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September 2026 - A Day at the Beach
By Kristen · 5 posts · 55 views
By Kristen · 5 posts · 55 views
last updated Sep 07, 2025 06:50PM
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Probably not a future Newbery...
By Kristen · 25 posts · 299 views
By Kristen · 25 posts · 299 views
last updated Nov 10, 2010 04:28PM
What Members Thought
Pablo Neruda's fictionalized childhood, written in green ink, was beautifully portrayed and enhanced by Peter Sis's drawings. I especially liked the second half, in which Neftali pursues his dream of becoming a journalist and poet. Neftali's authoritarian father echoed the intolerance of his country. A smattering of Naruda's poems are included.The author's note complete the picture and inspires the reader to learn more about Neruda.
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This is one of those books that I feel like I should like more than I actually did. The writing is truly excellent...quiet, lyrical. The story of a creative, day-dreaming, sensitive boy, who was constantly bullied by his father is moving, and the main character is very well developed. I love Pam Munoz Ryan, and I really expected to love this book, but I just ... didn't. So my rating is definitely a reflection of my personal reaction to it, and not of it's actual quality.
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Pretty dreamy...this title seems to be in search of an audience. I wanted to like it and found that, while Ryan's fine prose depiction of Neruda's childhood highlights some interesting facets of Neruda's not easy childhood, the story, which includes some of Neruda's poetry at the end, does depict a pained, haunting childhood & adolescence, but not one that I can imagine recommending to a child. I'll try it and see what happens.
This title was donated to the Library by a huge fan of Ryan's who lov ...more
This title was donated to the Library by a huge fan of Ryan's who lov ...more
I really enjoyed this book. The writing and the illustrations are magical, and the story of Neftali struggling to be himself despite his father's shame at having a poet for a son, is a captivating read. Loved it.
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Good book. Quiet.. like a dream. Interesting way to convey someones life story.
Oct 13, 2010
Angie
marked it as to-read
Nov 16, 2010
Cassandra
marked it as to-read
May 08, 2011
Angie
marked it as to-read
Jul 08, 2011
clare o'c
added it
Dec 20, 2011
Kate Farrell
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Sylena
marked it as to-read
Jun 06, 2015
Kristen Little
marked it as to-read
Aug 25, 2020
Katy Marie
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Jul 14, 2024
Renee
marked it as to-read
