EVERLASTING NORA by
Marie Miranda Cruz
Nora, 12, lives in her father’s grave house in a Philippine cemetery. Written for middle graders, this novel will
be eye opening to adults as well.
Nora
and her mother have descended into crushing poverty and survive because Nora
makes and sells flower garlands to visitors to other graves. Her friend JoJo, 13, and his grandmother
assist as well as they can when Nora’s mother becomes quite ill.
Nora is well defined as a normal child who wants normal
things. American preteens will easily identify with her and also with JoJo, a
child who has never attended school and is his grandmother’s support. The “bad guys” (who are truly bad) are
somewhat glossed over.
Friendship, initiative, caring, hope, forgiveness, determination
are all traits exhibited by those Nora learns to trust. A heartwarming story
that is ideal for a parent/child book club.
5 of 5 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment