Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

by Hilda Eunice Burgos Narrated by Frankie Corzo

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

11/05/2018
When Ana María first saw her family’s New York City apartment at age three, “it seemed as big as a castle.” Now, the 11-year-old shares a tiny bedroom with two of her three sisters, and a new baby is on the way. A gifted student and pianist, the girl worries that a fifth sibling will financially jeopardize her chances of getting a good education and further distract her mother, whom she believes doesn’t love her as much as she loves her sisters. Writing in Ana María’s often angst-riddled voice, debut author Burgos builds the drama as her determined protagonist applies for a scholarship to a private school, performs in a piano recital at Lincoln Center, and discovers during a trip to her parents’ native Dominican Republic that the aunt she idolizes is a snob who abuses her adolescent maid. Despite encroachment on melodramatic turf, the novel offers a poignant portrait of a warm extended family, and its heroine’s transition from self-centered to empathetic is credible and gratifying. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

* "An excellent book for tweens in upper elementary grades and for middle school library collections." — School Library Journal, starred review

* "Readers will find places in their hearts for this strong and multifaceted character." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A warmhearted exploration of self-discovery and family bonds." — Booklist

Notable Children's Book, American Library Association (ALA)
Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

School Library Journal

★ 10/01/2018
Gr 4–8—Ana María Reyes doesn't live in a castle, she lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her three sisters and both parents in Washington Heights, New York City. Ana María is caring, outspoken, and impulsive, driven by her emotions but also very goal-oriented. She yearns to attend a private academy, the Eleanor School, but her family doesn't have the money for tuition. To earn a scholarship, she must pass a test and impress the judges playing the piano in a showcase recital at Lincoln Center. She is determined to study and practice every day, but finds it hard to do as part of a large and growing family. Her mother is expecting a new baby and her aunt is getting married. The family travels to the Dominican Republic for the wedding, where the protagonist gets know her family better and makes a new friend. While there, Ana María struggles to grasp the socioeconomic disparities she sees within her own family and community. Somehow, she finds time to practice, helps her family and friends through tough situations, and learns to deal with and accept the consequences of her actions. This middle grade novel is an engaging, character-driven story about an 11-year-old Dominican American girl who is learning about herself and to appreciate her family and friends. It is an authentic representation of a successful immigrant, middle class Latinx family who values education, community, and family and stays true to their roots. VERDICT An excellent book for tweens in upper elementary grades and for middle school library collections.—Cynthia Molinar, Medio Creek Elementary SWISD, San Antonio

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2018-08-01

Ana Maria dreams of going to a top-notch private school, but with her family's income, only a full scholarship will make her dream come true.

Ana Maria Reyes Castillo—her father's last name means Kings, and her mother's last name means Castle—does not live in a castle even though her mother reminds her that "we are the Reyes! Wherever we live is our castle." In fact, she lives with her parents and three sisters in a two-bedroom apartment in Washington Heights, a heavily Dominican neighborhood of New York City, and a new sibling is on its way, to boot. Through 11-year-old Ana Maria's voice as she oscillates between self-absorption and empathy, readers discover a close-knit community of family and neighbors. As Ana Maria prepares for a piano recital that she hopes will help her win the coveted scholarship, other events ensue that help her see the importance of the choices she makes: a family trip to the Dominican Republic; a car accident; the birth of the new baby. Burgos' characters have depth, and the community she portrays is complex, warm, and very real. Themes of socio-economic disparities, bilingualism, and straddling of two cultures are brought effortlessly and realistically into the story.

Readers will find places in their hearts for this strong and multifaceted character. (Fiction. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172874581
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	10/05/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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