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Cocalero Novels #1
Diego, Run!
Diego lives in a prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia. His parents are locked up, but he is free to come and go: to school and to the market, working as a 'taxi', doing errands for other prisoners. But the future looks grim unless he can make money, fast. His friend Mando has a plan...
Diego and Mando are soon deep in the jungle, on their way to a fortune. But their plan hits terrible trouble, and Diego must risk everything if he wants to see his family again.
Diego and Mando are soon deep in the jungle, on their way to a fortune. But their plan hits terrible trouble, and Diego must risk everything if he wants to see his family again.
191 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2006
57 people are currently reading
1,057 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Ellis
78Ìýbooks587ÌýfollowersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database.
Deborah Ellis has achieved international acclaim with her courageous and dramatic books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries.
She has won the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award.
A long-time feminist and anti-war activist, she is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy, which has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, Deb was named to the Order of Ontario.
Deborah Ellis has achieved international acclaim with her courageous and dramatic books that give Western readers a glimpse into the plight of children in developing countries.
She has won the Governor General's Award, Sweden's Peter Pan Prize, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the University of California's Middle East Book Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award.
A long-time feminist and anti-war activist, she is best known for The Breadwinner Trilogy, which has been published around the world in seventeen languages, with more than a million dollars in royalties donated to Street Kids International and to Women for Women, an organization that supports health and education projects in Afghanistan. In 2006, Deb was named to the Order of Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
March 7, 2017
Super suprised how quickly i went through this book considering i just worked an 8hr shift at the pool.
an interesting story about diego and his life living behind bars and the war on drugs.
I remember this being one of the books of the year in elementary school hence why i own this book. it was always taken out of the library and i wanted my class to win the ice cream party if you read the most books.
an interesting story about diego and his life living behind bars and the war on drugs.
I remember this being one of the books of the year in elementary school hence why i own this book. it was always taken out of the library and i wanted my class to win the ice cream party if you read the most books.
December 30, 2023
I actually started reading this book with my dad in the summer and never finished it. 2.8 stars. Recommended for people who like a lot of violence in books.
April 27, 2023
This is one of my faves from this wonderful author
For juveniles, so a quick read about the lives of children who live in the prisons when their parents are incarcerated in Bolivia. The kids are allowed out during the day where they do all sorts of messages for their parents and others for small financial reward.
The prisons don't provide basics so it was up to young Diego to help provide for his family outside on his own and often in danger. Heartbreaking
For juveniles, so a quick read about the lives of children who live in the prisons when their parents are incarcerated in Bolivia. The kids are allowed out during the day where they do all sorts of messages for their parents and others for small financial reward.
The prisons don't provide basics so it was up to young Diego to help provide for his family outside on his own and often in danger. Heartbreaking
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October 26, 2023Read this book for a novel study in high school and completely forgot about it until now.
September 24, 2012
Summary
Diego is living in a women’s prison with his mom and little sister because him and his family were faulty accused for having coca paste, during the war on drugs with the government. Diego and his family who lived on a farm will be residing in the prisons for another thirteen years. His father who although could not live in the prison with them lives in the prison that is close, for mostly only men. Diego had adapted to this new life even though at times he wishes greatly he could be back on a farm again, not living in a cell. Running errands or being a “taxi� is how Diego makes money for his family to be able to rent a cell in the prison. Diego is all about good business and knows the difference of right and wrong. Mando, Diego’s best friend who lives in the men’s prison also runs errands with him. They often talk about life after incarceration, until one day this talk becomes reality, especially for Mando. Mando informs Diego about a two week trip with a few men to make fast, quick money. After long consideration Diego decides that under all the circumstances this will be the best decision for his family.
Mando and Diego get on a truck with other men who take them away and into the jungle. While being there they realize they are actually doing, making the paste for cocaine, the exact substance Diego’s family is in prison for. While the boys are there they encounter more good than bad mishaps, from being thirsty to realizing they may never return with any money, if they are lucky to return home again.
