Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews
Juana is back. This time she has to navigate the ups and downs of the changes brought on by the new person in Mami's life.The way she sees it, "My life is just about perfect." She lives in Bogotá, "a city that smells of eucalyptus and fresh fruit"; she has the nicest neighbors; Mami is perfect; her abuelos are wonderful; her school "is quite good, too, though math and English are hard for me to learn." And of course, there is Lucas, "the most perfect perro in the whole entire world." Lately, though, her life is "a little less perfect." Mami has changed her hairstyle and is singing a lot, and Juana is spending more time with her relatives and less with Mami. Turns out, "Mami has a new friend. His name is Luis." As with its predecessor, the Belpré-winning Juana & Lucas (2016), the story is told from Juana's point of view with humor and drama. The typeset, text, and illustrations are playfully intertwined, with a sprinkling of italicized Spanish words throughout. Medina's cartoon-style illustrations done in ink and watercolor are vibrant and full of movement, beautifully capturing the full range of Juana's conflicting emotions as Luis becomes a part of their lives.Juana's big problema will resonate with many readers, who will look forward to hearing more about this spunky Colombian girl's life. (Fiction. 5-8)
ALA Booklist
(Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Juana's mother is changing r hair is different, she's wearing more lipstick, and she spends more time away. Juana soon learns that her mother's change is due to a new romantic relationship, and the young girl fears this will lead to big problems. Juana isn't thrilled when her mother announces she's getting remarried; but over time, Juana learns that change is not all bad. Medina's story is an important one about losing a parent and eventually gaining a new one. Juana's struggles with these events are compounded by worries over sharing her mother with another. Many young readers will relate to Juana's situation and find reassurance in the message that though change is difficult, it can bring about many beautiful surprises. Medina's illustrations are a wonderful addition to Juana's first-person narration, truly bringing her emotions and quirkiness to life. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text but are italicized so that monolingual young readers will get their meaning through context cues. Medina's charming follow-up to her Pura Belpré Award winning Juana & Lucas (2016) doesn't disappoint.
Horn Book
(Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
Medina's Bogota-dwelling protagonist Juana and her beloved dog Lucas return in this sequel to Juana & Lucas. Juana is growing up, and change is looming: Mami is spending time with a new "friend," Luis. Accessible chapters with interspersed art and plenty of white space guide readers through Juana's experiences and emotions. Through it all, Juana can always count on her family's steady love to help solve even the biggest problemas.
Kirkus Reviews
(Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)
Juana is back. This time she has to navigate the ups and downs of the changes brought on by the new person in Mami's life.The way she sees it, "My life is just about perfect." She lives in Bogotá, "a city that smells of eucalyptus and fresh fruit"; she has the nicest neighbors; Mami is perfect; her abuelos are wonderful; her school "is quite good, too, though math and English are hard for me to learn." And of course, there is Lucas, "the most perfect perro in the whole entire world." Lately, though, her life is "a little less perfect." Mami has changed her hairstyle and is singing a lot, and Juana is spending more time with her relatives and less with Mami. Turns out, "Mami has a new friend. His name is Luis." As with its predecessor, the Belpré-winning Juana & Lucas (2016), the story is told from Juana's point of view with humor and drama. The typeset, text, and illustrations are playfully intertwined, with a sprinkling of italicized Spanish words throughout. Medina's cartoon-style illustrations done in ink and watercolor are vibrant and full of movement, beautifully capturing the full range of Juana's conflicting emotions as Luis becomes a part of their lives.Juana's big problema will resonate with many readers, who will look forward to hearing more about this spunky Colombian girl's life. (Fiction. 5-8)