This is the diary of Paloma, a girl born and raised in Puerto Rico during its revolution from Spain. It presents the history of Puerto Rico's shift from Spanish ruled to United States territory.

The concluding portion initially threw me off, but I do appreciate the overall scope this book provided. I love the epistolary format. It's very easy to read, very approachable, and it does a great job of introducing some simple, important moments in Puerto Rico's history. Excellent read!

In 1898, after being gifted a diary, Paloma tells some of the basic history of Puerto Rico along with her personal story. Paloma details her fight for independence along with the battles occurring on the island.

DeeplyTouched My Heart

As I began reading Paloma's Song, I felt a strong connection that deeply touched my heart. The author's descriptions made me feel as if I were right there with Paloma experiencing and feeling everything with her. I could visualize the palm trees and see the workers in the sugarcane fields. I could feel the ocean breeze, hear the coquí singing and so much more.

I also felt a strong connection because of my own background. The book reminded me so much of stories that my own family had shared with me about life in Puerto Rico. So many beautiful memories came flooding back to me as I read the book and reflected on my own family's stories, making Paloma's Song that much more special. However, if you don't have the connection of family stories that echo Paloma's Song, no worries. Just read the book and you too will be transported to another time and place that is sure to deeply touch your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a well done book in diary form. I thought Palmoa was such a great main character. It was interesting to read about the people who lived in Puerto Rico during the Spanish rule and right before The United States came in to fight the Spanish and "free" the people from their rule. Paloma is a twelve year old who lives in a village with her Mama and her Papi and little brother Jorge. Her Papi works on a coffee farm and sells the products at the market to make money for the land lord. I have not read anything about how Puerto Rico became apart of the United States and their history. I think this is a good start for children who are learning about different cultures. This would be an easy read and easy to understand.

This short middle grade historical fiction book is a delight to read. There are simple illustrations throughout that work very well with the story, set in 1898, when the US invaded to push Spain out. There are resources at the end to learn more about this time period. This story was written in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino.

Paloma's Song was such a sweet and positive story about a turbulent time. It gave readers a first hand experience on what was going on in Puerto Rico during the Spanish American war. The mention of hats, instruments, prayers and foods locals to Puerto Rico lend an authenticity to this story that I very much enjoyed.

I think the most enjoyable aspect of this book was the daughter's relationship with her father. Unlike so many Latino stories, Paloma's father was not some mysterious authoritarian. We readers got to know him over the course of the story. This was very refreshing.

I think the only weakness of the book was the gap in time between the day before the war let loose and the end of the novel which was 25 yrs later. This chapter became more like an epilogue which let us know everything that happened to the people whom we had come to love in the story. For this I take away one star.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. This is my honest and unbiased review.

This is a beautifully written depiction of Puerto Rico and the effects of the Spanish American battles over the island. I would love to add this to my classroom library as it provides a window into Paloma's life. It could be integrated into multiple curriculum areas, when studying historical fiction or social studies.

I felt transported to the Puerto Rican Island during a more simpler time. Paloma recounts in her diary the events that happened in her life during the summer of 1898. The same year of the Spanish/US war. You see her love and pride for her family and country and also the fear she has of war and change. Lovely story and great way to learn more about the history of Puerto Rico.

Similarly to the Dear America books, this book is written in journal format from a young girl's perspective. In this case, it's 1898 Puerto Rico and the Spanish-American War is going on, affecting the lives of the islanders. Many aspects of Puerto Rican culture are included in this story, giving readers a glimpse into island life both in the late 19th century and today, and a history lesson. The chapters are short and easily relatable for young readers, and there is a nice epilogue that sums up the transition of PR to an American territory and the change that encompassed the years immediately following the war.

What does your homeland mean to you?
How would you feel if you know your home is in the mid of a war?
How would you be with your family and friends in such a situation? Would you be able to appreciate the little things in life? Would there be anything that would ease the pain and anxiety of being in such a position?

This is the story that happened in the middle of the Spanish American war in 1898. A young girl tells her everyday experiences in her diary. Most of the parts in this story are based on real life events as is explained towards the end of the book.

This book sparks joy and warmth the entire time despite the gloomy background. The writing is so good. I would say this much charm in the writing is a rarity for me despite having read so many middle grade, young adult and adult fiction.

The illustrations made more charm I would say. The artsyle is subtle and minimal which I feel totally reflects the mood of the book.

Short chapters. Beautiful warm characters. Cosy writing. Important cultural representation. Subtle beautiful artwork. What more can I ask for?

Please do read this book to experience the joy I have just had. There are many resources and references given in the book which would help us getting educated about the era as well as the community in Puerto Rico that has endured the war and has come out more resilient and inspirational.

Thank you, Capstone, for the advance reading copy.