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“I enjoyed this book ;) I think it was really interesting. I couldn't stop READING xD”
Ayaka wrote this review Sunday, March 17, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Impressive debut – a warm, funny blend of realism and magic that is, at its heart, about family, belonging, responsibility, and redemption
Amanda R wrote this review Friday, December 28, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I would have actually liked it to be a bit longer and develop more of Andi and Bernardo’s emerging relationship
Good audio – dual narrators – Entwistle in particular does a great job with Andi’s emotions and sense of humor, and de Ocampo reads with good pacing and gets to the heart of Bernardo’s struggles with his feelings of guilt and responsibility
5th – 9th grade”
“Great on CD. Written in two voices, Andi who is crazy about basketball and Bernardo her brother who has been raised in the Philippines. When Andi first see Bernardo she can't believe her eyes he is so tall, eight feet tall. When Bernardo can finally come to England to live with his mother he finds Andi and his new home are quite and adjustment. A funny, sad, bittersweet story. ”
Cheryl P wrote this review Friday, December 14, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Summary:
Karen Prespa wrote this review Tuesday, September 4, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Andi is thirteen years old and playing basketball is her life, but when her family moves to a new town she starts a school with an all boys basketball team. Andi is also anticipating the arrival of her brother Bernardo, whom she hasn't seen in eight years. She knows he stands tall, but she couldn't have been prepared as to how tall he really is. As her brother Bernardo steps off the plane reuniting him with his family for the first time, he stands eight feet tall! Bernardo suffers from Gigantism and towers over everyone. Bernardo has been living in the Phillipines for years with his aunt and uncle as his mom tries to get papers to approve his arrival. Over that time he has become a living legend in San Andres. People believe that he is a hero and keeps the earthquakes at bay. San Andres fears that if Bernardo leaves, bad luck and destruction will take place. When Bernardo arrives, he and Andi find out that even though they differ in height, they have a common love for basketball in common. Their bond is instant and Bernardo is enjoying his reunion with his family until the news of a massive earthquake in San Andres.
Age group: Middle School
Teacher Connections:
Science/Research: Study of Gigantism and cases around the world. Effects of Earthquakes.
Literature- Study of Legends. There are many legends in this story and you can use this text to teach what a legend is and how students can write their own.”“A nice story of what it means to be a family...whether far away or near by.”
julie w wrote this review Wednesday, July 11, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“the girl misses. sucks.”
Madsta(: wrote this review Wednesday, June 6, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
1 of 1 members found this review helpful“Rarely do I see kids' fiction featuring Filipino characters, so this was nice to discover. Andi lives in London with her mother and English father. Her older half-brother Bernardo has been living in the Philippines for years with their aunt and uncle until immigration papers can be processed. But the villagers of San Andres have ascribed a mythical status to Bernardo, after the story of giant Bernardo Carpio, and if he leaves they believe San Andres will no longer be safe from earthquakes. A nice combination of magical realism, myth and contemporary concerns. Basketball-loving Andi is particularly appealing, as is the developing connection between brother and sister.”
Salsabrarian wrote this review Friday, April 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A touching multicultural folk tale.”
Jessica wrote this review Thursday, March 29, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A tale of two cultures.”
midschool wrote this review Sunday, November 20, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
1 of 1 members found this review helpful“A different kind of story about a boy left behind in the Philippines while his mother goes to work in London & then begins a new family. When the papers finally come through for the boy to join his family, things do not go very smoothly. The son ends up being quite ill & requires surgery. The relationship between the brother & sister is interesting & realistic. Also, the blend of cultural superstitions & modern day realities is interesting as well. A good, quick read.”
mamatufy wrote this review Sunday, October 23, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
