FICTION

Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star!

by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo & Pat Zietlow Miller (text) & illus. by Joe Cepeda
Candlewick. Jun. 2023. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781536209556.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-3–Lupe Lopez has big dreams to become a musician and a Reading Rock Star! However, she experiences her worst day of first grade when she finds out she is in a group for kids who struggle with reading. She misreads a sentence in front of her group and is teased by Victor. This experience is one many kids face, making Lupe a very realistic and relatable character. While this story addresses an important and scary experience for young children, Lupe’s struggles are not described in detail, which may prevent some children from understanding the challenge of learning to read. The resolution is tidy and does not show how Lupe uses either reading strategies or motivation to improve her skills, and the bullying between students is not addressed by the teacher.
VERDICT This colorful, well-illustrated book describes a common childhood experience, but despite a relatable heroine, the limited detail about her challenges and quick resolution may not appropriately express empathy for students like her.
Reviewed by Tracey S. Hodges , Sep 29, 2023

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