All the Way to Havana

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Engle uses uncomplicated, slightly poetic language to tell the story of a young boy and his family making a trip across their homeland of Cuba to see a brand-new baby cousin. All the Way to Havana focuses on the cars of the island--their noises and appearances and the relationship that they create between the people of the island. The illustrations by Mike Curato are the standout aspect of this book. Pleasantly realistic and full of soft, pastel colors, Curato's illustration recall real life images of the island in an engaging and accessible way. A recommended purchase.

Overall Book Score: very good