Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

By Hilda Burgos
Hardcover: $18.95

The Penderwicks meets In the Heights in this sparkling middle-grade debut about a young Dominican American girl in New York City.

Description

Her last name may mean “kings,” but Ana María Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she’s stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too lovey-dovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone’s friends (way too often), and a piano (which she never gets to practice). And when her parents announce a new baby is coming, that means they’ll have even less time for Ana María.

Then she hears about the Eleanor School, New York City’s best private academy. If Ana María can win a scholarship, she’ll be able to get out of her Washington Heights neighborhood school and achieve the education she’s longed for. To stand out, she’ll need to nail her piano piece at the upcoming city showcase, which means she has to practice through her sisters’ hijinks, the neighbors’ visits, a family trip to the Dominican Republic… right up until the baby’s birth! But some new friends and honest conversations help her figure out what truly matters, and know that she can succeed no matter what. Ana María Reyes may not be royal, but she’s certain to come out on top.

About the Creators

Hilda Burgos

Hilda Eunice Burgos is the author of the middle-grade novels Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle and Miosotis Flores Never Forgets and the picture book The Cot in the Living Room. The daughter of Dominican immigrants, she lives with her family near Philadelphia, where she works as an environmental lawyer. Please visit her website at hildaeuniceburgos.com.

Awards

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Books We Love

    National Public Radio (NPR)

Reviews

  • * "An excellent book for tweens in upper elementary grades and for middle school library collections."

    - School Library Journal
  • * "Readers will find places in their hearts for this strong and multifaceted character."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "A warmhearted exploration of self-discovery and family bonds."

    - Booklist
  • "Offers a poignant portrait of a warm extended family, and its heroine's transition from self-centered to empathetic is credible and gratifying."

    - Publishers Weekly

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620143629
  • Price $18.95
  • Publication Date Oct 02, 2018
  • Trim Size 7.5 × 5 in
  • Weight 1 lbs
  • Page Count 288
  • Word Count 60499
  • Interests

  • Imprint Tu Books
  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Siblings
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Performing Arts / Music
  • Themes Childhood Experiences and Memories, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Families, Fiction, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Middle Grade, Music, Neighbors, Overcoming Obstacles, Realistic Fiction, Siblings, Social & Emotional Learning
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 9 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 4 - 7
  • Guided Reading V
  • ATOS Book Level 9
  • DRA 50
  • Interest Level Grades 4 - 7
  • Lexile Level 640
  • Lexile Measurement 640L
  • Reading Level Grades 4 - 7
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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