Response
I gave this book 4 stars but if I could rate it with decimals it would be a 4.9. This book is very descriptive along with informative of the lives of how many people live in a different part of the world. To show the hardships that Diego and his family had to go through really made it an emotional book, and to know that this stuff actually happens to children so young. This is the type of book that you can try and put yourself into the main characters shoes and although you feel the emotions that are being written or just drawn in the readers mind, you still cannot even fathom what it would actually be like to be Diego. This book also shows a great sense of determination and bravery in such a young man. The only reason that I did not give this book the full 5 stars was because of the ending. Endings that do not have a definite end to them and leave me guessing, especially with this story, make me not fully connect with the reading.
Classroom Connection
Students can use the vocabulary words that actually come with the book (at the end), and eventually get quizzed on them or just be able to read them and expand their knowledge with unfamiliar words. Since the characters spend a lot of time in the jungle the students can research different type of plant and animal life in the jungle and even the specifics that were named in the book (tarantula). Students can also use the different places that were mentioned in the book as a geography lesson.
Text Complexity
Interest level 6-8, Grade level Equivalent not available, Lexile Measure 760L,
Diego is living in a women’s prison with his mom and little sister because him and his family were faulty accused for having coca paste, during the war on drugs with the government. Diego and his family who lived on a farm will be residing in the prisons for another thirteen years. His father who although could not live in the prison with them lives in the prison that is close, for mostly only men. Diego had adapted to this new life even though at times he wishes greatly he could be back on a farm again, not living in a cell. Running errands or being a “taxi� is how Diego makes money for his family to be able to rent a cell in the prison. Diego is all about good business and knows the difference of right and wrong. Mando, Diego’s best friend who lives in the men’s prison also runs errands with him. They often talk about life after incarceration, until one day this talk becomes reality, especially for Mando. Mando informs Diego about a two week trip with a few men to make fast, quick money. After long consideration Diego decides that under all the circumstances this will be the best decision for his family.
Mando and Diego get on a truck with other men who take them away and into the jungle. While being there they realize they are actually doing, making the paste for cocaine, the exact substance Diego’s family is in prison for. While the boys are there they encounter more good than bad mishaps, from being thirsty to realizing they may never return with any money, if they are lucky to return home again.
Response
I gave this book 4 stars but if I could rate it with decimals it would be a 4.9. This book is very descriptive along with informative of the lives of how many people live in a different part of the world. To show the hardships that Diego and his family had to go through really made it an emotional book, and to know that this stuff actually happens to children so young. This is the type of book that you can try and put yourself into the main characters shoes and although you feel the emotions that are being written or just drawn in the readers mind, you still cannot even fathom what it would actually be like to be Diego. This book also shows a great sense of determination and bravery in such a young man. The only reason that I did not give this book the full 5 stars was because of the ending. Endings that do not have a definite end to them and leave me guessing, especially with this story, make me not fully connect with the reading.
Classroom Connection
Students can use the vocabulary words that actually come with the book (at the end), and eventually get quizzed on them or just be able to read them and expand their knowledge with unfamiliar words. Since the characters spend a lot of time in the jungle the students can research different type of plant and animal life in the jungle and even the specifics that were named in the book (tarantula). Students can also use the different places that were mentioned in the book as a geography lesson.
Text Complexity
Interest level 6-8, Grade level Equivalent not available, Lexile Measure 760L,
May 1, 2010
From the very beginning of I Am a Taxi, Ellis had me engulfed in the story. She was able to paint a real life picture of the tumultuous and almost insane Bolivian prison system. The main character, Diego, lives with his mother and sister in the women's prison, after his parents were framed for smuggling. Children technically live in the prison, but are not inmates, which gives them the freedom to go outside the prison walls as they please. Since prison cells need to be rented, and food needs to be purchased, Diego uses his opportunity at select freedom, to run errands for other inmates, or become a "taxi."
Diego works himself to death all day making money for his family, but a friend in the prison teases him with the opportunity to make "real" money doing "man" things. Diego knows these jobs are most likely illegal and would transform him into a full-fledged inmate, but decides to go for it anyway to better the lives of his family.
This is where the story made a U-turn, and almost lost my interest. Diego begins to work for these not so nice gentlemen working as a "mule"-transporting their contraband. However, the end of the story left me wondering what will happen next. Will he reunite with his family in the future?
