(2) YA In this verse novel, Sónia is living to the fullest as much as a fifteen-year-old girl can under the Salazar dictatorship in 1960s Portugal. She writes free-verse poetry, though the nuns at school deride it; loves her protester boyfriend, though he is imprisoned; and works in her family's restaurant, until they lose everything for hiring a "banned musician who sang a banned song." Sónia's world grows bleaker and more volatile as friends abandon her and her parents treat her with hostility, blaming her for their misfortunes. As Sónia seeks respite in other friendships and relationships, she tries to determine how she wants to live: as a protester against injustice, or safely and comfortably. Miller-Lachmann's free-verse poetry captures the exquisite and the harrowing, the potent longing in romantic moments as well as the physicality in brutal ones: beatings from Sónia's father and from police, the blistering burn from a workplace injury. Both the verse format and the intensity of the protagonist's lived experiences and choices make this story about the power of teenage resistance a page-turner. Back matter includes an author's note with historical background, discussion questions, a glossary, and further reading.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(3) YA This adaptation of the author's adult book chronicles Ferdinand Magellan's historic, globe-circumnavigating search for the Spice Islands. The conflict between Portugal and Spain and suspicion of Magellan's loyalty to the Spanish crown are skillfully related, as are accounts of storms, mutinies, deprivation, illness, Native hostilities, and Magellan's murder. Readers will be intrigued and informed by this meticulously researched, spellbinding adventure. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann. Illustrated by Yara Kono. In association with Amnesty International. A family searching for political and educational freedom instead finds itself in a society limited by conformity; but the mother takes boring, solid-color sweaters--offered only in green, orange, and gray--and makes fantastically patterned sweaters, inspiring others. Based on a family from dictator-led Portugal exiled in Communist Czechoslovakia in the 1960s, the allegorical picture book features graphically strong three-color illustrations.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Big Time series. These biographies briefly introduce readers to each top athlete, including sections on the star's childhood, early sports interest, and career highlights, concluding with a few generic, unsourced quotes. The clean design features a full-page photo on each spread. The simple texts can be uninspired (e.g., "Stephen likes spending time with his family"), but they're appropriate for young fans. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Big Time titles: Alex Morgan, Andrew Luck, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Stephen Curry.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) K-3 SportsZone: Playmakers series. Each athlete profile written for newly independent readers begins with a short action anecdote. After some brief family and childhood background, the bulk of each adulatory biography deals with the development of the athlete from rookie to seasoned professional; charitable and community-building behaviors are briefly mentioned. Color photos help to personalize the rather bland narratives. Facts and quotes are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these SportsZone: Playmakers titles: Michelle Wie, Maya Moore, Mike Trout, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Rory McIlroy.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(2) 4-6 Translated by Jane Springer. Early-seventeenth-century orphans Manu (Manuela, disguised as a boy for safety) and "his" older brother Bento abandon their Portuguese village for Lisbon. Bento is unjustly imprisoned and sentenced to exile in Brazil; Manu accompanies him. Meanwhile, African boy Odjidi and his family are sold into slavery in Brazil. The fast-moving adventure and authentic glimpse of Brazil's early settlers recommend this to young readers.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015

(3) 4-6 Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer series. The international soccer stars highlighted in these small-trim, quick biographical profiles have all overcome injuries, family pressures, and professional challenges to become world-class athletes. Supplemented with color photos and a listing of each star's career highlights and awards, the well-written narratives effectively weave subjects' personal stories and athletic achievements into bios that will inform and inspire young soccer fans. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer titles: Soccer Star André Iniesta, Soccer Star Kaká, Soccer Star Robinho, Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer Star Lionel Messi, and Soccer Star Ronaldinho.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Countries of the World series. These titles touch on the geography, environment, government, history, and culture of each country. Excellent physical, historical, ecological, and political maps and well-selected photographs highlight the topics discussed. Upper-elementary report writers will find the volumes useful. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Countries of the World titles: Portugal and Sweden.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) YA Modern World Nations series. With a heavy emphasis on facts and figures, these volumes demonstrate positive economic and political progress made in recent decades by Germany and Portugal. Cultural information is sparse, especially in Germany. The books include maps and photos (some of which are washed out) and will serve as basic report resources. Germany is revised and updated and includes a glossary. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern World Nations titles: Portugal and Germany.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Translated by Sondra Silverston. Illustrated by Avi Katz. Manuel Nuñez narrates the story of his Portuguese Jewish family passing as Christians in Inquisition-era Spain. Manuel's struggles as an adolescent boy and as a Jew are handled competently, but the historical aspects occasionally overwhelm the characters. Dark, static black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. An afterword gives more historical background. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 4-6 Cultures and Costumes: Symbols of Their Period series. These books provide accessible if wordy introductions to each country, highlighting the role of clothing and adornment. Featuring ample white space and numerous color illustrations, the books cover history, social and political development, religious beliefs, culture, and customs, with an emphasis on ancient times. Inclusion of more detailed maps would have been helpful. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Cultures and Costumes: Symbols of Their Period titles: Northern Europe, The British Isles, Greece and Turkey, Italy and Switzerland, Eastern Europe, France, and Spain and Portugal.]

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Countries of the World series. Each tour book-like volume begins with a country overview and continues with topics of particular interest in that country. Bosnia examines the impact of the recent war; Portugal recounts religious customs such as the cult of Fatima and the Festival of Trays; Finland looks at saunas and winter sports. Numerous captions detract from the flow of the text. Color photos and a map illustrate the books. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam