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A review by libraryalissa
It's All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Libro.fm and Randomhouse for the free educator ALC!
This is an excellent middle grade novel-in-verse about a Puerto Rican-American fencer who is facing changes in body, identity, and friendships after an accident. It is incredible and honestly I knew it would be because it is Andrea Beatriz Arango. Valentina is such a powerful character with a strong unapologetic voice. Her questions around her identity, specifically about whether she is or isn’t an athlete, disabled, queer, are dealt with nuance. I love Arango’s books for so many reasons, including that they are very middle school friendly, and this might be the best one yet. I can’t wait to share it with my students.
Also, audiobook narration by the iconic Vico Ortiz? A dream. Sign me up for more of that!
This is an excellent middle grade novel-in-verse about a Puerto Rican-American fencer who is facing changes in body, identity, and friendships after an accident. It is incredible and honestly I knew it would be because it is Andrea Beatriz Arango. Valentina is such a powerful character with a strong unapologetic voice. Her questions around her identity, specifically about whether she is or isn’t an athlete, disabled, queer, are dealt with nuance. I love Arango’s books for so many reasons, including that they are very middle school friendly, and this might be the best one yet. I can’t wait to share it with my students.
Also, audiobook narration by the iconic Vico Ortiz? A dream. Sign me up for more of that!