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On These Magic Shores
Minerva must take care of her sisters after her mother's disappearance.
Twelve-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda is determined to reach her goals, despite shouldering more responsibility than the other kids at school--like caring for her two sisters while her mom works two jobs. But one night, Minerva's mom doesn't come home, and Minerva has to figure out what to do. Was Mamá snapped up by ICE? Will the girls be sent to foster homes or holding centers for migrant kids? Minerva and her sisters can't let anyone know Mamá has disappeared. They'll just pretend everything is normal until she comes back.
Minerva's plan falls apart the first afternoon, when her baby sister throws a tantrum during Minerva's audition for Peter Pan. But as the days pass and Minerva grows ever more worried about her mother, something magical seems to be watching out for them: leaving them cupcakes, helping her find money, even steering them to friends and distant family who can help. Eventually, Minerva must make the hardest choice of her life. And when she does, she'll be prepared to face life's challenges--with friendship, hope, and a little bit of fairy magic.
Twelve-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda is determined to reach her goals, despite shouldering more responsibility than the other kids at school--like caring for her two sisters while her mom works two jobs. But one night, Minerva's mom doesn't come home, and Minerva has to figure out what to do. Was Mamá snapped up by ICE? Will the girls be sent to foster homes or holding centers for migrant kids? Minerva and her sisters can't let anyone know Mamá has disappeared. They'll just pretend everything is normal until she comes back.
Minerva's plan falls apart the first afternoon, when her baby sister throws a tantrum during Minerva's audition for Peter Pan. But as the days pass and Minerva grows ever more worried about her mother, something magical seems to be watching out for them: leaving them cupcakes, helping her find money, even steering them to friends and distant family who can help. Eventually, Minerva must make the hardest choice of her life. And when she does, she'll be prepared to face life's challenges--with friendship, hope, and a little bit of fairy magic.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2020
10 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Yamile Saied Méndez
52 books729 followersYamile (sha-MEE-lay) is a fútbol obsessed Argentine-American. She’s the mother of 5 kids and 2 adorable dogs. Yamile’s an inaugural Walter Dean Meyers Grant recipient, a graduate of Voices of our Nation (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children program.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 7, 2021
Minerva dreams of becoming the first Latinx US president. She has her life planned out and the first step involves getting a part in her school’s Peter Pan show. But things turn downhill very quickly when her mom disappears and she has to look after her two younger sisters, Kota and Avi. This story is beautiful and bittersweet, it explores immigration, growing up and Peter Pan’s racism sprinkled with magic.
One of the things I always come back to with MR (magical realism) is how well it handles difficult themes or topics, making it almost feel out of the world and so close to home at the same time. After all, that is what magical realism does and Yamile does it so well. The events of the book feel so magical and impossible, but they make sense in this world, no explanations needed.
On These Magic Shores takes a look at what it means to be the older sibling in an immigrant family, how taking the role of a parent completely changes your relationship with your siblings and the world. Taking from the story of the lost boys that didn’t want to grow, Minerva struggles with the bitterness that she had to grow up, that she was forced out of her childhood. It’s quite heartbreaking, and it’s also complicated and ugly.
Peter Pain is a perfect novel to see side by side with this book because, in the end, it’s also a story of hope and belief. Hope that her mom will come back to them, hope that they can survive by themselves, hope for better things. The story has these perfect moments that may be unexpected, but give the three sisters exactly what they need.
Sorry friends, I didn’t mean to go into details about MR in the book, but I also don’t want readers who may not be familiar with the genre miss what makes On These Magic Shores a phenomenal novel.
I’m not planning to go too much into depth about Peter Pan, mostly because I haven’t read the book. But I do want to mention that Yamile takes the time to take a hard look at the racism of the novel and it’s called out on page many times.
I’m not sure where to begin my love for the Argentine rep here. This is the thing I like to call, unapologetic Latinx because it doesn’t need to be explained or justified, it just exists. They think about milanesas, they use Argentine slang, they drink mate… Of course, they do, they are Argentine-Americans and this story is not about their struggle as Latinx girls. It makes my heart so full, for real. I feel validated and seen, how casual it’s done is wonderful. I will not call this book true Argentine representation, that would be ridiculous, as they’re so many different experiences and stories. But this feels so close to my own and that, that it’s more than enough for me. Now let me cry in the corner.
Oh, wait, before we have to talk about the characters.
