The book follows the main character Xenia and her family, living as undocumented immigrants in America. The themes of immigration and deportation are addressed in a way that children can understand but I would recommend reading it with an adult to help discuss the themes. As always another beautiful and education book from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Robbhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Robb2023-09-10 03:41:032023-09-14 08:54:17Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Stephanie Robb
This is the longest Lois Wickstrom book I have read and I love to see something that is for some older children than usual. This story focuses on somewhat of a heavier topic than her usual fare so I would not recommend this one for her usual preschool / kindergarten crowd, but it is more for late elementary. In this story we meet a main character who has an undocumented immigrant for a mother and a father who was U.S. Military. However, he passed away before being able to marry, Xenia’s, (the main character) mother. This means that Xenia and her brother are U.S. citizens. This is a reality for many children living in the U.S. right now. Lois Wickstrom does a great job addressing this in a way that is accessible to children this young and does not make it stigmatizing in any way. She also shows the challenges that this poses Xenia and her family and how they have to try to avoid drawing attention to themselves. When their worst fears come to fruition Xenia and her family have to get creative to see each other and also have to rely on the kindness of others. This is quite possibly the best Lois Wickstrom book I have read and I love the way she addresses this topic. She handles this reality in such a light hearted way that does not make it inaccessible to the children who read it. But it also does a great job of really showing the reality for families in these situations. I highly recommend this one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-09-03 18:15:182023-09-14 07:48:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Christine Baranek
My family loves it any time I bring in a book by this author, and this was no different. Though it is a shift in what her typical books have been, we still thoroughly appreciated the adventure. My kids are 7 and 11, which I found to be a great fit for the tough topics we cover in this story, like deportation. I wasn’t sure if my youngest would handle the tough moments well, but the author does an amazing job facing these with the utmost compassion. I highly recommend reading this with any of the kids in your life!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-09-01 22:07:002023-09-14 08:10:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shannen Kern
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story full of culture, family and life lessons. Great characters, strong storyline. Recommend for new chapter readers and a read out loud group setting. This story will capture your heart and keep you wanting more. Never disappointed with this author, puts their heart in every story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2023-09-01 20:45:382023-09-14 08:10:14Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Nina Maes
Multilayered children’s story A different book from this author but still has the educational creatively that one has come to expect. Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a chapter story book that tells the story of Xenia whose mother is arrested and facing deportation. The story has some fantasy, lots of emotion intermingled with family drama and the reality of a controversial situation. As always this author handles this with sensitivity and presents the writing in a way that can be shared with children of all ages. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-09-01 18:20:322023-09-14 08:08:11Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rayne East
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a kid’s book that centers around the character of a young girl by the name of Xenia Navarro. Xenia lives with her older brother Lucas, and her mom, who is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her dad died in Iraq before he was able to marry her mom and her mom felt raising them in the US would be better for her children. Xenia has grown up with the fear of her mom being deported and has been taught not to draw attention to herself. She must get good grades but not so good that she ends up winning a prize and going in the newspaper because this would bring unwanted attention.
Xenia rarely plays outside because of her mom’s fears but one day while outside she begins to observe a group of ants on the special rock around the sunflower in her yard. The ants and the rock help the sunflower to grow. She watches the ants climb into the garbage can and as she watches them, she notices strange things that they seem to be able to do. As Xenia watches the ants, she decides to do a science project on them and the sunflower. However, before she can complete her science project her mom is deported back to Mexico and Xenia’s life is turned upside down.
