Please note, I read an advanced reader copy of this book, which didn't have the full color finished artwork. I think seeing the finished book would definitely have given it more impact.

This is a nearly wordless story about Marisol, born in Cuba, who is sent by her parents to live in Brooklyn with foster parents after the revolution. New York seems gray and lifeless after the colorful island Marisol left behind. She is teased at school, but slowly begins to reignite her love of books and plants, which bring some joy back into her life. The arc of this story reminded me of a simpler version of The Secret Garden.

The back of the book includes historical information about the real exodus of Cuban children to the US via a program called Peter Pan, which placed kids with Catholic foster families. I kind of wish this essay had been at the front of the book instead, because the wordless text left me wondering who Marisol's foster parents were, how she ended up with them, and what their motivation was. I found these questions somewhat distracting from Marisol's journey. I did enjoy seeing Marisol begin to settle into her new home and thrive there, but kind of wish the story did have words so I'd have know more about what was going on!