Diego works himself to death all day making money for his family, but a friend in the prison teases him with the opportunity to make "real" money doing "man" things. Diego knows these jobs are most likely illegal and would transform him into a full-fledged inmate, but decides to go for it anyway to better the lives of his family.
This is where the story made a U-turn, and almost lost my interest. Diego begins to work for these not so nice gentlemen working as a "mule"-transporting their contraband. However, the end of the story left me wondering what will happen next. Will he reunite with his family in the future?
April 27, 2010
I am a Taxi is about a young boy named Diego that has spent most of his life in a Bolivian prison. His parents were wrongfully accused of smuggling cocaine and were sent to prison for 17 years. However, these prisons allow family members such as children to live there too. Diego works as a taxi, delivering goods and running errands for other prisoners and merchants, to help pay for food and rent (prisoners are required to pay for their food and to rent a cell in the prison). Diego is fairly happy with his life, but a friend persuades him to leave the safety of the prison and his family in search of riches. This path leads him to unexpected dangers, but gives him an opportunity to show his true strength and courage.
This story provides an engaging perspective on Bolivia and all of its beauty and pain. You are given an inside look on life in prisons, in the city, and in the jungle, and all of the good and bad aspects of each. It is a very easy read and I would recommend this to every student because of its simplicity, powerful messages, and insight into another culture.
This story provides an engaging perspective on Bolivia and all of its beauty and pain. You are given an inside look on life in prisons, in the city, and in the jungle, and all of the good and bad aspects of each. It is a very easy read and I would recommend this to every student because of its simplicity, powerful messages, and insight into another culture.
November 12, 2019
I am a taxi is a story about a boy called Diogo, his parents end up going to jail, but Diego still has to sell his mother's hand-knitted goods, to work as a taxi, as he does what the prisoners ask him, he basically runs errands for the prisoners and receives money from that. But one day Diego's little sister runs away one of the days that Diego is working as a taxi, earning Diego's mother an expensive fine.
This book, I am a taxi is about how a little boy, Diego, who works as a taxi for prisoners in jail, as his parents are in prison, he works as a taxi by running earons to the prisoners and by selling his mothers hand-knitted goods to the people on the city, the money he makes is small but good enough to buy himself some food.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about realistic fiction types of books, to anyone that finds these types of the book interesting enough to read them, and I also recommend to anyone that finds them entertaining to read.
This book, I am a taxi is about how a little boy, Diego, who works as a taxi for prisoners in jail, as his parents are in prison, he works as a taxi by running earons to the prisoners and by selling his mothers hand-knitted goods to the people on the city, the money he makes is small but good enough to buy himself some food.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about realistic fiction types of books, to anyone that finds these types of the book interesting enough to read them, and I also recommend to anyone that finds them entertaining to read.
October 17, 2010
I couldn't imagine being out in the world on my own at the age of 12! I Am A Taxi tells the story of 12 year old, Diego's hardships in the streets and jungle of Bolivia. A teacher can use this book to enhance discussions on decision making and perseverance.
March 20, 2018
The story talks about a boy, who lives with his mom and his sister in the prison.
One day in the jail, his sister run away and earned his mom a heavy fine. So the boy went to work as a slave.
One day in the jail, his sister run away and earned his mom a heavy fine. So the boy went to work as a slave.
February 22, 2021
The book is showing how horrible the world actually is, and how little we can see.
The life of a prison-kid is worse than ours or anyone else's, and what he has to do to get money for his mother, and how everything gets worse by the time.
The life of a prison-kid is worse than ours or anyone else's, and what he has to do to get money for his mother, and how everything gets worse by the time.
January 6, 2021
I think this book is very interesting. This book is about a 12 year old in Bolivia who lives in a prison with his mother. He gets offered a big job to earn himself and his family big money, will he take it or will he turn it down? As a person who doesn't like to read books about other countries, I still give this book a 5 out of 5. It is very action-packed and calm at the same time, it's a rollercoaster of emotions! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, period. It has scary parts and happy parts.