The author did a wonderful job of writing about difficult subjects in a way that is easy for children to understand. The storyline was a bit intense at times and took me on a bit of a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The character of Xenia was smart, strong, kind, caring, independent, and inquisitive. The neighbor was someone I felt compelled to slap because what Xenia was doing in her yard was none of his business. Who was he to decide if there was a right or wrong way for a girl to act or play? My heart broke for Xenia when her worst fears came true, and her mom was ripped away from her. How traumatic it was to be separated from her mom and everything she knew. This was a a great little chapter book that touches on the topics of family dynamics, immigration, deportation, ICE, Mexican culture and language, politics, whimsy, a hint of magic, and science.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-09-01 13:20:122023-09-14 07:35:59Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling . I love this author and her books are all perfect for kids and families. I think this one should be for older kids maybe Junior High. Its about a little girl named Xenia who is lives with her mom and brother Lucas. Their mother is undocumented and their father died overseas due to being in the Army. They love their life and they love to garden. Along with gardening they have a very special rock (meteorite) in their garden along with special ants that help the flowers grow. Xenia decides to do a science project on the ants and sunflowers and learns its called a “Deekatoo” in Native American or a meteorite to others. They also have a very nosy neighbor that ends up getting their mom arrested and sent back to their homeland leaving the kids in America. The neighbor is out to get the meteorite and is not very nice. This book would make such a good addition to your child’s library or a gift for a family. Great story and lesson.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-09-01 10:29:552023-09-14 07:35:16Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tausha Treadway
I have enjoyed every one of Lois Wickstrom’s books and this one did not disappoint. This is a story about a little girl who loses her father. He is killed before he marries her mother. He is a US Citizen and mom is not. This leaves Xenia’s mother with an undocumented status which causes the family to make some hard decisions in order to remain in the US. While this is an integral theme of the story, Xenia also is involved throughout with the school science fair and begins studying ants. Having worked with children in similar circumstances as Xenia and seeing how they can face such hard situations at home and still have a love of learning gave me a connection to the story here.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-08-31 18:46:572023-09-09 20:59:33Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023
Another great book by the authors aimed at kids. This book hits a little harder than other books I’ve read by the author, looking at the topic of deportation. The issues/process is explained well in a way for children and adults alike to understand. This book follows the character of Xenia and her family, living as undocumented immigrants. Unfortunately, the book takes a sad turn when Xenia’s mum is arrested and deported. There are some fantasy elements which lighten the heavy topic for younger readers and gives the book a more encouraging push. This is another engaging and educational book by the authors which helps to teach kids in a fun and meaningful way.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-31 18:40:332023-09-09 20:58:31Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is not what I expected. I have read a lot by this author and they are usually light hearted fun children’s picture books. This book was a little more intense topic and for older ages. It would be a good beginner chapter book for 5th-7th grade or so. The topics are a bit intense and the average young child wouldn’t understand. The book focuses on a mother being picked up by ICE and risking deportation for being in the country illegally. I have 3 kids and none have heard anyone talk about that before. But then again they aren’t in a Hispanic neighborhood or school. Maybe that is the point… to introduce kids to this in a controlled setting. In true fashion, the author used her amazing imagination on the ant man. Very different from Marvel character, but just as exciting. A shape shifting ant man that smells like cucumbers. I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff, but I loved the book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-08-30 21:59:582023-09-09 12:35:09Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants by Lois Wickstrom & Milagros Darling is available now in eBook and Physical Book ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants is a chapter book geared towards young readers. Wickstrom and Darling do an amazing job discussing some difficult topics: deportation, living in poverty, family drama and all of the effects these situations have on children. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight to Hispanic culture and how some Spanish terminology was used throughout. Even though this book touched on many tough topics it was also filled with hope and magic allowing the reader to look forward to a positive ending. I would highly recommend this book to children approx. 3rd through 6th grade age level.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2023-08-30 19:28:282023-09-09 12:32:22Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Ashley Mertz
Another good children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. It is longer than the other books I’ve read of hers and I would recommend it more for middle/upper Elementary age kids. Xenia was taught not to cause trouble or bring the spotlight to her family due to her mom being undocumented from Mexico. The author utilized this book to discuss a sensitive topic in an age-appropriate educational manner.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2023-08-30 16:46:192023-09-09 12:30:36Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Trista Martin
A lot of tough topics are brought up during this story- military deployment with a parent death, ICE and deportation, fear of being deported, living in poverty, yet the story also has hope (with a little bit of magical luck) for Xenia.
My favorite part of the book includes the Mexican phrases sprinkled throughout- often times it feels forced, but in this case, it enhanced the story as Xenia loses her mother, gains an aunt, but maintains part of her Mexican heritage. One thing I didn’t enjoy was the brother’s character- thought his character was a little flat. Overall, loved the story and couldn’t wait to see how she ends it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-08-29 22:34:522023-09-09 12:23:39Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jennifer Crain
I found this to be a very interesting book. It delved into some deep topics being dealt with in today’s society. It is definitely a book meant to kids older than 7. I found the stories to be interesting and written in a way to help kids understand deportation and what’s going on. It’s a good book and I’ll be adding it to our library. My child can’t quite understand it yet but this will help open the conversation to it. The author always does a good job of putting out the hard topics in a way that helps kids try to understand hard topics.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-29 04:39:162023-09-02 21:53:37Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shelly Kittell
Xenia lives with her undocumented mother and brother Lucas. ICE comes and pick up their mother. Now Xenia is on a mission to get her mother out. In the meantime they have to live with their aunt and uncle. Keep reading as the story has a happy ending. Good book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Troyerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Troyer2023-08-28 17:40:162023-09-05 14:54:56Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Michelle Troyer
“Xenia and the Magic Ants could have been ripped from this week’s headlines. American sixth grader, Xenia Navarro lives with her Mexican mother, an undocumented resident, and her older brother Lucas in Pennsylvania. Her American father was killed while on duty in Iraq before marrying Xenia’s mother. Now their mother has been arrested and is about to be deported. Family drama becomes American politics, mixed with science fiction elements.”
This is not the typical book I will usually read, but I took chance on reading it. I am glad I did. This story takes you through life with the kids with how deportation works, and how the kids experienced being without their mom and dad for a bit. In the story it explained how ICE works and immigration status works. Great characters. You will have to read the story to find out if happy ending or not? I give the book 4 stars.
View all my reviews” with “https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5803204490”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie tellashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie tellas2023-08-28 16:27:232023-10-07 11:55:10Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Stephanie Tellas
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom is a great little children’s chapter book. This is a little different from most of Ms. Wickstrom’s other works in that it doesn’t contain any illustrations, and is a much longer story. It is a charming fantasy story with plenty of emotion, sci-fi elements, some basic politics, Spanish language terms, family drama, and more. Xenia Navarro’s world is turned upside down when her Mexican mother is arrested and threatened with deportation back to Mexico. Xenia is very worried, because if that happens, what will become of her family? What happens makes for a charming read. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Wickstrom has in store for us next. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-08-27 22:53:582023-08-28 13:23:54Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Angela Hayes
This author never ceases to amaze me. This story is also an open ended story of science. But more than that it has other life experiences due to Xenia mother being undocumented. Even though Xenia’s father, a US citizen, had been killed before marrying Xenia’s mother. With the threat of being sent back to Mexico hanging over them, Xenia and her brother knew to lay low. The school science fair in her sights, Xenia discovers ants and takes to learning more about them. While this story was entertaining it was also sad in some parts. However the author did an amazing job explaining both Ants and deportation. This is a must read for all over 7 years of age.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-08-26 14:07:272023-09-05 14:50:13Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Cindy Mayberry
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 This story is different than what I am used to by this author, but this story was very good, a bit heartbreaking and sad but also intriguing with a little sci fi included.
Xenia lives in Pennsylvania along with her mother and brother. Trying to be cautious and careful, Xenia’s mother is undocumented living in the United States. Unfortunately, Xenia’s world comes crashing when her mother is arrested due to being undocumented and faces deportation. Xenia and her brother must live with their aunt and uncle…..and all Xenia wants is her mama back and also to do well in her school science fair so she may win a trip to Hershey Amusement Park. Strange occurrences happen when Xenia and her cousin try their science experiment for the fair that includes sunflowers and ants! Will these ants help out with Xenia science experiment?
This was a very unique story and while the subject of deportation is difficult, especially when a parent has to leave their children behind, the author does a great job on the portrayal of this matter.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-08-25 19:55:322023-09-05 14:39:03Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This book is slightly unusual for this author. It is longer and aimed at an older age range. However, in this author typical style, it is well written, topical, educational but engaging. It touches on a sensitive and yet highly relevant topic, teaching children about it in a sensitive yet informative way. I love the way this author doesn’t seem scared or put off by any topic. Her books are a fantastic way to broach difficult subject matters and kick start conversations. Our whole family enjoy her books and we have yet to read one only once. This is another great book to add to her collection.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-08-25 09:10:582023-09-05 14:33:02Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Kerry Baker
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a few steps up from the normal Lois Wickstrom books. Still a children’s book but an older child. I believe children in fifth grade to seventh would love this story, maybe even earlier than fifth grade if they like chapter books. It has all the science and imagination you see in all her books. It is a wonderful tale co-written between Milagros Darling and Lois Wickstrom. They do an excellent job of telling the story easy and not getting you lost in the magic or science of it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-08-25 06:39:332023-09-05 14:31:19Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tonya Merritt
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a story about a young girl named Xenia and her brother Lucas who live with their undocumented mother. Their father was a soldier in the Army and had died overseas prior to being able to marry their mother. Xenia and her mother love to garden and have this special rock in their yard. This rock has special ants that help the sunflowers grow tall. Xenia loves science and decides to do a project on the ants and sunflowers. She learns from a Deetkatoo (Native American Little People) that the rock is a meteorite that helps him and the ants survive. However, one day Xenia’s mother is arrested by ICE and the children try to figure out a way to get her back. The troublesome man who is always spying on them, who lives next door is always trying to get their rock. In order to get the rock, he called the government on Xenia’s mom just to be able to “protect” the meteorite. The children try many different things to help protect the Deetkatoo, keep the rock, do well in school, and try to get their mother out of being deported. In the end, the mother is deported, living separately from her children, but it turns out for the best. Xenia’s mother succeeds in Mexico, finds love, and has a plan to come back to the US for her children. For me, this was a strange story. I don’t know enough about the legends of the Deetkatoo or the magic that they possibly possess, so the story didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I also thought it was a little sad and heavy for a youth book, but at the same time informative about a problem that the US has. While each little story within the entire story was okay, I didn’t feel like they all went together. Also, the ending with the Deetkatoo and the mother is just weird. I thought the characters that were the children were the most decent part of the story. They were smart, interesting, and determined to solve problems. Also, the fact that the daughter was into science may encourage other girls to enter into STEM areas.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2023-08-24 16:44:012023-09-05 14:02:36Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
This is a fantastic book and aimed for kids a little older than the cover seems to show. This book tackles really heavy stuff like illegal immigration, racism and multiple cultures. It also keeps it fun with magic ants and school projects. I have read quite a few of Lois Wickstrom’s books and this is by far my favorite and the most needed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Fordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Ford2023-08-21 18:19:422023-09-05 14:20:53Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Christina Ford
This book is a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Parts of it are ripped from today’s headlines. The author gives a nod to various conspiracy theories. The main characters, two siblings along with their cousin, must use a science experiment to help a relative. The ending is happy-ish, with an important lesson about the way life works out sometimes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2023-08-20 19:36:292023-09-05 14:26:34Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Alison Risher
This is a bit longer than the typical Lois Wickstrom book and is geared more towards ages 7 and up.
In this story, Xenia is living with her mom and brother. Xenia’s mom is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her American father died while serving in Iraq before he was able to marry Xenia’s mom. Both Xenia and her brother are legal US citizens.
Having fear for being deported, Xenia’s mom rarely allows the kids to play outside. They also are expected to make great grades but not so good that it would bring unwanted attention to them. When a science fair project arises with a pretty cool reward, Xenia has to be careful with how she presents her project. Before she can turn it in however, her mom is arrested and sent back to Mexico. Xenia and her brother are living with a local lady from a church group and have to try to find a way to spend as much time as they can with their mom.