Minerva is the sweetest, fiercest and strongest girl on the planet. Ok, I may be biased here but I adore her so much. She’s trying her best and has all these big dreams for her future. She had to grow up quickly, holding all these responsibilities and she’s angry. And tired, frustrated. She’s so sympathetic, that is it. I understand her heartbreak, as an older sibling myself. I understand how she can feel condescending of the other children and jealous at the same time. She wants to be cared for and loved, my sweet child.
Her two adorable sisters made me so happy. I laughed with their ideas, I cried with their pain. I was so touched by these three sisters and their love. Oh, their love and my poor heart. I also adore Maverick, his kindness and support, the slow friendship they made. The characters shine here, they are all so full of life and complexity. Because in the end, these characters are more of what Minerva sees at the beginning, which speaks a lot how she feels like a grown-up but she is a still child.
The ending is perfect for this story, it’s emotional and a little bit sad, but also hopeful and beautiful. I was worried about the way everything would come together, especially relating to the mother. Sometimes middle-grade forgives, I think, to quickly adults. But here, here, it’s such a satisfying ending. Not only makes sense in the context but forgiveness it’s slowly earned. And not an easy road. But don’t fear, although bittersweet, this is very much a happy ending.
Yamile Saied Méndez creates a world that feels genuine and innocent when exploring sadness and fear, with wonderful character relationships and one unforgettable main character. I can’t wait to see where this author goes next.
Read more reviews on my blog, Cande Reads
“The tooth wasn’t there. I searched frantically but instead of a tooth, I found a golden coin that sparkled, gleaming with magic and impossibility. Or was it possibility?"
One of the things I always come back to with MR (magical realism) is how well it handles difficult themes or topics, making it almost feel out of the world and so close to home at the same time. After all, that is what magical realism does and Yamile does it so well. The events of the book feel so magical and impossible, but they make sense in this world, no explanations needed.
On These Magic Shores takes a look at what it means to be the older sibling in an immigrant family, how taking the role of a parent completely changes your relationship with your siblings and the world. Taking from the story of the lost boys that didn’t want to grow, Minerva struggles with the bitterness that she had to grow up, that she was forced out of her childhood. It’s quite heartbreaking, and it’s also complicated and ugly.
Peter Pain is a perfect novel to see side by side with this book because, in the end, it’s also a story of hope and belief. Hope that her mom will come back to them, hope that they can survive by themselves, hope for better things. The story has these perfect moments that may be unexpected, but give the three sisters exactly what they need.
Sorry friends, I didn’t mean to go into details about MR in the book, but I also don’t want readers who may not be familiar with the genre miss what makes On These Magic Shores a phenomenal novel.
I’m not planning to go too much into depth about Peter Pan, mostly because I haven’t read the book. But I do want to mention that Yamile takes the time to take a hard look at the racism of the novel and it’s called out on page many times.
I’m not sure where to begin my love for the Argentine rep here. This is the thing I like to call, unapologetic Latinx because it doesn’t need to be explained or justified, it just exists. They think about milanesas, they use Argentine slang, they drink mate… Of course, they do, they are Argentine-Americans and this story is not about their struggle as Latinx girls. It makes my heart so full, for real. I feel validated and seen, how casual it’s done is wonderful. I will not call this book true Argentine representation, that would be ridiculous, as they’re so many different experiences and stories. But this feels so close to my own and that, that it’s more than enough for me. Now let me cry in the corner.
Oh, wait, before we have to talk about the characters.
Minerva is the sweetest, fiercest and strongest girl on the planet. Ok, I may be biased here but I adore her so much. She’s trying her best and has all these big dreams for her future. She had to grow up quickly, holding all these responsibilities and she’s angry. And tired, frustrated. She’s so sympathetic, that is it. I understand her heartbreak, as an older sibling myself. I understand how she can feel condescending of the other children and jealous at the same time. She wants to be cared for and loved, my sweet child.
Her two adorable sisters made me so happy. I laughed with their ideas, I cried with their pain. I was so touched by these three sisters and their love. Oh, their love and my poor heart. I also adore Maverick, his kindness and support, the slow friendship they made. The characters shine here, they are all so full of life and complexity. Because in the end, these characters are more of what Minerva sees at the beginning, which speaks a lot how she feels like a grown-up but she is a still child.
