Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle a debut novel by Hilda Eunice Burgos is a middle-grades chapter book with lots of heart and drama. 6th grader Ana Maria is determined to earn a scholarship to attend the prestigious Eleanor School in NYC. If she can perform piano at Lincoln Center she will be sure to be considered. But when her parents announce to her and siblings that they are having another baby, all Ana Maria can think is how it's going to negatively affect their already-cramped apartment and life in Washington Heights. After a trip to the Dominican Republic for her aunt's wedding, Ana Maria begins to change her outlook and be more mindful of her friends and family's needs.
As a librarian and teacher, I would use this book with my students. She is going through a lot of identity issues which students can relate to and understand. The fact that her parents are immigrants from the Dominican Republic and are trying to make a better life for their children is another discussion topic to which many students can connect. There is a free Teacher's Guide on the Lee and Low website that supports discussion questions and extension ideas to go along with this book. Students will enjoy the book trailer below:
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