Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Nora would be in the sixth grade if she hadn-t had to leave school a year before, after a fire destroyed her home and killed her father. Now living in her father-s mausoleum, in North Cemetery, the largest graveyard in Manila, Nora makes and sells daisy garlands to passersby and helps her mother do others- laundry to provide food and necessities. After her mother disappears one night, Nora finds herself utterly alone, unwilling to call upon family or friends because of embarrassment and previous family circumstances. She soon realizes how dire her mother-s gambling problem has become and confronts a loan shark-s greedy lackey to find her. Unexpected help from neighbors and friends, like 13-year-old Jojo and his grandmother, Lola Mercy, portray a caring community within the shantytown and beyond. Debut author Cruz doesn-t shy away from Nora-s reality-her unreliable, grieving mother, the family-s extreme poverty, the violence of the gambling world-but she also weaves a story of hope in darkness and creates a courageous, resilient heroine to root for. Cruz-s rich descriptions of Filipino culture, most notably the food, intensify the sense of place and proffer bright spots in Nora-s difficult situation. Ages 8-12. Agent: Paula Munier, Talcott Notch Literary Services. (Oct.)

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

According to 12-year-old Nora, "A home does not have dead people inside it."Nora lives in the North Cemetery, Manila's largest, with her mother, Lorna, after having lost her home and father to a disastrous fire. Now impoverished, Nora sells dried flower garlands by the cemetery gates and helps her mother wash laundry for others to get by. More than anything, Nora wishes to return to her old life and go back to school. Past hardships with family have made Nora reluctant to depend on others for help. But when her mother goes missing and she must confront a street tough named Tiger who may have the answers she needs, Nora learns to accept help from those in her community, including her spirited friend Jojo and his kind grandmother, Lola Mercy. Nora is an impressive young heroine whose extraordinary self-awareness helps her to bravely take on adult responsibilities to support herself and Lorna. Even when frustrated with her mother's poor choices and conflicted about whom she can trust, she remains resilient. Nora's story is a tribute to Filipino children, and readers of all backgrounds will find themselves immersed in the culture, learning bits of Tagalog and longing to savor the delicacies described throughout such as biko, champorado, and banana-que.Cruz's touching debut breathes life, beauty and everlasting hope into a place where danger lurks and the dead rest. (glossary, author's note, activity guide) (Fiction. 8-13)

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

According to 12-year-old Nora, "A home does not have dead people inside it."Nora lives in the North Cemetery, Manila's largest, with her mother, Lorna, after having lost her home and father to a disastrous fire. Now impoverished, Nora sells dried flower garlands by the cemetery gates and helps her mother wash laundry for others to get by. More than anything, Nora wishes to return to her old life and go back to school. Past hardships with family have made Nora reluctant to depend on others for help. But when her mother goes missing and she must confront a street tough named Tiger who may have the answers she needs, Nora learns to accept help from those in her community, including her spirited friend Jojo and his kind grandmother, Lola Mercy. Nora is an impressive young heroine whose extraordinary self-awareness helps her to bravely take on adult responsibilities to support herself and Lorna. Even when frustrated with her mother's poor choices and conflicted about whom she can trust, she remains resilient. Nora's story is a tribute to Filipino children, and readers of all backgrounds will find themselves immersed in the culture, learning bits of Tagalog and longing to savor the delicacies described throughout such as biko, champorado, and banana-que.Cruz's touching debut breathes life, beauty and everlasting hope into a place where danger lurks and the dead rest. (glossary, author's note, activity guide) (Fiction. 8-13)

Horn Book

Living in her father's mausoleum in Manila's North Cemetery, Nora learns to rely on community support while trying to rescue her mother from gambling debts. Though lengthy descriptions of Filipino culture tend to slow down the high-stakes plot, this is a moving and eye-opening story with well-developed characters. Back matter includes a glossary of Tagalog words, an author's note, and discussion questions.

ALA Booklist

Nora is a 12-year-old Filipino girl living with her mother in a cemetery, in the grave where her father is buried. Her mother is addicted to gambling on mahjong, and one day she doesn't return home. Nora sets out to find her, starting a dangerous journey that uncovers not only family secrets but also Nora's own strength and resilience. Cruz does a wonderful job showing readers a life that many will know nothing about. The description and imagery of life in the cemetery is rich, as the narrative exposes snapshots of various people including other children, families, and even missionaries. The subject matter becomes extremely heavy for the intended age group, as Nora worries constantly about finances and survival, and the tone is sad with Nora's despair over her current and future life. This impactful debut novel shows young readers the devastating reality of life for some children in the world, introduces them to a new language and culture, and demonstrates the power of family and neighbors, courage, hope, and, most of all, perseverance.