The ending is perfect for this story, it’s emotional and a little bit sad, but also hopeful and beautiful. I was worried about the way everything would come together, especially relating to the mother. Sometimes middle-grade forgives, I think, to quickly adults. But here, here, it’s such a satisfying ending. Not only makes sense in the context but forgiveness it’s slowly earned. And not an easy road. But don’t fear, although bittersweet, this is very much a happy ending.
Yamile Saied Méndez creates a world that feels genuine and innocent when exploring sadness and fear, with wonderful character relationships and one unforgettable main character. I can’t wait to see where this author goes next.
Read more reviews on my blog, Cande Reads
October 12, 2024
A Peter Pan-inspired story, perfect for this generation!
👧🏽
Twelve-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda faces extra responsibilities when her mom doesn’t return one night. Now she’s having to care for her six and three year old siblings. Minerva is terrified her mom was taken by ICE and worries about the future. To keep their situation hidden, Minerva struggles to hold up appearances. Despite challenges, Minerva becomes touched by mysterious acts of kindness, guiding her towards support. As Minerva navigates tough decisions, she learns to face life with courage, friendship, hope, and a touch of magic.
👧🏽
Oh, my heart. @yamilesmendez this was such a fantastic MG book that expertly weaved the joy of magic with tough issues many of our students face in their everyday lives. The magical realism was just enough to not turn this into complete fantasy, which would have potentially taken away from the realness this book provides. Necessary reading.
CW: parental abandonment, racism, sexism, immigration issues/policies, poverty, police assumptions, microaggressions
👧🏽
Twelve-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda faces extra responsibilities when her mom doesn’t return one night. Now she’s having to care for her six and three year old siblings. Minerva is terrified her mom was taken by ICE and worries about the future. To keep their situation hidden, Minerva struggles to hold up appearances. Despite challenges, Minerva becomes touched by mysterious acts of kindness, guiding her towards support. As Minerva navigates tough decisions, she learns to face life with courage, friendship, hope, and a touch of magic.
👧🏽
Oh, my heart. @yamilesmendez this was such a fantastic MG book that expertly weaved the joy of magic with tough issues many of our students face in their everyday lives. The magical realism was just enough to not turn this into complete fantasy, which would have potentially taken away from the realness this book provides. Necessary reading.
CW: parental abandonment, racism, sexism, immigration issues/policies, poverty, police assumptions, microaggressions
September 26, 2020
One of the strongest middle grade books I’ve read. Tough and tender, it tackles many of today’s most pressing issues honestly and in a way that is respectful of children’s intelligence. Minerva and her sisters are affected by systemic racism, sexism, immigration policies, poverty, and police assumptions, but they draw on their resourcefulness, their love for each other, unexpected friendships, and a smidgen of fairy magic to prevail. Highly recommended for social justice warriors of all ages.
October 28, 2021
An unexpected, mesmerizing mix of struggle, fairy dust, and family love tied into one beautiful package. Love.
July 10, 2020
This is a beautiful story about a sassy pants heroine with a hint of *magic.* The story is multi-layered and deals with many important, relevant issues to today's middle grade readers, but the one that I appreciated the most was dealing with the story of PETER PAN.
PETER PAN is in in my top five, all-time favorite books. I LOVE it. And yet, every time I read it, I cringe at the insensitive language and treatment of American Indians and the sexist themes that resonate in the book. It seems it would be an easy decision to just stop reading the book. But I can't. I love it. I share it with my children, while stopping to have discussions about the insensitive language and the historical context. There are so many great books, so why keep reading this one? There are so many great plays, so why do schools keep producing this one?
Well, because Tinkerbell and Wendy Darling and Captain Hook and Tiger Lily and Peter Pan, himself. And all the wonderful, beautiful themes that exist in that story.
So what do we did with beloved classic literature and Disney movies that have problematic content but are also part of our culture and have important messages and ideas and *magic*?
I think the answer is to do what Minerva does in ON THESE MAGIC SHORES. And if you want to know what that is, you'll just have to read the book. It's worth it.
PETER PAN is in in my top five, all-time favorite books. I LOVE it. And yet, every time I read it, I cringe at the insensitive language and treatment of American Indians and the sexist themes that resonate in the book. It seems it would be an easy decision to just stop reading the book. But I can't. I love it. I share it with my children, while stopping to have discussions about the insensitive language and the historical context. There are so many great books, so why keep reading this one? There are so many great plays, so why do schools keep producing this one?
