The Last Cuentista

Props to Renata for being like, “This book is extremely for you and you will love it!” As usual, she was correct!

This is a gorgeous book. The way Higuera works in Lita's stories and Petra's memories is genius. The message is important - differences are good, beautiful, and necessary! - but not done in a preachy or age-inappropriate way. It's also just a great story that I think kid readers will like? Sometimes books are beautiful and important and yet I wonder if they will become widely read. This is dystopian without despair and science fiction with spaceships but not in an alienating way.

Well done to the Newbery Committee for choosing such a wonderful winner!