Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War By Mónica Montañés - ADVISABLE

Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War By Mónica Montañés, illustrated by Eva Sábynchez Gómez 80 pages. PICTURE BOOKS. Eerdmans. 2022. $18. 9780802855985 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

9yo Paco must become the man of the house when his father is deported from Franco controlled Spain. 7yo Socorro is Paco’s sister. She lives for a time in the Pueblo with family, but because her father fled Spain, the nuns in the school punish her. She always works very hard and excels, as it makes the nuns mad. Paco stays in the family house with his mother and abuela, living in one small room while they rent the rest of the house to a British family. With no other income, the family is very poor and Paco is always hungry. For years they wait for the infrequent letters of their father hoping for the day they can join him. 

Different is an illustrated picture book perfect for elementary readers, but I think it would work in middle school as well. Beautifully illustrated with pictures reminiscent of 1930 art. The story, which alternates between Paco’s experience and his sister’s spans 8 years, and is based on the author's father and aunt.  I loved that it began with an author introduction referring readers to the glossary and sources, and I loved the short but thorough explanation of the Spanish Civil War included at the end. Having read Paco’s and Socorro’s story I was super interested in learning more. The family is Spanish. 

Lisa Librarian