June 22, 2020
REVIEW: Fast paced, action filled adventure. This book is always a favorite of the students who read it.
I know, I am a Taxi is a very strange title. Diego does work as a taxi, though. People yell, “Taxi!� and he comes. He doesn’t drive a taxi; he is the taxi. He runs errands for anyone who needs something, and they pay him money to do it. Lots of the boys where Diego lives work as taxis, though, so if he wants the job, he has to be there first, do the job quickly and be very honest. Diego is one of the best and fastest taxis in San Sebastian Women’s Prison. Yep, I said Women’s Prison. He lives there. This book by Deborah Ellis, is, like all her books, written to give us a glimpse into the lives of children at risk in developing countries.
Diego lives in Bolivia. Bolivia’s prisons are very different than prisons here. His mother is in jail for smuggling drugs—even though she is innocent—and her sentence is 16 years. Diego has a strange life: his mother remains in jail all the time, but Diego can come and go: go to school, take his little sister to the park, or run errands as a taxi for the women in the prison. Life in the prison is hard, and getting enough money to pay for her jail cell is nearly impossible, but Diego is getting by. His friend keeps trying to get Diego to join him on an easy money making scheme he's heard about, but Diego is leary. Easy money? That's only going to come from doing bad things. Diego doesn't want anything to do with that, until he makes a terrible mistake at the jail. Then the only solution Diego can think of is to run away—but what he runs away to is so horrible that he wishes with all his heart that he can go back to the jail.
(REVIEW: Fast paced, action filled adventure. This book is always a favorite of the students who read it. Diego’s friend convinces him to join him in a money-making scheme, and neither boy really knows what they’re getting into, although in Bolivia, if the money comes easily, it’s related to drug trafficking. He’s gotten himself into a big mess, although even at the prison he took on jobs doing the homework of rich kids in his school, so he’s not squeaky clean, but he needs the money so his mother can pay for her jail cell and their food. Nothing’s free in the Bolivian prison, but they can’t leave, either. Well written; appears to be for a young audience, but knowing the “issues,� I’d recommend it to 6th � 8th graders or EL or struggling readers through high school.)
I know, I am a Taxi is a very strange title. Diego does work as a taxi, though. People yell, “Taxi!� and he comes. He doesn’t drive a taxi; he is the taxi. He runs errands for anyone who needs something, and they pay him money to do it. Lots of the boys where Diego lives work as taxis, though, so if he wants the job, he has to be there first, do the job quickly and be very honest. Diego is one of the best and fastest taxis in San Sebastian Women’s Prison. Yep, I said Women’s Prison. He lives there. This book by Deborah Ellis, is, like all her books, written to give us a glimpse into the lives of children at risk in developing countries.
Diego lives in Bolivia. Bolivia’s prisons are very different than prisons here. His mother is in jail for smuggling drugs—even though she is innocent—and her sentence is 16 years. Diego has a strange life: his mother remains in jail all the time, but Diego can come and go: go to school, take his little sister to the park, or run errands as a taxi for the women in the prison. Life in the prison is hard, and getting enough money to pay for her jail cell is nearly impossible, but Diego is getting by. His friend keeps trying to get Diego to join him on an easy money making scheme he's heard about, but Diego is leary. Easy money? That's only going to come from doing bad things. Diego doesn't want anything to do with that, until he makes a terrible mistake at the jail. Then the only solution Diego can think of is to run away—but what he runs away to is so horrible that he wishes with all his heart that he can go back to the jail.
(REVIEW: Fast paced, action filled adventure. This book is always a favorite of the students who read it. Diego’s friend convinces him to join him in a money-making scheme, and neither boy really knows what they’re getting into, although in Bolivia, if the money comes easily, it’s related to drug trafficking. He’s gotten himself into a big mess, although even at the prison he took on jobs doing the homework of rich kids in his school, so he’s not squeaky clean, but he needs the money so his mother can pay for her jail cell and their food. Nothing’s free in the Bolivian prison, but they can’t leave, either. Well written; appears to be for a young audience, but knowing the “issues,� I’d recommend it to 6th � 8th graders or EL or struggling readers through high school.)
October 10, 2017
When all of the adventure classics have been read, or their perspectives feel dated, put aside 'Kidnapped' and pick up Deborah Ellis’s socially conscious 'I am a Taxi'. The novel follows Diego, a young Bolivian teen who has spent four years living out of his mother’s cell in the San Sebastian Women’s Prison. His mother and father (who Diego has the freedom to visit in the men’s prison across the street) are serving long sentences for false drug charges. A responsible and honest boy not confined to the prison walls, Diego works as a taxi on foot running errands to support his family. Despite his difficult life, Diego is hopeful and finds motivation in his hardships; but when disaster strikes, and the future looks uncertain, Diego’s naivety wins out. The promise of riches lead Diego away from his family, down a dark path working in the drug trade.
As with previous works by Ellis ('Looking for X', 'The Bread Winner'), this middle grade novel doesn’t coddle the reader by shying away from the brutality of life in majority countries. Instead, it takes the Bolivian prison system and the production and trade of cocaine head-on. Along the way Diego grapples with the cruelty of the seasoned cocaine producers, but also finds kindness and hope in the villagers who grow the coca plant. A woman tells him, “This leaf [coca] is a gift to my ancestors� To us it is sacred. It is something we respect and that nurtures us.� Diego echoes her words in the end of the novel, reminding himself and the reader that there is a pride in traditional life that can’t be destroyed by the drug industry.
Ellis succinctly illustrates an in-depth portrait of a lifestyle readers are likely unfamiliar with in just 200 pages. However, it is the more meandering first half of the novel that is ultimately most rewarding. As Diego’s situation becomes more dire the narrative goes off track, culminating in a series of chase scenes that seem altogether apart from the grounded tone of the rest of the novel. When the story winds down, the reader is left with neither a neatly tied-up ending nor a cliff-hanger. However, with the promise of a sequel in 'Sacred Leaf', we can be sure that Ellis will deliver another exciting and informative story worth the attention of adventure fans and activists alike.
As with previous works by Ellis ('Looking for X', 'The Bread Winner'), this middle grade novel doesn’t coddle the reader by shying away from the brutality of life in majority countries. Instead, it takes the Bolivian prison system and the production and trade of cocaine head-on. Along the way Diego grapples with the cruelty of the seasoned cocaine producers, but also finds kindness and hope in the villagers who grow the coca plant. A woman tells him, “This leaf [coca] is a gift to my ancestors� To us it is sacred. It is something we respect and that nurtures us.� Diego echoes her words in the end of the novel, reminding himself and the reader that there is a pride in traditional life that can’t be destroyed by the drug industry.
Ellis succinctly illustrates an in-depth portrait of a lifestyle readers are likely unfamiliar with in just 200 pages. However, it is the more meandering first half of the novel that is ultimately most rewarding. As Diego’s situation becomes more dire the narrative goes off track, culminating in a series of chase scenes that seem altogether apart from the grounded tone of the rest of the novel. When the story winds down, the reader is left with neither a neatly tied-up ending nor a cliff-hanger. However, with the promise of a sequel in 'Sacred Leaf', we can be sure that Ellis will deliver another exciting and informative story worth the attention of adventure fans and activists alike.
June 2, 2020
Deborah Ellis, best known for her Breadwinner series, tackles issues of poverty, corruption, prison conditions, and the cocaine trade in this newer novel. I am grateful to have found it in a little free library! It is the first in a series of the Cocalero books and I will definitely be seeking out the sequels.
Diego is a boy about thirteen who lives with his mother and sister in a women’s prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia. They work hard to pay rent on their cell, but enough food to survive, and follow the rules. As children, Diego and his sister are free to come and go from the prison and attend school. But when things take a turn for the worse and their livelihoods are interrupted, Diego is tempted down a dangerous path in the hopes of a brighter future.
This book deals with exceedingly heavy subject matter but Diego’s youth and first person perspective makes it possible to get through. His voice is believable, though he is almost TOO smart and resourceful. The collective organization within the prison and Bolivian society in general is fascinating and shows through. I’m intrigued to learn more about the situation in prisons, which is very different from my knowledge of Canadian prisons. I learned something, too, about the Indigenous Bolivian approach to coca and how it differs from the drug cocaine.
A very quick read for me, I would highly recommend this book for junior high and up. Issues raised include drugs, smoking, prison, and race. No references to sex and no foul language that I can recall.
4/5 stars because this was excellent for a younger audience and the writing was simple with an engaging plot, but several questions remain for me and some secondary characters were a bit flat. (Who is the sister’s father? How did she come to be while the mother has been imprisoned since apparently before she was born? Etc)
Diego is a boy about thirteen who lives with his mother and sister in a women’s prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia. They work hard to pay rent on their cell, but enough food to survive, and follow the rules. As children, Diego and his sister are free to come and go from the prison and attend school. But when things take a turn for the worse and their livelihoods are interrupted, Diego is tempted down a dangerous path in the hopes of a brighter future.
This book deals with exceedingly heavy subject matter but Diego’s youth and first person perspective makes it possible to get through. His voice is believable, though he is almost TOO smart and resourceful. The collective organization within the prison and Bolivian society in general is fascinating and shows through. I’m intrigued to learn more about the situation in prisons, which is very different from my knowledge of Canadian prisons. I learned something, too, about the Indigenous Bolivian approach to coca and how it differs from the drug cocaine.
A very quick read for me, I would highly recommend this book for junior high and up. Issues raised include drugs, smoking, prison, and race. No references to sex and no foul language that I can recall.
4/5 stars because this was excellent for a younger audience and the writing was simple with an engaging plot, but several questions remain for me and some secondary characters were a bit flat. (Who is the sister’s father? How did she come to be while the mother has been imprisoned since apparently before she was born? Etc)
May 31, 2012
Diego really wants to get out of prison and also wants to help his mum, dad and baby sister out of prison. Diego works as a taxi doing errands. This is how he earns money for his family. But when Diego gets in trouble, costing his family a massive fine, his family desperately needs money.Fortunately, Diego's best friend Mando has plans in order to let them earn big money! But when Diego and Mando find themselves deep in the jungle, things turn from bad to worse. Soon Diego and Mando along with some random weirdos find themselves in the "drug business". Diego doesn't mind because he knows he will soon be coming home with money for his family. But when Diego realises that the main drug dealers, Rock and Smith won't be giving him any money and that he'll be staying at the camp in the jungle for almost eternity if he doesn't do something- quick.My favourite character was Diego since he was so brave when he faced those conversations with Rock.
Personally, I loved the book since had plenty of action lots of chasing and my favourite part of the book was when Mando died since he was sort of an annoying character.My least favourite part of the book was when the characters start talking about random stuff.
I think the novel Diego, Run! written by Deborah Ellis would be rated 8.5 out of 10 since it has heaps of action but some are just not worth reading.If you have read it and liked it , you should definitely scan the your local library for a copy of the sequel to this book, Sacred Leaf or Diego's Pride.
Please also note that this book review was written by the legendary Bruce!!! Happy Reading!!! :)
Personally, I loved the book since had plenty of action lots of chasing and my favourite part of the book was when Mando died since he was sort of an annoying character.My least favourite part of the book was when the characters start talking about random stuff.
I think the novel Diego, Run! written by Deborah Ellis would be rated 8.5 out of 10 since it has heaps of action but some are just not worth reading.If you have read it and liked it , you should definitely scan the your local library for a copy of the sequel to this book, Sacred Leaf or Diego's Pride.
Please also note that this book review was written by the legendary Bruce!!! Happy Reading!!! :)
February 6, 2017
“I Am a Taxi� was such an fascinating book with lots of action and a little curious boy who thought he was doing the right thing but in reality, wasn’t. This book taught me so much like the stuff that happens in other countries I could never imagine happening to my little brothers. Diego was a little boy who had parents in jail. He lived with his mother and his little sister in an all women's jail cell next to where his father was jailed at in Cochabamba, Bolivia. An all men’s jail. Diego was a taxi. He went around town running errands for the people in his town that were too busy to go get their own stuff. With the money he got from the errands, he provided food for his family and helped pay rent. Diego was my favorite character in this book. He was such an honest and respectful little boy. He always got the job done before he accepted the money. He was trustworthy and everybody knew they could count on him to get the job done right and quick. Where the story takes you after Diego got his job taken away is scary and you wouldn’t want any little boy being there. He ends up in the jungle with a bunch of drug dealers and other little boys who were deceived and had no idea what they were about to experience. Diego went through so many things while only being 12 years old it� crazy. Read it and find out how Diego’s life got so screwed over in just one day then imagine your son or your little brother going through this. This book was definitely one of the most shocking, startling, and breathtaking books I've ever read. I've never read a book from this author, but I definitely will start reading more and I suggest you read it too!
March 16, 2018
Deborah Ellis first caught my attention with her Trilogy about refugees from Kabul, Afghanistan, starting with the Breadwinner , recently released as a graphic film, loosely based on the first two novels.
Deborah Ellis' books show the plight of children caught in bad situations caused by political upheaval, poverty, "mistakes" made by their parents, etc.
Diego is a "Taxi", a 13 year old boy living with his mother in a prison in the Altoplano of Bolivia with his little sister who was born after the parents were imprisoned in men's and women's prisons across the square from each other. The parents were framed with a planted package of coca paste under their seat on a bus.
As a taxi, Diego runs errands for the incarcerated adults, and also sells baby clothes that his mother knits from the yarn of old sweaters Diego finds in the market.
A friend of his gets an offer to earn big money, and entices Diego to join him, which turns out to be a terrible mistake.
The story also tells about where the cocaine sold in the streets in the US has its origins. I think it would be a little hard to read for a sheltered Middle Schooler, but for children who know difficult circumstances, the book will introduce them to children elsewhere who have a hard life.
High school students should read this, maybe in connection with a topic on drugs.
Deborah Ellis' books show the plight of children caught in bad situations caused by political upheaval, poverty, "mistakes" made by their parents, etc.
Diego is a "Taxi", a 13 year old boy living with his mother in a prison in the Altoplano of Bolivia with his little sister who was born after the parents were imprisoned in men's and women's prisons across the square from each other. The parents were framed with a planted package of coca paste under their seat on a bus.
As a taxi, Diego runs errands for the incarcerated adults, and also sells baby clothes that his mother knits from the yarn of old sweaters Diego finds in the market.
A friend of his gets an offer to earn big money, and entices Diego to join him, which turns out to be a terrible mistake.
The story also tells about where the cocaine sold in the streets in the US has its origins. I think it would be a little hard to read for a sheltered Middle Schooler, but for children who know difficult circumstances, the book will introduce them to children elsewhere who have a hard life.
High school students should read this, maybe in connection with a topic on drugs.
November 9, 2015
This book takes place in one of South America's poorest countries, Bolivia. This story is split between the prisons of San Sebastián and the Bolivian jungle where cocoa beans grow. This story is told by the main character and protagonist, Diego. He is a 13 year old who's parents are unfairly imprisoned. He lives in the women's prison with his mom and his little sister. The children are allowed to visit his father in the men's prison. Diego goes to a school near the prison and also earns money to support their family by delivery packages and letters to the prisoners.
Diego then breaks the prison rules and is forced to pay a huge fine. In his effort of finding the money, he desperately decides to work in the Bolivian jungle as a slave to create cocaine. The writing style of this exciting book moves in a fast pace, as a reader. Even though Diego is just a kid, we can feel empathy for the fact that he has to risk everything that he has to support they people he cares for.
This demonstrates the type of things poor people have to deal with in reality.
Diego then breaks the prison rules and is forced to pay a huge fine. In his effort of finding the money, he desperately decides to work in the Bolivian jungle as a slave to create cocaine. The writing style of this exciting book moves in a fast pace, as a reader. Even though Diego is just a kid, we can feel empathy for the fact that he has to risk everything that he has to support they people he cares for.
This demonstrates the type of things poor people have to deal with in reality.
December 19, 2017
This book gives insight into a social/political/economic problem in Bolivia. Young Diego is caught in between the crosshairs of these problems. Wanting to please his family, but needing money to help his family, Diego makes a wrong choice. It is a tragic situation because Diego clearly is smart and has potential but given the lack of opportunities will likely end up in prison like his parents. This was an insightful read, with plenty of interesting things to research along the way. The ending came quickly and abruptly. I would have liked to see what happens to Diego and whether he gets reunited with his family.
May 22, 2018
I am a Taxi is book written by Deborah Ellis, it talk about a prison kid wants to earn big money For the mash his sister made, he fall into a bunch of drug dealer’s hand and he try to escape.
At first, the character Diego was a good kid, he help his mother sell cloths but his sister throw all the money hell of his family, so Diego go out of the prison for a long time(i don’t know how he do it)just wants to earn money with his friend, but the drug dealers treat them like slave, they trying to get out but his friend died, he was very sad that he couldn’t become rich and he realize this world is a godanny lie.
At first, the character Diego was a good kid, he help his mother sell cloths but his sister throw all the money hell of his family, so Diego go out of the prison for a long time(i don’t know how he do it)just wants to earn money with his friend, but the drug dealers treat them like slave, they trying to get out but his friend died, he was very sad that he couldn’t become rich and he realize this world is a godanny lie.
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June 4, 2019I Am A Taxi is a relistic fishion book.
And I think the theme is don't listen to your friend, because at the beginning, Mango said he know a way to make money, and Diego listen to him, and Diego they are very dangerous in the forest
At the beginning, Diego' family go to the jale because they Be misjudged by selling drug, and Diego wants to make money to make them can have a good place to sleep.
At the middle, they go to the forest and work to Rock, Rock wanted to kill Diego but Diego survived.
At the end, Mango die and Diego sleep in a family's house.
And I think the theme is don't listen to your friend, because at the beginning, Mango said he know a way to make money, and Diego listen to him, and Diego they are very dangerous in the forest
At the beginning, Diego' family go to the jale because they Be misjudged by selling drug, and Diego wants to make money to make them can have a good place to sleep.
At the middle, they go to the forest and work to Rock, Rock wanted to kill Diego but Diego survived.
At the end, Mango die and Diego sleep in a family's house.
March 29, 2009
I wanted to like this because I loved the trilogy but this was really boring and Diego himself wasn't a particularly likable character. I know that Ellis is trying to do with Bolivia what she did with Afghanistan by giving Westerners a glimpse into what life is like for children living in developing countries but this book just didn't stand out to me.
August 27, 2018
I didn't realize this was for younger children when ordered it, but I read it anyway. The book deals with difficult subjects without talking down to the reader, even though it was meant for kids. I read books to learn about places and struggles I know nothing about, and I certainly learned much from this book about Bolivia and the lure of making money from drugs.
December 25, 2018
I guess someone recommended it for me for my daughter (but I forgot it was a kid's book) and downloaded and read it yesterday; was wondering why I finished it so fast!!! Nonetheless, it's a wonderful book about the reality of MANY children :( I never made it to Bolivia in all my years living in Paraguay but it reminded me of travelling in Ecuador. A great book for anyone, child or adult.
April 3, 2019
"I am a Taxi" was an AMAZING read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Diego (the main character) is extremely likable and relatable. He has to make some incredibly tough decisions throughout the book that I can't even begin to imagine dealing with. I honest'y cannot recommend this enough! 4th-8th
June 1, 2020
This book is great for a quick read and puts us in the shoes of a young boy and his escape from being forced to work hard to make coca paste. I would recommend this book to ages from 10- 14 as it does talk about drugs which can be inappropriate to younger readers. This book was extremely interesting and I'm excited for what's to come in the sequel Sacred Leaf.
September 23, 2018
I read this for a class at university, it's really engaging and I was engrossed in this book following Diego's journey. It ended more abrupt than I would have liked but I then saw there was a second book, so this makes more sense.
October 31, 2018
This book is a great book to read in your spare time. It is interesting and I would highly recommend this book to middle schoolers and up. There are some pretty intense scenes that I loved in this book.
April 27, 2019
A ya book. I read it because my son said he read it twice. It gives some good messages (eg honesty is a good policy) and thought provoking (eg learning about use of children in the cocaine processing)
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