b' book reviews Esperanza Rising Written by Pam Muoz RyanB KREVIEWS Esperanza Rising is about a 13-year-old girl who came from a rich farming family in Mexico. Her dad passed away and their farm burned down. Her bad uncles were trying to steal their land, so her family moved to California to become migrant farm workers. The story takes place in the 1920s, during a time when some workers wanted to go on strike for healthier work conditions. Esperanzas mama got sick as a result of a dust storm, and her sickness was worse because she was depressed. The book deals with themes of physical illness and mental illness. The Buddy BenchThree-fourths of the class enjoyed Written by Patty Brozothe book. Illustrated by Mike Deas The story was really good The book was interesting. This book is about a group of studentsbecause the classmates wereIve never read a book about who are learning some importantkind to the kids who felt likeimmigration. I actually enjoyed lessons during recess. they did not belong, saidthe book because it was new Many students in Miss Mellons classMadison. information for me, said Anaia. really enjoyed the fun activities thatThe book was entertaining take place during recess, but someI like the way the storybecause it dealt with real-life students felt uncomfortable and thatended because everyevents, said Arquimides.they didnt fit in. classmate was included in theI liked the way the book ended The classmates realized that recessgames at recess at the end ofbecause it was sad but also can be a lonely experience for somethe story, said Royal. happy, said Aubrey. students. The classmates producedFit Flyer reporters recommend a plan to construct a buddy bench.this book for people who like When they saw someone sitting onemotional stories and historical the bench, it could be a clue that theyThe Healthy News reporters said theyfiction in grades 4 and above. We were having a tough time fitting in andwould recommend this story for otheralso recommend it for people who were feeling lonely.kids to read because it talks about theimmigrated to the United States, Miss Mellons students learned thatimportance of making friends. because they can relate to the a person sitting on the bench neededmain character. The Buddy Bench helps you become encouragement. They made sure theya more positive person because itBy Fit Flyer staff asked that student to join in on theencourages you to help people feelWilliam Crampfun. like they belong. The story shows theElementary SchoolHealthy News reporters really enjoyedimportance of working as a team.the story. Page 14 illustration: Cassandra Urena, 6th grade, By Healthy News staffCatholic Partnership Schools Healthy Courier,La Salle Academy Holy Name (cloud dreams) 14B Y K I D S , F O R K I D S | S p r i n g 2 0 2 5'