Book Review: Carmela Full of Wishes

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

De la Peña, M., & Robinson, C. (2018). Carmela full of wishes. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

ISBN: 978-0399549045

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true--she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make.

With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a must-read for kids! This multicultural book touches on things such as her father’s “papers” and sibling relationships. Matt De La Pina does a fantastic job of characterizing Carmela and making her so relatable. From running errands with her brother to eyeing the new bikes on the windows, this book is such a fun read! The illustrations are also amazing! I loved seeing the papel Picardo and the white dandelion as she rode around with her brother. The characters are beautifully illustrated, and you can see what each character is feeling through their facial expressions. As far as the culture, I do think the Hispanic culture was portrayed accurately, such as incorporating a few Spanish words into the story. Another example includes mentioning her father, who was deported and isn’t present in the story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

-         An Instant New York Times Bestseller

-         An Amazon Most Anticipated Fall Book – Ages 3 to 5

-         An Amazon Best of the Month Pick October 2018 – Ages 3 to 5

-         An Amazon Editor’s Gift Pick - Ages 3 to 5

-         A Publishers Weekly Most Anticipated Children's Book - Fall 2018

-         A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018

-         A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018

-         A Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of 2018

Starred review in School Library Journal: “Carmela’s journey of wishing, waiting, and wanting resonates on many levels; an important addition to bookshelves everywhere."

Starred review in Kirkus: “Full of rich details, sharp and restrained writing, and acrylic paintings that look textured enough to rise off the page . . . Another near-perfect slice of life from a duo that has found a way to spotlight underrepresented children without forgetting that they are children first.”

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly:  "The award-winning team behind Last Stop on Market Street portrays Carmela’s Spanish-speaking community as a vibrant place of possibility, and Robinson’s acrylic-and-cutout spreads introduce readers to street vendors, workers in the fields, and sweeping views of the sea. Sensitively conceived and exuberantly executed, Carmela’s story shines."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Have students draw out a summary of the story using the beginning, middle, and end.

*Engage students in a Think/Pair/Share activity. They will think about a birthday wish, pair up with another student, discuss their wishes, and then share them with the rest of the class.

*Other books by Matt de la Pina

De la Peña, M., & Robinson, C. (2021). Milo imagines the world. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

ISBN: 978-0399549083

 

De la Peña, M., & Escobar, P. (2024). The perfect place. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

ISBN: 978-0593325636


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