Papertigers.org —
“Carl Angel's illustrations perfectly capture the characters' voice and indomitable spirit, and tap into the energy exuded by people when they stand up for their rights. The bold and invigorating colors give shape and personality to the lively characters Lakas encounters... And readers should feel lucky to witness such a feat."

San Francisco Chronicle–
“This is a fun, engaging tale, enhanced by Carl Angel's colorful illustrations, that takes on sad and serious problems in the city: homelessness and tenants' rights."

Publisher’s Weekly –
“Angel's acrylic paintings attempt a sturdy realism punched up with strong brushwork and a bright palette anchored by shades of purple."

The Horn Book –
“This first-ever bilingual English-Tagalog story set in the U.S.' is as elaborately staged as a Disney 42nd Street musical – but within shot of The Lion King as entertainment, and a whole lot more authentic . . . kids captured by the loopy story and the rollicking, high-colored, bang-bang pictures will get the idea without the orientation: that's the charm of the book. . . "

Bloomsbury Review —
“The brilliantly colored illustrations . . . create a big splash in this entertaining book that will hook kids and reel them right in."

The Asian Review of Books –
“Carl Angel's brightly-colored illustrations seem to leap off the page at every turn in the same spirit of the renegade fish.."

Booklist–
“The vibrant, double-page collages, in bright shades of red, purple, and green, show Lakas calling on the people in his community... Filipino families will want this, as will many immigrant families.”

School Library Journal –
“Inspired by the successful resistance by the residents of theTrinity Plaza Apartments in San Francisco, author and activist Robles has created a memorable story, supported by Angel's vibrant, hopeful art."

Kirkus Reviews –
“The vivid paintings have a cartoon quality that punches off the page and there are some fun touches: The landlord wears a hat and suit of $1000 bills."

School Library Journal –
“The colorful, full-page illustrations accentuate the excitement and provide a focus for this lengthy tale."

Booklist –
“There's a real story here with tension and surprise, and Angel's bright acrylic paintings show the father-son bond close-up as well as the school scenes where the bully makes fun of Willie's coconut bank--until its content is revealed.”

Kirkus Reviews –
“An understated pearl of a story, humbly illustrated in deep-colored acrylics, with two affecting characterizations and an exemplary bond of love."

School Library Journal –
“Based on a true story, Xochitl's tale is well written in both languages. . .Angel's acrylic, colored-pencil, and photo-collage artwork is vibrant and energetic, fleshed out by the bright colors and individual faces.”  

The Horn Book Guide–
“The acrylic, colored-pencil, and photo collage illustrations bring this story about the dreams of one Salvadoran-American family to life. This is a fine example of what a book with a bilingual text can and should be.”      

Criticas –
“Radiant illustrations present each scene tastefully. Xochitl's story is a superb read-aloud and a necessary component of school libraries that serve immigrant children. Recommended for all bookstores and library collections.”