Adios, Anna

Friends and Amigos #1

by Patricia Reilly Giff

With her best friend Anna Ortiz away at camp for the summer, Sarah plans a crash course to learn Spanish

71 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Pat Salvatini · Rating 3 out of 5]

While her best friend Anna is off to summer camp, Sarah is left behind trying to learn Spanish and trying to cope with her little sister Erica, skinny Thomas, and the worst pest in class Benjamin. This is the first book in the Friends and Amigos series.

[Anna J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adios, Anna by Patricia Reilly Giff is a book about a girl named Sarah who is sad because her best friend goes to camp for the summer, leaving her to spend time with her sister and two boys she does not particularly like. She takes the opportunity to try to learn Spanish but it is not is easy as she thinks it will be. This book has ten short lessons of Spanish, which are included at the end of each chapter along with Spanish words scattered throughout the story. This book while telling a story will introduce young readers to beginning Spanish. Barnes and Noble recommends this short chapter book for children ages six to nine. However, I think it would be better for children who fall toward the higher end of this age range.

[Abby Sakandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first legit book that I've read and up till now, these girls have been my imaginary friends. This is Dora the Explorer with "real friends (people)" (haha) but lit!

[Shannon Rickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a cute childrens book i enjoyed it and especially trying to do the spanish parts.