Publisher: Ciranda na Escola; 1ª edição (25 julho 2022)
Language: Portuguese
Age: 5-8 years old
Region: South America (Brazil)
Moreira de Acopiara is a poet and playwright born in 1961 in the interior of Ceará, Brazil. The author, who has already published several children’s books in the form of Cordel literature, and the illustrator, Laerte Silvino, reinterpret one of the best-known stories in the world with a Brazilian touch: the classic “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Although this type of literature was of Portuguese heritage, Brazilian popular poets quickly incorporated elements of the country’s culture, making it popular poetry. By narrating stories with elements of folklore typical of the Northeast region and with a popular language understandable to everyone, it soon became popular, especially in the Brazilian states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Bahia, and Ceará.
In this work, the authors narrate the friendship between Antonio, who had dreamed of becoming a great aviator since he was a child, and a boy with “golden hair” from another planet, the Little Prince. Through a rhythmic and poetic story characteristic of cordel, Moreira and Laerte tell how, through friendship, love, dreams, and longing, the two friends manage to cross borders and transport themselves to each other’s world through their memories. In this sense, O Pequeno Príncipe em Cordel not only incorporates the characters of the work in a Brazilian context, valuing this cultural expression so rich that it is Cordel literature, but it also transmits profound lessons about human relationships and that in this life “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
[Portuguese]
Moreira de Acopiara é um poeta e dramaturgo nascido em 1961, no interior do estado do Ceará, Brasil. O autor, que já publicou vários livros infantojuvenis em forma de literatura de cordel, e o ilustrador Laerte Silvino fazem uma releitura com um toque brasileiro de uma das histórias mais conhecidas do mundo: o clássico “O Pequeno Príncipe”, de Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Embora esse tipo de literatura tenha sido uma herança lusitana, os poetas populares brasileiros não tardaram em incorporar elementos da cultura do país, tornando-a uma poesia popular. Ao narrar histórias com elementos do folclore típico da região Nordeste e com uma linguagem popular compreensível para todas as pessoas, logo se popularizou, sobretudo nos estados brasileiros de Pernambuco, Paraíba, Bahia e Ceará.
Nessa obra, os autores narram a amizade entre Antonio, que sonhava em se tornar um grande aviador desde criança, e um rapaz de “cabelinhos dourados” e de outro planeta, o pequeno príncipe. Através de uma história ritmada e poética, características do cordel, Moreira e Laerte contam como por meio da amizade, do amor, dos sonhos e da saudade, os dois amigos conseguem atravessar fronteiras e se transportar um para o mundo do outro através de suas recordações. Nesse sentido, o livro não só incorpora os personagens da obra em um contexto brasileiro, valorizando essa expressão cultural tão rica que é a literatura de cordel, mas transmiti lições profundas sobre as relações humanas e que nessa vida “o essencial é invisível aos olhos”.
Additional Sources:
Examples of Cordel Literature (Photos:Jéssica’s collection)
Setting: Iguazú Waterfalls; Northeastern Argentina
Francisco X. Alarcón was a prolific and award winning Chicano author, poet, and educator. He is a recipient of both the Jane Addams Award for Children’s Literature as well as the Pura Belpré Award. His work in children’s poetry has reached many, and makes poetry relatable to all ages. Given his renown, it is no surprise that we have featured him several times in our blog. This April we celebrate National Poetry Month, so we encourage you to check out Alarcón’s works throughout this month. You can see our reviews of his other works here, here, and here on the blog.
Alarcón delivers once again with this bilingual work Animal Poems of the Iguazu/ Animalario del Iguazú. This book bloomed from a small green notebook and Alarcón’s travels to visit the Iguazú waterfalls, located in northeastern Argentina and bordering Brazil and Paraguay. The Iguazú National Park in which these waterfalls are located was founded in 1934, to protect the waterfalls and the wealth of biodiversity that inhabits the subtropical rainforest surrounding them. Alarcón’s impetus for publishing his work is clear: motivate people to action, and encourage them to support the international community’s call for a green-corridor expanding the park’s protected space into 1,400,000 hectares of continuous rainforest, linked with other protected zones in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Since the book’s publication in 2008, the dream of establishing a protected corridor remains. In addition to poetry, this book makes an excellent introduction to the importance of conservation. Whether pursuing a unit on poetry, biodiversity, or environmentalism, Animal Poems of the Iguazú is an excellent resource for your classroom.
