Review Detail

Stream is a wonderful story that blends themes of rediscovering the natural world along with a coming-of-age narrative. This novel in verse manages to seamlessly move back and forth between the two povs of main characters, Celi and Elio. Because of screen addictions and consequences of technology that play out in their neighborhood they are forced to spend a summer in Mexico away from it all. What starts out as despair quickly turns into wonder as the two embrace the unknown of their journey.

Reading this novel in verse felt lyrical due to Salar’s writing voice. She has such a way of immersing the reader in the story and putting themselves into Celi and Elio’s shoes. Because we live in a technology-filled world this novel is a reminder for us to log off, go outside, and enjoy life’s smallest moments. Celi and Elio work through their feelings of isolation and internal self-doubt. Through their hard work they come to realize they are a part of something greater and end up having a deeper understanding of their culture.

Though this novel does feature characters from Salazar’s previous novels, you do not need to have read them to enjoy it. It’s fast paced and filled with many relatable themes that its intended reading audience (middle grade) and older can enjoy. I appreciated how the novel balances humor with important life lessons that we can take away from the novel. I found cultural aspects to be my favorite part of the book and all the ancestral traditions Celi and Elio learn about.

The romance is very sweet and doesn’t take away from the main message of the story either. I think this novel overall does a great job of covering modern dilemmas of growing older, puberty, and finding your identity. It’s such an inspiring and moving novel.