I love diverse characters and books that let my daughter learn about different cultures and experiences. This is a great book about a Guatemalan family and their desire for a better life and the struggles they go through. I love books that tell hard stories to children in ways that are age-appropriate.

This book tells the story about Davico and his family who leave Guatemala at the beginning of what would become a 20 year civil war.

I know that the author is from Guatemala so this story should ring more true to me than it does. I have been to Guatemala quite a few times over the years and wish I had gotten more of the flavor of the country in the book. I also feel the story of what happened in Guatemala and the US involvement needs to be told but the tone of the book and the intended audience didn't feel like the right way to do it.

Sleeping with the Light On provides a window into a period of time that is new to me - the 1950s in Guatemala City. We learn about the unrest there during that time frame through the eyes of Davico, a young boy living in La Casita with his brother, Felipe and his parents. His family owns a restaurant and all is well at the beginning. As they start to hear gunfire at night and learn of the uprising, they begin to get scared and have to make a decision about relocating to the United States.

I appreciated the relationship between the two brothers. I liked that Spanish phrases were sprinkled throughout. Descriptions of Davico's favorite lobster, Genghis Khan, and his stuffed animal add a whimsical layer to the story. The illustrations are very well done, enhancing each chapter. The book ends with me wanting to learn more about what happens next. I hope that there is a sequel. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Sleeping with the Light on is about a family who must flee Guatemala and start a new life in America. This is a very powerful story with a historical component. The book has wonderful insight as to how this situation would feel from the child's perspective. Definitely recommend.

A story told from the kids perspective of coming to America for the fear of living in their home country. A great way to see why immigrants come to America and how scary it truly can potentially be for them.

Themes of family, bravery, courage, and understanding.

Sleeping with light on is about a Guatemalan family who fled their country for safety in the US. It is a very touching story about an event in history. The story is told through the eyes of the youngest son. The perspective illustrates what it felt like to be a child in a confusing situation. It's not too scary for kids.