Copyright Date:
2021
Edition Date:
2021
Release Date:
12/07/21
Pages:
84 pages
ISBN:
Publisher: 0-7636-7209-2 Perma-Bound: 0-8000-0185-0
ISBN 13:
Publisher: 978-0-7636-7209-6 Perma-Bound: 978-0-8000-0185-8
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
2021945707
Dimensions:
23 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Starred Review ALA Booklist
Starred Review This third installment in the Juana & Lucas series is about everything new. Juana has a stepfather (Luis) now, and her mom is expecting a baby! Juana doesn't mind living with Luis, but she is less sure about having a baby around the house. Adding to her unease is the prospect of going to skate camp with the weird roller skates (they just strap onto her sneakers) that her mom and Luis gave her. Unfortunately, Juana doesn't have a choice, but it doesn't take long for her to make new friends and start having fun. Back at home, Juana learns that her mother has been put on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy, which worries the young girl but also means she gets to spend more time with her beloved abuelos. Reading books about babies with them and hearing stories of when they were kids helps Juana feel excited about becoming a big sister. Medina has created another winning addition to her early chapter-book series, which continues to introduce Spanish vocabulary and incorporate frequently hilarious illustrations to further support young readers. This story also tackles serious issues, such as pregnancy complications and the premature birth of a baby, but it does so in a kid-friendly way that acknowledges the emotions such experiences can cause. Another fantastic adventure with Juana.
When she learns that Mami is expecting a baby, Juana finds a way to rise to the occasion (despite a few stumbles at skating camp!) in a third episode filled with humor and warmth.
I agree with my abuelos—I think I will be a VERY good older hermana. Even when I am not the most patient human being on earth. . . .
Juana’s life in Bogotá, Colombia, is just about perfect. Every now and then a big problema comes along—like having to learn English or Juana’s mami getting remarried—but things eventually settle down, and life goes back to feeling pretty perfect again. But then Mami springs two new sorpresas on Juana. One: Juana will be spending her school break going to skating camp instead of relaxing (even though she doesn’t know how to skate!). Two: Mami is going to have a baby! How can one Juana-size person possibly handle SO. MANY. CHANGES? The answer: with the gentle love of Mami and Luis, the guidance of Juana’s abuelos, the sympathy of newfound friends, the ready ear of her furry amigo Lucas, and Juana’s own expansive heart.