This collection of poetry includes well-known animals like butterflies, toucans, and parrots, as well as those we may be less familiar with, like the Coati, The Martin Pescador, and the Great Dusky Swift. Even animals few in number and facing extinction, like the Jaguar, still maintain a critical part of the landscape that their presence shaped over the centuries. Together, these animals occupy a beloved and important part of this ecosystem. Critically, Alarcón also teaches us about the Guaraní histories that make up a critical part of this place while imbuing the Iguazu with a living and vibrant energy. Alarcón grants empathy and importance to all creatures, from people traversing the Iguazu’s waters to the small ants watching from below. Overall, Alarcón creates a place filled with energy and potential filled with nightly serenades, quiet water, busy ants and pesky mosquitoes, who all face the “same green fate”. While the illustrations work beautifully to wind the beauty of the words with that of the natural environment, it is ultimately up to the reader to decide what they will do with this knowledge. To acknowledge a place’s beauty and vitality is one thing, but to take action to preserve it is another.
Publisher: Ciranda Cultural; 1ª edição (15 dezembro 2022)
Language: Portuguese
Age: 5-8 years old
Region: South America (Brazil)
The book Carolina Maria de Jesus, written by Adriana de Almeida Navarro and illustrated by Bill Borges, delves deeply into the life and work of one of the most important Brazilian writers of the 20th century. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the journey of Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914-1977) from her poor childhood in the state of Minas Gerais to her international recognition as a crucial voice in Brazilian literature. Her most famous book, Quarto de Despejo: Diário de uma Favelada (Child of the Dark: The Diary of Carolina Maria de Jesus) extensively documented the impact of poverty, hardships, and the challenging conditions in Brazilians’ favelas (slums) reality.
Navarro conducts a thorough and sensitive analysis of Carolina’s life, situating her within the reality of many Afro-Brazilian families in Brazil’s social and political context. By exploring Carolina’s motivations, challenges, and achievements, the author gives readers a deeper understanding of the woman behind the words. Carolina was the only one in her family who was literate. The author highlights that, at one point in her life, she came back home from school and realized she could read. This forever changed her life, her family’s life, and Brazilian literature. Bill Borges’ illustrations of this narrative, bring to life key moments of Carolina’s journey and capture her essence in a visually impactful way.
Carolina Maria de Jesus transcends mere biography; it is a tribute to the resilience of an Afro-Brazilian woman, her determination, and the transformative power of writing as a tool for personal and social empowerment. By celebrating Carolina’s life and her contribution to Brazilian literature, the book also highlights her ongoing relevance as a voice echoing issues of racial and gender justice, influencing contemporary social movements around the world.
[Portuguese]
O livro Carolina Maria de Jesus, escrito por Adriana de Almeida Navarro e ilustrado por Bill Borges, mergulha de maneira profunda na vida e obra de uma das mais importantes escritoras brasileiras do século XX. Este livro abrange a trajetória de Carolina Maria de Jesus, desde sua humilde infância no estado brasileiro de Minas Gerais até seu reconhecimento internacional como uma voz crucial da literatura brasileira, especialmente através de sua obra mais famosa, Quarto de Despejo: Diário de uma Favelada. Em seu diário, ela relata como os desafios de viver em uma das maiores favelas de São Paulo podem afetar a realidade socioeconômica de várias famílias brasileiras.
Navarro conduz uma análise minuciosa e sensível da vida de Carolina, situando-a na realidade de muitas famílias afro-brasileiras no contexto social e político do país. Ao explorar as motivações, desafios e conquistas de Carolina, a autora proporciona aos leitores uma compreensão mais profunda da mulher por trás das palavras. Carolina era a única da família que foi alfabetizada. Navarro destaca que um dos momentos mais importantes da vida da escritora foi perceber que sabia ler após um dia de aula. Isso mudou sua vida, a de sua família e a da literatura brasileira para sempre. As ilustrações de Bill Borges complementam essa narrativa, dando vida aos momentos-chave da jornada da afro-brasileira e capturando sua essência de maneira visualmente impactante.
O livro Carolina Maria de Jesus transcende uma mera biografia; é uma homenagem à sua determinação e ao poder transformador da escrita como instrumento de empoderamento pessoal e social. Ao celebrar a vida de Carolina Maria de Jesus e sua contribuição para a literatura brasileira, a obra também destaca sua relevância contínua como uma voz que ecoa questões de justiça racial e de gênero, influenciando movimentos sociais contemporâneos em todo o mundo.
