Raining Sardines

"Raining Sardines" is just a wonderful, fantastical story. While the title references a unique phenomenon in some Latin American countries in which the skies occasionally open up and rain down sardines, hamsters, frogs, and the like, the title is a tad misleading. The story is actually about the adventures of the two principal characters (children) in their quest to save their small town from a brutish land-baron who's family has been bullying the townsfolk for decades. Flores-Galbis writes with a confident and easy prose that is both colorful and poetic. "Raining Sardines" is a fast-paced and engrossing story that is perfect for pre-teens and early teens alike... and for their parents who also love a good, whimsical adventure.

I was one of Enrique's first friends when he came to America with his three brothers. There are parts of this book that i remember him talking about when we were playing. After reading the book, I have ordered books for the elementary school back home for their library. I treasure the autographed copy I have at home, we recently saw each other again after almost 40 years, it was like we had stayed in touch all these years.

Flores-Galbis has a background in art and this is evident in his writing style. Raining Sardines is replete with figurative language and imagery. He illustrates the adventures of two young Cubans, Enriquito and Ernestina, very picturesquely. This is certainly a book that will appeal to young readers. I am currently using this novel with my advanced/gifted middle school students and, needless to say, they have developed and expressed a significant level of interest in this work.

Enrique Flores-Galbis takes you on a colorful adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat! DO NOT start this book without leaving time to read it all the way through! Too hard to put it down! My new favorite book!

Enrique Flores paints a vivid world with his words in "Raining Sardines". This book is a fun, great read for "young" readers of all ages. I highly recommend it - que chévere.