"Respicio examines themes of racism, cultural heritage, and community building by focusing on positive occurrences in Isabel's life, throughout offering solutions that model helpful next steps for readers in similar circumstances." --Publishers Weekly

"Respicio's novel in verse tackles the emotional journey of sacrifice and opportunity that many new immigrants experience, as well as the plight of Filipinos living abroad to earn money." --Booklist

"Heartfelt and moving." --Kirkus Reviews

"A touching novel....[Respicio] poetically incorporates the experiences and feelings immigrants may have when moving to a new country." --School Library Journal

"The novel brings light to unconventional family structures and hate crimes against Asian Americans elders." --The Horn Book