Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York!

       Cultural? Sentimental? Picture book? Relatable? This children's story does it all, from showing compassion and care and love, to showing hurt, pain and sorrow. Edie Colon did an amazing job reflecting her childhood in this story. Based off of what she went through as a child, a young child, the author created a character by the name of Gabriella; a five year old Cuban. The story pertains to her growing up there in Cuba, but during the Revolution, where Fidel Castro is president, and things are turning in a bad direction for Cuba. So Gabriella's parents takes her to live in the Bronx, New York, where she must adapt to "English-American" life, and leave her Cuban past behind her. Along with her former home, she left her grandparents -- Abuelita and Abito. A little later on in the story, her grandparents are reunited with her in the U.S., where they are a family again.

       Of course being based off a true story, having details that are set in stone, in history, having a plot and story line consistent with reality, this storybook is non fiction! As a nonfictional book, picture book at that, I would rate this book, maybe a 9 out of ten! The pictures are what took away my extra point. Even though, her husband, Raul Colon did an amazing job illustrating the story, with watercolor, realistic paintings of people and cities, some of the color scheme made me think of an old washed up tale. Well you know what, the book is based on the 60s! So never mind, that fits just fine. 10 out of 10!

       As a future teacher, I think of so many things that I want to do with my future students, activities that I remember in school, and want to carry on. But then I think, maybe I can put a stamp on my "brand" by creating new activities or doing things that people aren't used to seeing. Creating another way to really connect and gain trust and respect with my students -- because I know how hard that is. I'm thinking... a pen pal service. With this service, we will write and share ideas and cultural similarities and differences with other kids across the world. Maybe two different students a year, one per semester. From a different area; an African, Italian, Asian, Puerto-Rican, Australian, Scottish... Whatever and whoever the students choose, but as a way to reach out, and share what is going on in our world, as in learn what's going on with theirs. Another activity that crossed my find while reading this picture book, is an "Eat Out Week." Sounds like we're going to Applebee's or Ale House for diner right? Well, no! You're wrong. We are going to research different ethnic backgrounds, different cultures, and every day a week, a number of students will bring in a homemade authentic foreign dish for the class to try. Give America a taste of the rest of the world.

       I loved this book. Honestly, it brought on a lot of unwanted and unknowing facial expressions. One thing I can say for sure, is I hate seeing and knowing that children are sad or disappointed. With a needy, growing 4 year old daughter, I know what those feelings are like, and alike like Gabriella, my child wants to see her "Grandma Nana" six times a day, which is impossible. She wants all of her cousins to live with us. She wants her mother and father to stay at school with her on bad days. But as children, even though we know we cant make it all happen, they still want it. Based on what the author went through as a kid, I stretch my hand out to her, for getting through it, she and her family. I went through a lot as well as a child, going through things now, with our current president and commander and all. But with faith and God!

       These books that are out here for children, may seem a little down sometimes, but it teaches them about life. Some may say they are too young to know how life is right now, and sometimes, to a certain extent, I will agree. But the more informative things that they know about their world, the better. So if it comes to putting it in picture book form to break down what is going on in life, then great job Mrs. Edie! Hats off to you, and this book!

       When reading a children's story, do you feel that allowing certain hardships, or conflicting times should be shared for their eyes? Is allowing children to enter into a world of reality, through literature, appropriate? Would you read this story with your children?

Colon, Edie. (2011) Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York. New York, New York: Simon
       & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.