I really love this book. In addition to its distinct character voice, bright happiness and beautiful art, I also really love that its heroine and her family don't have much, but that's not at all the point of the story. The point of the story is how much they do with limited resources and unlimited love. It's the opposite of "misery porn" and it uplifts my heart. ( )

“Jamaica Louise James” is a story of family devotion, love, and it shows children what they could do if the put their mind to it. The author and illustrator do a wonderful job of portraying the drive that Jamaica has for doing something special for his grandma. Also the author shows Jamaica’s determination when Jamaica says, “Every day I add a picture to my collection and every day I think about my cool idea.” This is showing that Jamaica is work very hard on his project for his Grammy. Then at the end of the book Jamaica and his mother go to the subway that his Grammy works at and hang all of his pictures. When his Grammy sees the pictures she is so happy and not only does Jamaica make his Grammy happy, but he seems to brighten the day of the subway passengers. This shows that they can accomplish what they set out to do and more if they put their mind to it. ( )

This story is about Jamaica Louise James, a seven-year old girl who uses her artistic talent to surprise her grandma at work. ( )