Gaby is an 11 year old girl whose mother was deported from the U.S. Her dad is forced to take care of her but is poor and doesn't do a very good job of connecting with Gaby. Gaby's class, along with her best friend, volunteer at an animal shelter where Gaby connects with a cat that was abandoned and left to die. The owners decide they want the cat back but Gaby refuses and steals the cat to keep the cruel owners from getting their cat back.
The author uses many Spanish words repetitively throughout the book, such as "gato" (for cat), "princesa" (princess), chica (girl), etc. They are basic Spanish words so young children could easily pick up on their meanings through context clues. For example, she writes "You're out of luck, gato!" She yelled- "my mom, master tree climber and cat rescuer, isn't back yet." The author is very straightforward yet provides enough detail to picture things clearly.
There were no illustrations in this book. There were, however, typed flyers that Gaby made for the animals at the shelter and although it was all writing, it still gave a good visual of what the fliers were like.
I think the book is great and very educational for kids. It is especially good for animal lovers and girls between the ages of 9 to 13. I would also read this book aloud to 7 and 8 year-olds. The book has a great story line to follow, while also raising awareness about issues with immigration and deportation. It is important to show young children the effects of deportation on a personal level for them to make a difference later in life.
Melissa Pullano, BGSU student
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