Well, because Tinkerbell and Wendy Darling and Captain Hook and Tiger Lily and Peter Pan, himself. And all the wonderful, beautiful themes that exist in that story.
So what do we did with beloved classic literature and Disney movies that have problematic content but are also part of our culture and have important messages and ideas and *magic*?
I think the answer is to do what Minerva does in ON THESE MAGIC SHORES. And if you want to know what that is, you'll just have to read the book. It's worth it.
November 29, 2019
This was lovely! More thoughts to come.
October 2, 2020
Not at all what I expected, this remarkable novel gives us a realistic, heartbreaking look at what it means to be a poor, immigrant, single-parent family struggling to make a life in the United States. Although their circumstances are dire, the fierce determination of 12-year-old Minnie to take care of her two younger sisters, along with the magical realism sprinkled throughout, infuses the story with hope. There’s so much here that I loved—the makeover of the Peter Pan story, the straightforward look at racial insensitivity, the unfairness of privilege and economic disparity, and the tremendous girl power. I believe! I do! I do! Brava Yamile Saied Mendez.
July 24, 2021
7/24/2021 ~ This book needs so many more readers! Exquisite. Imagine you're 12 years old with two siblings --- 3 and 6 years old. Your mom disappears - now what? The plot is suspenseful and well paced. In addition to an excellent plot and characterization, there are so many social issues woven naturally through the story. The major theme is poverty and making do with no family support. In addition, adoption by a family of a different ethnicity, policing of people of color, othering of Latinx U.S. citizens, differences in Spanish across different Spanish-speaking countries, the problematic issues of the story of Peter Pan as a school play.
November 27, 2021
"Why did some have so much material stuff, so many people to love and care for them, and others had so little? Whoever was in charge of dividing the good things in life had seriously failed at long division." p.168
"'My mom says sometimes people do things out of habit,' I said. 'Even when they affect us, we go with the flow because ignoring things is easier than working to fix them.'"
"'My mom says sometimes people do things out of habit,' I said. 'Even when they affect us, we go with the flow because ignoring things is easier than working to fix them.'"
March 13, 2021
This is an author I meet in real life several years ago before she was published and I've been anxious to catch up on her stuff. This was a great first one to do that! A lovely yet sad story about a girl who has to grow up too soon.
August 12, 2020
This was heartbreakingly beautiful in the way that Fighting Words is. It's the pain that Mendez shows readers that make you ache for the main character's circumstances but for Minerva (Minnie) she just sees it as her obligation and her duty. She's the oldest girl taking care of her two younger sisters while her mother works long hours, but it isn't until her mother doesn't return home from the night shift that she's left to fend for themselves and wonder where she is, whether she'll be back, and how she can survive making ends meet while keeping up the charade. It's a way it's a typical middle grade story about overcoming the impossible with tween invincibility, but this story is anything but typical.
Minnie wants to be Wendy in the school's play of Peter Pan because it will lead to student elections, then one day she'll become the first Latinx president of the United States. But there are obstacles in the way include macro and microagressions against her Argentinian heritage and the racism in Peter Pan itself that she takes charge to change.
It's a show of strength but also community and friendship as Minnie teams up with a new friend, Maverick, a little help from Mr. Cheng the apartment's owner and their upstairs neighbor, and others along the way.
The circumstances are magically helped along by invisible fairy forces that combine Argentinian folklore and magical thinking for three little girls in a big pickle. And the resolution is a mix of hopefulness and believable magic.
"'As I was saying,' I continued, 'I have it all figured out. If I get elected to student body president in middle school, it will be easier to get elected student body president in high school. And then college. When I'm a lawyer, I'll run for president. Of the country. And when I'm in the White House, I'll be the most powerful woman in the world.'"
Minnie wants to be Wendy in the school's play of Peter Pan because it will lead to student elections, then one day she'll become the first Latinx president of the United States. But there are obstacles in the way include macro and microagressions against her Argentinian heritage and the racism in Peter Pan itself that she takes charge to change.
It's a show of strength but also community and friendship as Minnie teams up with a new friend, Maverick, a little help from Mr. Cheng the apartment's owner and their upstairs neighbor, and others along the way.
The circumstances are magically helped along by invisible fairy forces that combine Argentinian folklore and magical thinking for three little girls in a big pickle. And the resolution is a mix of hopefulness and believable magic.
