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Roberto Duran, intrepid Houston attorney, is called in to help clear the name of a young Mexican socialite who is caught at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport with cocaine in the lining of his luggage. As the grandson of Don Jose, owner of Bancomer, he swears the drugs are not his. Don Jose believes him and hires Roberto Duran. Together with the help of private investigator Luis Gil, Roberto delves into the world of the Mexican cartels to find the evidence he needs to clear his client, but will Roberto survive and arrive in time to put his case on at court?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2019
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 19, 2018
I loved this book. It was a casual introduction to a serious topic. The purpose of Summer Vacation was met quickly, as it became a medium for me to start conversations with my family and friends about something that I was previously unaware of. It is about a lighthearted girl visiting her family in Texas for the summer, who was introduced to the history and meaning behind Juneteenth as the audience is receiving the same approachable explanation. She took the same blunt approach that I would have wanted in questioning why the topic was not covered in school curriculum and how this is the first time she’s heard of it. I enjoyed how it hinted at a recent situation where this divide still might be proven to be an error for concern, in order for the audience to be aware.
My favorite part of this though was the support the author included with this book. She’s provided discussion questions, essay topics, and multiple choice questions for people to get more in depth with the meaning behind this story. One of the discussion questions asks if the reader thinks Juneteenth should be included in school curriculum and why. My response is yes it should have been, not as a separate topic, but definitely recognized and appreciated when talking about the struggles with this country had with slavery and definitely as a highlight with the Emancipation Proclamation. I would have loved to learn about something like this happening where I grew up because it’s easier to imagine local events.
I’ve already looked into driving the hour down to Galveston where it all took place and going on a history tour and maybe being part of the celebrations next year. I would highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. I will be reading this book to my niece, although she might not grasp the topic, it will be an introduction to the subject. I would rate this five out of five stars. Thank you for the enlightenment.
My favorite part of this though was the support the author included with this book. She’s provided discussion questions, essay topics, and multiple choice questions for people to get more in depth with the meaning behind this story. One of the discussion questions asks if the reader thinks Juneteenth should be included in school curriculum and why. My response is yes it should have been, not as a separate topic, but definitely recognized and appreciated when talking about the struggles with this country had with slavery and definitely as a highlight with the Emancipation Proclamation. I would have loved to learn about something like this happening where I grew up because it’s easier to imagine local events.
I’ve already looked into driving the hour down to Galveston where it all took place and going on a history tour and maybe being part of the celebrations next year. I would highly recommend this book to kids of all ages. I will be reading this book to my niece, although she might not grasp the topic, it will be an introduction to the subject. I would rate this five out of five stars. Thank you for the enlightenment.
July 20, 2016
Summer Vacation is a quick, easy to read story that teaches a huge lesson in a compact package. Readers will enjoy being placed right in the middle of this loving family where the history lessons are taught in a fun but sneaky way -- perfect for young readers who may be reluctant to read books where *gasp* they may have to learn something.
The primary lesson in reading Summer Vacation is about the history and reason behind the Juneteenth holiday and celebration. Author Belinda Everette uses the family-in-the-kitchen setting for a natural dialogue to occur to explain Juneteenth.
Everette includes an ethnically diverse cast of characters, which allows for multiple perspectives and misconceptions about Juneteenth to come into play. A short study guide at the end of the book helps direct readers to focus on specific aspects, such as when "Mackenzie. . . couldn't understand why Texas history was not taught in Texas schools." (I hear ya, MacKenzie.)
Though the version I reviewed was still undergoing the revision process, I expect the final version of the second edition release to be clean. Everette's depiction of the sharing of stories between family and friends is familiar, comfortable, and completely believable. This book would be well-placed in elementary classrooms and libraries to get kids familiar with the significance of Juneteenth. It is likely to encourage conversation about where our country has been, where it is, and in what direction it needs to go in the future. Recommended for readers ages 10-12.
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me a print copy in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give. Review and more about this book/author on Hall Ways Blog http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...
The primary lesson in reading Summer Vacation is about the history and reason behind the Juneteenth holiday and celebration. Author Belinda Everette uses the family-in-the-kitchen setting for a natural dialogue to occur to explain Juneteenth.
Everette includes an ethnically diverse cast of characters, which allows for multiple perspectives and misconceptions about Juneteenth to come into play. A short study guide at the end of the book helps direct readers to focus on specific aspects, such as when "Mackenzie. . . couldn't understand why Texas history was not taught in Texas schools." (I hear ya, MacKenzie.)
Though the version I reviewed was still undergoing the revision process, I expect the final version of the second edition release to be clean. Everette's depiction of the sharing of stories between family and friends is familiar, comfortable, and completely believable. This book would be well-placed in elementary classrooms and libraries to get kids familiar with the significance of Juneteenth. It is likely to encourage conversation about where our country has been, where it is, and in what direction it needs to go in the future. Recommended for readers ages 10-12.
Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing me a print copy in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give. Review and more about this book/author on Hall Ways Blog http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews