Customer Reviews

First Day in Grapes (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently read First Day in Grapes to my second grade class. They were engaged by the story of Chico and his experiences in yet another new school. Half of my kids came up to me afterward and told me they "loved" this story. They made a lot of connections with an Hispanic character and many could relate to moving around. I would recommend this book highly to teachers and others who value a story with a meaningful moral.

The main character in this book, Chico, is Hispanic, but his story is universal and engaging. I was delighted when my third-grader, who is a reluctant reader, read this book without stopping. She loved how Chico stood up for himself and solved his problems with Math. The illustrations are wonderful and the story has a terrific moral without preaching.

Oog. I always have a great deal of difficulty giving poor reviews to books that fill a need. And I especially find it hard to give a tough review to a book that not only tells a tale about a boy of Latin American descent, but also won a coveted Pura Belpre Honor. Nevertheless, I have to admit that I was unimpressed by author L. King Perez's foray into the world of children's picture books. Though a well-meaning tale about standing up for one's self, the story is an overly familiar one and its packaging is nothing to write home about.

Our hero is a boy named Chico. Chico moves with his family up and down California as they pick fruits and vegetables to support themselves. Now it is September when the grapes are ready to be picked and Chico is not particularly fond of the idea of going back to school. He moves around quite a lot and is familiar with bullies and kids that tease him because he is different. In this particular school, however, something changes. His teacher likes him, he does particularly well in math, and he finds a way to deal with the bullies that he meets. As the book flap says, "This story of personal triumph is a testament to the inner strength in all of us". Well...sort of.

The fact of the matter is, there's not a lot here that hasn't been hashed and rehashed in better books. Want to read a story about a child that deals with some prejudices that are less obvious than the ones dealt with in this story? Try finding A.F. Ada's, "My Name is Maria Isabel". Like the idea of a child of migrant workers that finds strength in standing up to people without relying on violence? Look at fellow Pura Belpre winner, "Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez" by Kathleen Krull. These books have a style and wit all of their own, and they're well worth seeking out. "First Day In Grapes"? Not so much.

Here were my problems with the book. First of all (and there's no getting around it) the book's boring. I'm sorry, but there it is. Moments of tension aren't properly built up. Accompanied by illustrator Robert Casilla's interesting but by and large mediocre pictures, the book has a kind of dragging feel. Then there's the method by which Chico defeats his bullies. I have little doubt that there are ways to outsmart such villains. You'll just have to forgive me if I don't think shaming them with math skills is one of them. The ending is a bit patchy, and more than a touch unbelievable. I can hear people claiming that such a thing could happen. And maybe in a better book I would have bought it. But L. King Perez, while having an interesting story on her hands, hasn't sold it to the reader properly.

My final call? Some kids will dig this book, but most won't. Its themes and ideas are so common in children's literature and picture books that I can say with almost absolute certainty that you will have minimal difficulty finding them in other better pieces of kiddie lit. While I agree with almost every Pura Belpre Honor book there is, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this one. That's all.

I loved this book. It is a tribute to the human spirit. Children really understand the underlying theme. Beatifully written.

I just loved this book, and my nephew who is starting a new school this year wants me to read it to him every time he comes over.
This book is beautifully illustrated and has something for all children, especially our growing hispanic population. The main character moves around a lot because his parents are migrant farm workers. What a wonderful story. A must read for 4 to 9 year olds

I borrowed this book from another teacher to read to the students in my resource room (grades 2 - 5.) Many of these students are of Mexican descent, though none of them are from migrant families. The book inspired much conversation, particularly on the topics of standing up to bullies and supporting students that are victimized by bullies. Discussions continued and passages were reread. The book moved from desk to desk and hand to hand. I realized I needed to keep this finger-smudged and cover-wrinkled edition and return a brand new copy to its wise owner. This is a book you will be happy to add to your classroom library.

I received this book as a gift for my children who are in the primary grades. The story resonated with me because I remember tutoring little migrant boys like this when I was in high school, boys who are smart but have trouble in school because of constant moves. My children enjoy this story because they can empathize with his troubles and how he is ultimaately able to outsmart the bullies without using his fists. They enjoy seeing his victory at the end. I like the fact that it builds compassion in them for children who face adversity every day. I recommend it.