrero presents an nVoices account of life in present-day Philippines. Readers will be immersed in Filipino culture as they fall into Pablo's story and quest for home. Many will relate to his struggles with upheaval, worry, and misplaced guilt. Numerous issues are explored in the plot, yet it never feels too busy or cluttered. Short chapters will keep readers turning pages, and the story seems to finish as quickly as it begins. As in real life, not everything ends perfectly, but Pablo finds the courage to be truthful with his mother and finally gains a stable home and secure family. A glossary of Tagalog words and phrases is included in the back of the volume. VERDICT Through caring for his new foster sibling, and the patience and kindness of trusted adults, Pablo starts to gain a sense of calm and security. A solid title that explores contemporary life in the Philippines, as well as coping with anxiety and OCD, all within a heartwarming story starring a likable protagonist.Kate Nafz, Fair Lawn Public Library, NJ