Hmmm... This was a nice, simple little story. Very heart-warming, good writing, cool themes. But there wasn't much in characterization. I really love me some good, complex, real characters, and maybe I'm a bit too picky about it, but I just feel like the book ended and I still didn't know a lot about any of the characters. There wasn't much in plot but I do think the writing was lovely, the story was sweet, it's definitely something to read with your kids or if you need a little reminder of the world's goodness. Overall nice read but it could've used a little... more, in general. I may change this rating later but for now we're at a very hesitant 4 stars.

Hmmm... This was a nice, simple little story. Very heart-warming, good writing, cool themes. But there wasn't much in characterization. I really love me some good, complex, real characters, and maybe I'm a bit too picky about it, but I just feel like the book ended and I still didn't know a lot about any of the characters. There wasn't much in plot but I do think the writing was lovely, the story was sweet, it's definitely something to read with your kids or if you need a little reminder of the world's goodness. Overall nice read but it could've used a little... more, in general. I may change this rating later but for now we're at a very hesitant 4 stars.

Teo's grandson sees his grandfather's life as a movie going through the storytelling, feeling connections and realizing his part to help his grandfather save his 'friend for life.'

Such a beautiful and magical story that leaves you thinking and questioning...all in a good way. Plus there's a 3 legged skunk, what more could you want? Here's a full review I did of this story: http://www.compassbookratings.com/reviews/index.php/review/view/1978

I received this book as an uncorrected proof via giveaway.

I definitely enjoyed reading The Lightning Queen because of the richness of the characters. Everyone, even characters mentioned in passing, had a sense, at least, of what they were like and their relationship to Teo, whose POV dominates the book. That really clicked for me, along with the imagery--not overdone, but just right, enough to give you an outline of what everything is and then fill in with your imagination.

I'm not sure how I felt about the alternating perspectives of Mateo and Teo. Mateo didn't really have a voice until near the end of the book, where Resau ties up the story of Teo and Esma, the Lightning Queen. However, he did have a voice and came across as his own unique person.

This book is definitely character driven and I find that's the best part.

This was a case of right book at the right time. A spellbinding tale of Esma & Teo, destined to be friends for life, and the beauty people can find when they go beyond the labels groups put on other groups.

No matter our culture we all have power inside and we can use that to create new worlds.

Thank you for this wonderful story, Ms. Resau. I sort of feel like Mateo coming back to the real world in the breaks of Abuelo's story.

Beautiful language. Wonderful diverse story. But I was so bored! Maybe if I were from the places these characters are from, I would love it.

Beautiful story with lovely characters.

I picked up this book looking for a simple yet enchanting story, but I what I got was just okay.

This was a cute story of friendship told from multiple points of view, from multiple time periods. It shifts back and forth effortlessly, but also needlessly. I think the biggest complaint I have with this book is that it could have been a beautiful short story, but was drawn out in a way that I didn't feel added any value to the characters or plot. The book cover and synopsis are what drew me in, but the story did not captivate me - towards the end I found myself just reading to get it over with (not at all how I like to approach my favorite pastime).

Based on the author's anthropology work, this adventure/friendship story includes details about the Roma people who travelled the Americas (rather than the more commonly represented Europe) and the Mixtec (roughly Mexican and Aztec) indigenous people. I appreciated that the author had proofreaders of both cultures. While the plot was fairly predictable, the characters' day to day struggles and schenanigans were enjoyable.