Customer Reviews

Trinity Soup

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

 

 

(Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4.5 Stars)

Danielle Webb is a bright, talented, and nice young girl who lives with her family in an upper-middle-class neighborhood. She also attends a private school with her best friend, Francesco. When her father's business fails, Danielle and her family find themselves in financial and emotional trouble. On top of the business failing, her parents have separated, and Danielle must now leave everything she's ever known and attend a public junior high school, where she finds it's not very easy making new friends. Eventually, Danielle befriends Maya, and, as their friendship grows, they learn the many values that each other's different cultures have to offer.

Younger readers will definitely enjoy Trinity Soup and watch as Danielle overcomes many of the obstacles that young girls must face these days. There are many lessons to be learned in this story, and readers are fortunate that there is a book out there that can make them feel positive about change. Trinity Soup reassures young people that there is hope, even when they feel that all is lost. A wonderful, heartwarming addition to any young reader's book collection!

Brooke Carleton

Apex Reviews

By some standards, Danielle Webb is part of a seemingly idealistic world. In TRINITY SOUP by Carolyn Ortiz, Danielle lives in an upper middle class, ethnically mixed neighborhood in scenic, coastal California. She is beloved by her parents and friends; she attends one of the most prestigious private schools in the area; she is bright, energetic and talented. She possesses a talent for cooking and entertaining, and rebuffs the typical teenage angsts of having the latest designer clothing, hairstyles and boyfriends. Danielle would rather hang out with her neighborhood friend Francesco, her cooking partner, than a group of popular girls.

Danielle's mother is a teacher and ever so cautious about the family's finances. Her father leaves his job and purchases a sports memorabilia store, which has been his heart's desire for many years. After many loans and the lack of sales, the business fails; Danielle's parents separate. Because of the family's financial situation, Danielle must attend public school and leave all she knows behind.

At the new school Danielle finds the cliques, jealousy and all of the other issues she considers frivolous. After standing up to a bully and rallying around a new friend, she learns to navigate her new landscape as she encounters matters of class, culture and being part of a non-traditional family. Most important to her parents is Danielle's ability to remain steadfast in her studies and her ability to adapt.

The imagery is detailed as it relates to the California coastline and the main character's penchant for cooking. The author, Carolyn Ortiz, has penned a short but effective book for young teens which highlights a child's ability to overcome certain obstacles. The characters are likable, the dialog spirited and the issues portrayed, realistic.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves

of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Danielle Webb is intelligent, loves exotic foods and is organized. She and her parents, Douglas and Elizabeth, are the only black family who live in their neighborhood in the small California town. She attends Cypress Elementary, a private school, with her best friend, Francesco De Palma. Even at ten and a half she already knows that girls can be a little touchy.

When Douglas starts his own sports memorabilia store, things for the Webb family become edgy. Elizabeth is angry, but Danielle understands her dad's need to live out his dream. Will Danielle learn to adjust to all of the changes in her life?

"Trinity Soup" is an easy and inspiring read! It characterizes family, cultures and spirituality that I believe any and all age groups can relate to.

Reviewed by: Marshae

Teen Reviewer

4.5 stars

Trinity Soup by Carolyn Ortiz is about overcoming obstacles and being the best you can, even under circumstances that are beyond your control. Danielle Webb, a ten-year- old, upper middle class girl is the type of child who seems to excel at everything she does. At ten years old she is able to emulate the cooks she sees on the Food Network and fix meals for her family, along with her playmate, Francesco. She beats out her best friend, Megan, for the starring role in the school play and when family issues cause her to have to move from her exclusive private school and attend a public school, she learns to fit in and makes new friends.

I think young readers (9-12) will enjoy this book. There are good lessons on being able to accomplish whatever you aspire, and overcoming challenges life throws at you. We all know that changes are not easy and the author did not try to make Danielle's transistion easy, but she was able to show a strong and united family structure. I would recommend this book to be put on your list for young girls on your gift list.