Book description
A beautiful coming-of-age story for fans of Front Desk and Merci Suárez Changes Gears, this book celebrates identity, language, heritage, family, and the determination to follow one's own inner light. Have you ever been the best at something . . . only to lose it all? Luz Véliz is a soccer star--or rather, she was a soccer star. With her serious knee injury, it's unlikely she'll be back on the field anytime soon. But without soccer, who is she? Even her dad treats her differently now--like he doesn't know her or, worse, like he doesn't even like her. When Luz discovers she has a knack for coding, it feels like a lifeline to a better self. If she can just ace the May Showcase, she'll not only skip a level in her coding courses and impress Ms. Freeman and intriguing, brilliant Trevor--she'll have her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, just the way she likes it. But something--someone--is about to enter the Vélizes' life. And when Solana arrives, nothing will be the same, ever again. Unforgettable characters, family drama, and dauntless determination illuminate Luz's journey as she summons her inner strength and learns to accept others and embrace the enduring connection of family. Through it all, Luz's light is a constant--a guide for others, a path forward through the dark, and an ineffable celebration of her own eternal self. This is the second novel by Pure Belpré Honor winner Rebecca Balcárcel! FAST-PACED FAMILY DRAMA: Fast-paced, deeply felt, and with all the high highs and low lows of adolescence, this story is downright fun--a page-turner even while it's dealing with serious issues. WHO AM I? This book grapples with a topic so many young people deal with daily: one's relationship to heritage and culture. Luz confronts her ties to her home country, the place of her father's birth, and her family itself in a thoughtful, emotional journey filled with humor, urgency, and grace. CODING IS COOL!: Coding is a language many kids enjoy learning and are encouraged to master. The way this book frames coding and computer programming as an opportunity for communication, bonding, and building fun, practical skills will speak loudly to kids already interested in the field while also resonating with those who aren't. AN ALL-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: This is an important book for its thought-provoking, empathetic look at immigration in the United States and at how the threat of deportation informs the experiences of some of our country's most vulnerable communities. With lyrical prose, deeply felt characters, and a relatable story, Shine On, Luz V&eacaute;liz! adds substantively to our fraught discussion about immigration and opens it to young readers. AUTHOR ON THE RISE: Rebecca Balcárcel won the Pura Belpré Author Honor, which recognizes literature for children or youth that best portrays the Latino cultural experience, for her first book, The Other Half of Happy. She is a beloved presence in the children's literature community and is making her mark as a writer to watch. Perfect for: - Kids who love reading about family and friend drama- Kids who love coding- Parents- Grandparents- Educators- Fans of Meg Medina, Rebecca Stead, and Kelly Yang
InfinityInsight
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧
SmartieQuest
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Omega Sub
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
CodeExia
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Flotsams54
Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Pluto
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Coldy
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Juno Cream
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. 💪 Doubling the impact of my workouts – exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! 💪🎧 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true winner. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Widow Curio
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Palomino Cake
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Low Voltage
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Junkyard Dog
🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Nice Gnome
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Midnight Bat
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Star Killer
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Criss Cross
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
MysticMingle
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
Lady Fantastic
Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Winded On Friday
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
QuestWeaver
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience