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50 pages 1 hour read

Any Small Goodness

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1991

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Book Brief

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Tony Johnston

Any Small Goodness

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

1991

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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Super Short Summary

Tony Johnston’s Any Small Goodness follows Arturo Rodriguez and his Mexican American family as they navigate life in a lower-income Los Angeles barrio. Arturo bonds with classmates, embracing their Mexican heritage, while his family experiences various challenges, including a gang threat and losing their pet cat. The story highlights themes of community, cultural identity, and everyday acts of kindness. The plot includes a shooting incident that impacts the family.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Hopeful

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

664 ratings

61%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviewers praise Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston for its heartfelt storytelling and positive portrayal of community and cultural identity. Critics highlight the rich, relatable characters and poignant themes. However, some feel the plot is predictable and lacks depth. Overall, it is regarded as a touching, meaningful read suitable for young audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Any Small Goodness?

A reader who would enjoy Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston is typically a middle-grade student who appreciates heartfelt stories about community, family, and small acts of kindness. Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo or Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will find similar themes and emotional depth in this novel.

4.1

664 ratings

61%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

1991

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

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