Clare Lund's Reviews > Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

Another winner from author Pablo Cartaya! After his dad walked out on the family, Marcus has had to grow up faster than his peers; he looks out for his mom and his little brother Charlie, who has Down syndrome, but is also misunderstood at school due to his large size. When the neighborhood bully Stephen insults Charlie, Marcus doesn't think twice before throwing a punch that gets him suspended. Marcus's mom decides to take the boys to visit their family in Puerto Rico over spring break to regroup, and Marcus desperately hopes to locate his absent father, who lives somewhere on the island. A beautiful story about family and connecting with your culture. Ages 10 and up.