"'As I was saying,' I continued, 'I have it all figured out. If I get elected to student body president in middle school, it will be easier to get elected student body president in high school. And then college. When I'm a lawyer, I'll run for president. Of the country. And when I'm in the White House, I'll be the most powerful woman in the world.'"
June 25, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Lee & Lowe Books through Edelweiss+.
Mendez creates a real life situation with hints of magic throughout. Minerva and her two sisters live with their single mom. They exist below the poverty level. One night, her mom does not come home and Minerva takes on the role of protecting her sisters and keeping them together without help. Finally, she trusts a new friend at school and he helps as much as possible. Her mom has told the three girls about the fairies from Argentina. For the several days that their mom is gone, unusual events happen. They can't be explained and both younger sisters believe in the fairy magic. The story resolves with their grandmother coming from Argentina to reconcile with their mom and bring them all to Argentina to care for them and hope their mom can recover and survive.
A few of the transitions were choppy and some of the character relationships and interactions didn't fit or make sense -Maverick's flip flop attitude; Bailey's brief story line. Overall, middle grade readers will relate to having to grow up too fast and step up to help with family situations.
Mendez creates a real life situation with hints of magic throughout. Minerva and her two sisters live with their single mom. They exist below the poverty level. One night, her mom does not come home and Minerva takes on the role of protecting her sisters and keeping them together without help. Finally, she trusts a new friend at school and he helps as much as possible. Her mom has told the three girls about the fairies from Argentina. For the several days that their mom is gone, unusual events happen. They can't be explained and both younger sisters believe in the fairy magic. The story resolves with their grandmother coming from Argentina to reconcile with their mom and bring them all to Argentina to care for them and hope their mom can recover and survive.
A few of the transitions were choppy and some of the character relationships and interactions didn't fit or make sense -Maverick's flip flop attitude; Bailey's brief story line. Overall, middle grade readers will relate to having to grow up too fast and step up to help with family situations.
March 1, 2021
I like the premise of a girl having to take care of her sisters when their mom disappears.
The writing itself is good.
I like the cultural tidbits from Argentina and the diverse characters.
We really feel part of these girls' lives and the difficulties of their situation.
I do, however, have some trouble believing a few things. SPOILER ALERT. SPOILER ALERT. Like how the younger sister has never talked and then suddenly she starts talking and hardly a fuss is made about it. And how Maverick's personality swings so much from jerk to awesome guy to jerk to awesome guy. But mostly, I can't believe the mother. BIG SPOILER. She disappears Sunday night. It's not until Friday that she reappears. Now I get that she's independent and distrustful of others and doesn't ever ask for help and fears INS or CPS if they realize her children are unattended. BUT…from what I understand of the timeline, she has from sometime Monday to the evening of Friday--at least four full days—to somehow contact her girls. Yet she doesn't. I understand her thinking Minnie can take care of her little sisters, and that's better than getting outsiders involved. But I cannot understand her not contacting them to let them know what's going on. Apparently the phone gets cut off sometime between when Minnie calls her mom's work on Monday morning and they realize it's dead on Thursday or Friday. So maybe the mom can't just call. But she has days to figure out someone she trusts (like the nice lady at work) who she could send with a message (and maybe some groceries). It could even be a coded message, like "Minnie, I'm okay but I need you to take care of the girls until [insert fictitious aunt] comes." Minnie's clever enough to understand that no one is coming and that it's up to her, but at least she'll know that her Mom is not dead in a ditch somewhere. As it is, they're all going crazy with fear and worry. That's cruel to leave them that way. I would think a mother's children would be more important than her own pride. It just feels really unbelievable, and since the whole story is based on it, the novel feels a bit contrived.
That said, I was really invested in seeing the characters thrive.
If you have an easier time suspending your disbelief than I do, and especially if you like fairies, you may really like this story.
More accurate rating: 3.5
The writing itself is good.
I like the cultural tidbits from Argentina and the diverse characters.
We really feel part of these girls' lives and the difficulties of their situation.