This book focuses on a great many issues that arise in our country today. This book is sad, yet encouraging. It is written in a way that could explain some of these issues to a youngster, while incorporating some aspects of fantasy to keep it on a lighter note. I also picked up on a few new spanish terms throughout this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-08-20 19:27:532023-09-05 14:26:21Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Julie Johnson
Lois and Darling did an amazing job with this story. I don’t think I’ve ever read a children’s book that dealt with politics and did it so wonderfully. It was magical, it was cultural. It was amazing. I have become a fan of Lois’ books. I read them to my 3 yr old nephew. I didn’t read him this one, as it was a bit longer than he would sit still for. I would definitely suggest this for ages 7 and up.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Manda Kellyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngManda Kelly2023-08-19 04:39:482023-08-24 14:55:27Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Manda Kelly
Xenia is used to playing alone in her yard. With her mother being an illegal immigrant, she was taught to not cause trouble and to stay out of the spotlight. One day, while exploring her yard, she comes across a weird group of ants. She follows them to the garbage and watches them try to steal food. Next thing she knows a mouse appears and tries to steal the food. Xenia felt bad for the ants and tried scaring the mouse enough to drop the food. Something unexpected happened instead. The mouse turned into hundreds of ants. Xenia then decides to study them more. She has a science project she needs to do and she thinks she just found her topic.
The next day, her world is turned upside down. ICE took her mother and Xenia and her brother are left to pick up the pieces at home. She is scared that her mother will be deported and they will never see each other again. She tries to stay optimistic by focusing on the magic ants, while all hoping to be reunited with her mother.
This book was unexpected. I have read Lois Wickstrom’s stories before but this one was very different from her normal style. The book delved into some serious topics about immigrants and how they are treated. There was also a lot of Mexican culture and language mixed in with a hint of magic. The book is definitely geared towards older children but the authors did a great job at explaining the difficult topics.I was rooting for the family to be reunited. I also like that this topic was written but I could not fully enjoy the story to be honest. It felt rushed. I feel like there should have been more to the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2023-08-18 20:56:232023-08-24 14:39:30Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Santana Hicks
Lois writes children’s books with a wide range of topics and cleverly creates tales that are easily imagined with the beautiful pictures shown. In this story she has thrown in some science fiction elements that makes the story just a little bit more exciting. Xenia and the Magic Ants is a bit of a sad story and is a controversial political story addressing deportation. It is confusing for adults let alone children and Lois does a good job of explaining this in terms that a child would understand. Xenia Navarro has never been so scared when her Mexican mother gets arrested and is about to be deported but hopes they will all be together again soon. Read along with Xenia to find out what happens to her family.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-08-18 19:18:162023-08-24 14:37:31Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jenni Bishop
An absolutely fascinating read for children and adults alike! This is a chapter book for those of you who are used to Wickstrom’s picture books, but don’t despair…her wit and storytelling is just as present here. I will say that Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants does have political undertones and Wickstrom and Darling handle them wonderfully so that children can understand right from wrong. I really enjoyed this read and was emotionally invested in Xenia’s journey and the twists and turns it takes. There is magic, politics (wonderfully done), Mexican culture, and so much more weaved throughout this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Reahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Rea2023-08-18 12:32:092023-08-24 14:43:36Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Megan Conley
Xenia and the Magic Ants could have been ripped from this week’s headlines. American sixth grader, Xenia Navarro lives with her Mexican mother, an undocumented resident, and her older brother Lucas in Pennsylvania. Her American father was killed while on duty in Iraq before marrying Xenia’s mother. Now their mother has been arrested and is about to be deported. Family drama becomes American politics, mixed with science fiction elements.
Lois is a former science teacher. She has written a series of science-based folktales. In each modernized tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending because of learning scientific principles. Lois likes to garden, ride her bike with her husband, cook, and she votes in every election.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Xenia-Navarro-and-the-Magic-Ants.jpg1181740itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-18 00:03:442023-09-02 22:04:25Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling
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