The importance of family and community rings true in this heartfelt story of a pre-teens experience with tragedy and grief. The authors use of language and setting quickly wraps the reader up in these life-changing moments shared by many on the island, to learn the true lesson of what one does when life hands you ripened mangoes.

4 stars

WOW, this cover is beautiful, and that is what drew me in to requesting this arc originally; I admit it! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pages underneath were just as charming.

_When Life Gives You Mangos_ centers on a young girl's experience with forgetting a traumatic event. While there are parts of the novel that feel a bit slow and repetitive in the beginning, it becomes clear why this is a stylistically and thematically relevant choice. Also, the characters and scenery are engaging from the start, so that helps in those sections. When the twist hits at the end, everything comes together nicely, and the messages and character development are incredibly moving and charming.

It's always exciting to see a debut that is this powerful and memorable. I am already excited to read what Getten produces next!