Review Detail

Kids Fiction 588
emotional read about friendship, loss, and community
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
ROSA'S SONG is a beautiful story of community and friendship. Jae and his mother have moved to a new country and everything feels wrong. After his mother suggests finding new friends, Jae knocks on a door and meets Rosa and her bird Pollito. Rosa shows him all the magic of his new home and helps him to find happiness in this new place. But then, one day, Rosa is gone - her family was forced to leave unexpectedly. She left Pollito behind for him, but he misses Rosa. However, when new neighbors knock on his door, Jae knows just what to do.

What I loved: This was such a beautiful story of friendship, feeling homesick, moving, and community. Rosa was such a lovely character for the way she uses imagination and kindness to help Jae feel more comfortable. She and Pollito have taught him a song that adds to the magic of this new relationship - until it is gone. Children who have lost friends due to moves or other changes will understand this feeling of loss. The undercurrent here is something that could be expanded upon for older readers, so that they understand more about immigration and reasons why people may have to leave in a hurry against their will. For older readers, this story can be something more, while the context may not matter as much for younger audiences.

The story flows well and evokes the emotions throughout the story with clever use of color to set the stage and imaginative imagery. This is a book that will work well for elementary school aged readers.

Final verdict: An emotional and lovely picture book, Rosa's Song is an evocative story about friendship and community.
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