"[T]he particulars root the experience in one child’s yearning, even while they speak of universals."
     —Booklist

"[T]ouching. ..."
     —School Library Journal

"This sweet, gentle story of the love between a father and daughter separated by circumstances is enhanced by details in the warm pastel illustrations."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"Gentle pastels highlight the loving family, even when they are heartbroken with worry and loneliness. Papi might live far away, but he is an important member of this family. Many children have fathers who work in distant places and Papi’s Gift serves as a reminder that no matter how far away he is, a father is always a father."
     —BookPage

"Graciela's touching story deftly operates on two levels, the personal and the political. When the birthday gift does not arrive, she soothes herself with sacrifice, sending a gift to Papi. Listen up: There's an alternative to pouting. As for the politics of poverty, the Rivera family's plight gives context for understanding some immigration patterns. The lesson is there's a reason Papi has gone north for hard, low-paying work. Pastel art shows traditional desert life with economic realities tempering folk charm as Graciela's immediate hopes are happily fulfilled."
     —San Franciso Chronicle

"Karen Stanton tells a gentle story about the impact of immigration on the families left at home while a parent goes to the United States to pick fruits and vegetables to earn money. ... Rene King Moreno’s soft pastel illustrations extend this timely story."
     —Language Arts