
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider or struggling to adjust after a major life change, such as moving to a new city or country. It captures the deep sense of displacement that often comes with a new environment where the language and customs feel entirely foreign. Through the whimsical lens of a girl and her talking dog, the story validates the impulse to 'run away' from uncomfortable feelings while eventually finding a way to bridge two different worlds. Narrated by Edison, the loyal and observant mutt, the story follows Faith as she builds a rocket ship to escape Mexico and return to what she considers home. It is a middle-grade adventure that uses magical realism and humor to explore the complex process of assimilation and the power of friendship. Parents will appreciate how the book introduces Spanish vocabulary in an accessible way, making it an excellent choice for bilingual families or those looking to expand their child's cultural empathy.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewFaith's initial loneliness and rejection of her new home can feel quite heavy for sensitive kids.
The book addresses the emotional distress of immigration and relocation. The approach is metaphorical, using the rocket journey to represent Faith's internal flight from her reality. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on acceptance and the realization that home is where your loved ones are.
An 8 to 11 year old who is currently navigating a move or feels culturally disconnected from their peers. It is perfect for the imaginative child who uses play to process big, difficult changes.
The book is safe for cold reading, but parents should be ready to discuss why Faith is so angry at the start. The margin translations are a great tool for interactive reading. A parent might see their child withdrawing from social activities in a new town, refusing to learn a new language, or expressed a desire to 'go back' to their old house.
Younger readers will focus on the 'Electric Dogs' and the rocket ship adventure. Older readers will pick up on the linguistic isolation Faith feels and the nuance of her 'change of heart' regarding Mexican culture.
The unique narrative voice of the dog, combined with the bilingual marginalia, sets this apart. It blends a very grounded immigrant experience with high-flying animal fantasy.
Faith is an American girl living in Mexico who is deeply unhappy and feels like an alien in her new home. Narrated by her dog, Edison (who calls himself 'Eddie'), the story follows their attempt to escape via a homemade rocket ship. Their journey takes them into a fantastical space-bound adventure where they encounter 'Electric Dogs' before eventually returning to Earth with a transformed perspective on home and belonging.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.