The Wild Book

The Wild Book follows Fefa, a young girl in early 1900s Cuba who struggles with dyslexia. Her mother gives her a blank book to write in, encouraging her to face her reading and writing challenges despite being told she will never improve. Set against the backdrop of rural Cuba's political instability and bandit conflicts, Fefa works to fill her book with words while helping on her family's farm. The story unfolds through free verse poetry that mirrors Fefa's gradual progress with language and literacy. Through Fefa's journey with her "wild book," readers experience both the personal triumph of overcoming learning difficulties and the larger story of survival during a turbulent time in Cuban history. The verse novel format creates a unique perspective on disability, family bonds, and finding one's voice in challenging circumstances.

Readers connect with the personal story of Fefa's struggle with dyslexia and her determination to overcome reading challenges. The verse novel format receives praise for making the text accessible to struggling readers while maintaining emotional depth. Liked: - Spanish words integrated naturally into text - Historical Cuban setting provides cultural insights - Message about perseverance resonates with young readers - Short chapters and poems help build reading confidence Disliked: - Some found the plot too simple - Several readers wanted more historical context - A few mentioned the verse format made the story feel disconnected Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect for middle schoolers dealing with learning differences" - Goodreads reviewer "The poems capture Fefa's frustration and triumph" - Amazon reviewer "Would have preferred traditional narrative format" - School Library Journal reader review

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🌿 Author Margarita Engle based this novel-in-verse on her grandmother's childhood struggle with dyslexia in early 1900s Cuba 📚 The "wild book" referenced in the title is a blank book given to the main character by her mother, where she can write freely without worrying about mistakes 🌺 The story incorporates real aspects of Cuban culture and folklore, including traditional healing practices and tales of mythological creatures ✍️ The book's unique format, with short poems and plenty of white space, was deliberately chosen to make reading easier for young people who struggle with dyslexia 🏆 Margarita Engle became the first Latina to receive the Newbery Honor, and later served as the Young People's Poet Laureate from 2017-2019