Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

I use this title with our middle school students at the middles school I work out. We use this book for lit circles or book club. The students love the story and can find themselves in the characters presented. Perfect for middle school English classes.

Para lo que se loPidieron a mi hijo en la escuela

I thoroughly enjoyed Cartaya's Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish, as did my 11-year-old son. It's a story of family and identity, as well as a love letter to Puerto Rico. I thought the characters were well developed, and I instantly found myself rooting for Marcus Vega and his family. I loved seeing the sights in Puerto Rico alongside Marcus as he discovers part of his heritage he didn't know!

Book assigned for Summer reading - my daughter really enjoyed it

Something about this novel had me intensely enjoying the opportunity to escape into the tale, even more so compared to the author's prior release. I initially had my doubts, but only because some memories that I'd prefer leaving in the past resurfaced, as I was reading of how 14-year-old Marcus stood up to bullying in school only to end up antagonized as a result. I'll admit, to be reminded that adults can enable middle-school tormentors was no joy.Yet these circumstances led to a sort of family intervention that, interestingly, allowed Marcus to reconnect with Puerto Rico (where he was born). He'd lived so long in the U S. mainland; now a door opened for him to meet relatives that had long remained distant. Concurrently, he was drawn to the possibility of tracking down (on the island) his father, who had long before walked out on his mom -- this was the novel's effective lure of suspense for me.As a Mexican-American, I could somewhat relate to Marcus's ties with, and loss of, his cultural background. However, this tale became my education on Puerto Rico's beauty and peculiarities. (I couldn't help think of a recent hurricane's effects on life there.) Marcus's struggles with his conspicuous height brought to mind what a younger relative of mine likely experienced. I appreciated how Down's Syndrome was included as a story element.

Bought two copies so that I could read with my son. We enjoyed this book

No complaints

Great story line and so many things to unpack!