I do, however, have some trouble believing a few things. SPOILER ALERT. SPOILER ALERT. Like how the younger sister has never talked and then suddenly she starts talking and hardly a fuss is made about it. And how Maverick's personality swings so much from jerk to awesome guy to jerk to awesome guy. But mostly, I can't believe the mother. BIG SPOILER. She disappears Sunday night. It's not until Friday that she reappears. Now I get that she's independent and distrustful of others and doesn't ever ask for help and fears INS or CPS if they realize her children are unattended. BUT…from what I understand of the timeline, she has from sometime Monday to the evening of Friday--at least four full days—to somehow contact her girls. Yet she doesn't. I understand her thinking Minnie can take care of her little sisters, and that's better than getting outsiders involved. But I cannot understand her not contacting them to let them know what's going on. Apparently the phone gets cut off sometime between when Minnie calls her mom's work on Monday morning and they realize it's dead on Thursday or Friday. So maybe the mom can't just call. But she has days to figure out someone she trusts (like the nice lady at work) who she could send with a message (and maybe some groceries). It could even be a coded message, like "Minnie, I'm okay but I need you to take care of the girls until [insert fictitious aunt] comes." Minnie's clever enough to understand that no one is coming and that it's up to her, but at least she'll know that her Mom is not dead in a ditch somewhere. As it is, they're all going crazy with fear and worry. That's cruel to leave them that way. I would think a mother's children would be more important than her own pride. It just feels really unbelievable, and since the whole story is based on it, the novel feels a bit contrived.
That said, I was really invested in seeing the characters thrive.
If you have an easier time suspending your disbelief than I do, and especially if you like fairies, you may really like this story.
More accurate rating: 3.5
July 8, 2024
I picked this book up expecting something magical but fairly light-hearted. I wasn't expecting something quite so grounded in reality... but that's NOT a bad thing. And while the synopsis of this book may have readers expecting more fairies and outright fantasy, what we get is still an emotional and triumphant story about a girl overcoming incredible odds.
Minerva has a plan to become President of the United States... but first she must survive middle school, get the lead role in the school's production of Peter Pan, and help her single mother take care of her younger sisters. But when her mother doesn't come home from work one day, Minerva finds herself trying to juggle school with looking after her sisters, all while trying to keep her mother's absence a secret so her sisters aren't sent into foster care. She needs help... and strangely, her sisters claim that fairies are helping them. Minerva doesn't believe in fairies... but then who is leaving glittery trails through the house, leaving food and money, and arranging aid to come from unlikely places?
This book bills itself as a fantasy, but it's probably better labeled as "magical realism," because the fantastic elements are only alluded to and never explicitly stated to be magical. The book instead chooses to focus on the challenges so many young kids face today -- coming from single-parent homes, parentification of older kids, racism, poverty, and other issues. The book even tackles the racism inherent in some of our most beloved stories with its take Peter Pan. This is a LOT for one middle-grade book to take on, but somehow it works here.
Minerva is a protagonist I'm sure many kids can relate to, and while she has her unlikable moments I couldn't deny that she was a strong and spirited character. Part of her story arc revolves around her learning that it's okay to ask for help and be vulnerable... something many of us no matter the age need to learn better. I also liked her friend Maverick, and liked that he presented another side to the immigrant story -- one who may be from a more privileged family but feels like he's lost touch with his native culture.
On These Magic Shores is a powerful story with just enough lightheartedness and fairy dust to be magical... and I greatly enjoyed it.
Minerva has a plan to become President of the United States... but first she must survive middle school, get the lead role in the school's production of Peter Pan, and help her single mother take care of her younger sisters. But when her mother doesn't come home from work one day, Minerva finds herself trying to juggle school with looking after her sisters, all while trying to keep her mother's absence a secret so her sisters aren't sent into foster care. She needs help... and strangely, her sisters claim that fairies are helping them. Minerva doesn't believe in fairies... but then who is leaving glittery trails through the house, leaving food and money, and arranging aid to come from unlikely places?
This book bills itself as a fantasy, but it's probably better labeled as "magical realism," because the fantastic elements are only alluded to and never explicitly stated to be magical. The book instead chooses to focus on the challenges so many young kids face today -- coming from single-parent homes, parentification of older kids, racism, poverty, and other issues. The book even tackles the racism inherent in some of our most beloved stories with its take Peter Pan. This is a LOT for one middle-grade book to take on, but somehow it works here.
Minerva is a protagonist I'm sure many kids can relate to, and while she has her unlikable moments I couldn't deny that she was a strong and spirited character. Part of her story arc revolves around her learning that it's okay to ask for help and be vulnerable... something many of us no matter the age need to learn better. I also liked her friend Maverick, and liked that he presented another side to the immigrant story -- one who may be from a more privileged family but feels like he's lost touch with his native culture.
On These Magic Shores is a powerful story with just enough lightheartedness and fairy dust to be magical... and I greatly enjoyed it.
February 9, 2021
If I had been browsing at a library or bookstore, I never would have picked up ON THESE MAGIC SHORES. The cover is...not very appealing. The story, however, has a lot to recommend it and I'm glad the book came to my attention via The Whitney Awards. While I didn't end up absolutely loving it, I enjoyed it overall.
Story-wise, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES covers a lot of ground. It hits on some tough themes—poverty, discrimination, fear of deportation, parental abandonment, children with too much responsibility, etc. As Minnie struggles, she also learns the value of friendship, asking for help, forgiveness, and being grateful for what you have, even if it isn't much. The tale teaches a lot of lessons, some more subtle than others. Although the prose and transitions between scenes are sometimes choppy, the story is engaging and compelling, with enough going on to keep it interesting. As for the magical realism sprinkled throughout, it worked for me.
Character-wise, Minnie and her sisters are sympathetic heroines. Minnie often acts like a victim-y brat, which makes her difficult to like at times. She does grow and change because of her struggles, but her prickly personality is still a little hard to take. Other characters (Maverick, for instance) act inconsistently, but they're generally a likable lot.
Overall, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES is a heart-felt, enjoyable read. It's eye-opening, empowering, and empathy-inducing. While the story's flow isn't always smooth, it's well-written enough to be both appealing and touching. I liked it overall. If I could, I would give the book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
Story-wise, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES covers a lot of ground. It hits on some tough themes—poverty, discrimination, fear of deportation, parental abandonment, children with too much responsibility, etc. As Minnie struggles, she also learns the value of friendship, asking for help, forgiveness, and being grateful for what you have, even if it isn't much. The tale teaches a lot of lessons, some more subtle than others. Although the prose and transitions between scenes are sometimes choppy, the story is engaging and compelling, with enough going on to keep it interesting. As for the magical realism sprinkled throughout, it worked for me.
Character-wise, Minnie and her sisters are sympathetic heroines. Minnie often acts like a victim-y brat, which makes her difficult to like at times. She does grow and change because of her struggles, but her prickly personality is still a little hard to take. Other characters (Maverick, for instance) act inconsistently, but they're generally a likable lot.
Overall, ON THESE MAGIC SHORES is a heart-felt, enjoyable read. It's eye-opening, empowering, and empathy-inducing. While the story's flow isn't always smooth, it's well-written enough to be both appealing and touching. I liked it overall. If I could, I would give the book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
April 12, 2020
I debated between a two and a three star rating for a long time, but there were just too many things that didn't sit well with me in this book. Several things about this story are just too abrupt. For example, Avi going from not speaking to speaking with no transition or follow up was too abrupt. Maverick going from someone Minnie thought would be nice to a complete jerk to this amazing guy was also too abrupt. I also thought the whole dynamic with Bailey should have either been developed or left out. Finally, my biggest pet peeve: rewriting Lily and her Amazons at the expenses of the boys. I applaud trying to smash stereotypes, but to make it at the expense of boys and men really makes me sad. We absolutely should celebrate strong women, but not if it means undermining boys and men. Both girls and boys, men and women are of inestimable worth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
By the author of Furia which is extremely hard to follow, but I paid full price for this on the basis of how much I loved Furia. I could have waited. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not nearly as compelling as Furia, although some of the themes are similar – strong young women in particular. When her mother disappears, Minerva Soledad Miranda is left wondering what has happened, and with two young sisters to care for. She is also determined to try out for the school play, landing a small part and realising that Barrie’s work leaves a lot to be desired and setting out to rectify it. She is helped in all of this by a stalwart eighth grader, Maverick, who becomes her best friend, and eventually confidante. There is magic, at least some magical realism and this is where the problem lies for me. There is so little it is almost unecessary and it is totally unexplained
March 8, 2021
Tween Minnie is trying to negotiate the challenges and opportunities of middle school while also helping her two younger sisters because their single mother is often busy. . . until she is missing! The book refers to fairies from Mexico as well as fantastical creatures from Peter Pan, in part because Minnie is trying out for Wendy in the school play of Barrie's novel.
As the book progresses, Minnie's challenges become more pragmatic than fantastical. Nevertheless, her imagination helps her press on. Some of her challenges are unique to her own family's situation, others are more general to all tweens. Minnie has to advocate for her family, fight stereotypes, and promote her own best interests. She's got a lot going on.
An engaging read about immigrants, diversity, hourly workers, and single parenting.
As the book progresses, Minnie's challenges become more pragmatic than fantastical. Nevertheless, her imagination helps her press on. Some of her challenges are unique to her own family's situation, others are more general to all tweens. Minnie has to advocate for her family, fight stereotypes, and promote her own best interests. She's got a lot going on.
An engaging read about immigrants, diversity, hourly workers, and single parenting.
July 1, 2020
Loved this book! Minerva Miranda is a 7th grader with 2 younger sisters and an immigrant mother who doesn't come home one day. She has to figure out how to care for her siblings and try to find out what happened to Mamá, while going to her classes and trying out for the outdated stereotyped school play. Unexpected help and encouragement shows up - could it be fairies as Avi, the youngest girl insists?
Minerva is a heroine worthy of her namesake - the wise Greek warrior goddess. The author keeps the plot flowing - I found it hard to put this book down, rooting for Minerva all the way.
Minerva is a heroine worthy of her namesake - the wise Greek warrior goddess. The author keeps the plot flowing - I found it hard to put this book down, rooting for Minerva all the way.
July 23, 2020
This was an incredible heart-breaking and heart-warming story that kept me on turning the pages and not wanting to stop. While telling the turbulent, realistic tale of young Minerva, versatile author Yamile Mendez was able to sprinkle just the right amount of magic while tackling countless themes including growing up, importance of family, finding friends in unexpected places, while also addressing numerous contemporary issues like privilege and prejudice, representation, poverty and so much more! A must read for all ages.
December 21, 2020
I loved the take on the story of Peter Pan. There were a few places where the story was just too much of a stretch but I certainly kept reading. What I absolutely appreciated the most- a best friend relationship between a boy and a girl that wasn’t laden with romantic undertones! Many of my closest friends have been male, and I rarely if ever saw those friendships reflected in literature.
This is an enjoyable story of family and recognizing your own strength when you absolutely need to. I see this story best in the hands of grades 4-7
This is an enjoyable story of family and recognizing your own strength when you absolutely need to. I see this story best in the hands of grades 4-7
February 11, 2021
This story was magical and beautifully touching from beginning to end. As I read I was reminded of how privileged I was growing up and how privileged my children are. My children have never experienced the hardships Minerva and her sisters did, and it’s stories like this that help my children to be aware of those around them, especially those who are in different circumstances. I hope this book makes me more aware and sensitive to everyone around me and I hope it makes me believe in the miracles that can’t be explained.
April 6, 2021
A seventh grader wants to have a main part in Peter Pan at her school, but she has to care for her 2 younger sisters when her mother disappears.
A little unrealistic that a mother leaves her 3 children for days, the youngest being 3 years old.
I understand she was ill, but maybe having the character have a mental illness might have been more believable.
I felt stressed reading it.
A little unrealistic that a mother leaves her 3 children for days, the youngest being 3 years old.
I understand she was ill, but maybe having the character have a mental illness might have been more believable.
I felt stressed reading it.
April 27, 2021
A book set very much in the real world, complete with inequity and fear. The sprinkle of magic adds an element of faith and comfort. This book would make a fantastic classroom read aloud as there's an element of suspense and plenty of important topics - race, class, cultural representation, magic, faith - to discuss.
May 27, 2022
So hard to put this one down! You have to admire Minerva’s determination to protect her sisters, even as you hope for her to achieve her dreams and take care of herself. Love how it addresses the problematic nature of Peter Pan, even as it makes room for the reader to wonder whether fairies are real. Highly recommended!
June 30, 2021
Some flaws - I question the fairies and the hospital's lack of ID-ing the mom and contacting the kids - but another title I didn't think I would like and then finished in two sittings, interrupted only by sleep.
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July 17, 2020rrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaddddd
November 23, 2020
A good one who like magic intruding just a bit into the real world, and stories of kids coping on their own when their parent goes missing.
November 30, 2020
When Mamá fails to return home after her evening job, it is up to 12-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda to take care of her younger sisters and hold the family together.
February 23, 2021
Oh, what a sweet story! A Peter Pan retelling that's its own wonderful story.
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