Yanga: The Road to Freedom” is a fascinating book about Gaspar Yanga, or Nyanga, a brave leader who fought for freedom in colonial Mexico. Written by Arjona, the story captures Yanga’s struggles and courage, while Martinez’s illustrations make the tale come alive. We follow Yanga’s journey from Africa to his courageous resistance and the founding of a free community in Veracruz. Arturo Martinez, a native of the state where Yanga founded his town, contributes vivid and accurate artwork that complements the book.
The book explores how Yanga reinvented himself in a new land and fought for his freedom and the freedom of his people. He was originally from the region of West Africa, likely from the region that is now present-day Nigeria. He was captured and enslaved, arriving in the Spanish colony of New Spain (present-day Mexico) in the late 16th century. It is believed that he was of royal descent and had knowledge of military tactics and leadership skills.
He managed to escape from slavery and fled to the rugged mountains of Veracruz, where he formed a community of running slaves, known as “cimarrones” or maroons. Over time, this community grew and became a refuge for other escaped slaves seeking freedom from the harsh conditions of Spanish colonial rule. Recognizing that they were unable to defeat Yanga militarily, the Spanish colonial authorities eventually negotiated a peace treaty with him in 1618.
In the early 17th century, the treaty granted autonomy to Yanga’s community, officially establishing the town of San Lorenzo de los Negros (now Yanga) as the first free town of Africans in the Americas. Yanga assumed leadership of the town, becoming its first leader. His legacy as a symbol of resistance against oppression and his fight for freedom have left an indelible mark on Mexican history.
Today, Yanga is celebrated as a hero and a symbol of resistance against slavery and colonialism in Mexico. This exciting and educational read teaches us about the fight for freedom and justice in Mexico’s history. Yanga’s story reminds us of the importance of perseverance against oppression, making this book an essential tool for learning about this lesser-known historical figure.
Book blog authors credited include past contributors Jéssica Pereira, Alice Donahue, Katrina Dillon, Jasmine Morse, Kalyn Finnell, Ericka, Lorraine, Marleen Linares-González, Jake, and Whitney Wagner.
While we continue our regular weekly posts here at the LAII, we have many blog posts and resources from previous years to use in the classroom or pursue for your own interests. February is notoriously the shortest month of the year even with the occasional Leap Day, which is why we compiled this reference post updating our recent posts featuring Afro-Caribbean and Afro-descendant narratives. For additional compilations lists, lesson plans, media studies, and additional information about teaching these narratives and recognizing Afro-Latinidad, reference our compilation posts from previous years. While we offer many resources, we also encourage you to pursue your own, and recommend consulting other area studies departments and dedicated organizations like Teaching Central America, the Hemispheres Curriculum Units at the University of Texas, the Consortium of Latin American Studies K-12 resources, Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies K-12 resources, and the University of Arizona’s Caribbean/African Latin America lesson plans through their Center for Latin American Studies.
Below, see excerpts from book blog posts over the years illuminating the work of authors and K-12 literature.
Celebrating author Ibi Zoboi
“Zoboi’s writing is powerful and rooted in a celebration of her Haitian heritage. More than celebratory, however, her writing confronts and challenges how Haitian culture is generally portrayed – and how young women of color, particularly young Black and Latinx women, appear in literature and the media. She grapples openly with questions of poverty and institutional racism, white supremacy and violence. And in the process, her writing helps to humanize individuals whose lives are too frequently dehumanized, degraded, and stigmatized in popular media – if they’re fortunate enough to appear at all. As Zoboi writes in her blog, “what matters most is that we black content creators within all-white industries take the helm and steer the ship to tell stories that are true and humanizing – narratives that pull from lived experiences and are based on a deep love for black people.”
“Lynn Joseph is originally from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. At the age of ten, she moved to Baltimore but continued to return to Trinidad for her summers. According to an interview with Joseph on her personal website, she started writing because of the nostalgia that was born from her bicultural childhood: “So, I lived two separate lives: an American school life and a Trinidad summer life. I began writing because I missed Trinidad so much; riding my bike everywhere, building forts in the hills, and just limin’ (hanging out) with friends. I also missed the steel pan music, and the joy I felt in Trinidad. The energy on my island is incredible.” Like this month’s featured book, Dancing in the Rain, most of Joseph’s books include elements of Caribbean culture. Dancing in the Rain won a Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (2015) prize, and skillfully focuses on the intersection between the culture, society and current events of New York City and the Caribbean. While exposing readers to certain Caribbean traditions and ways of life, this book also emphasizes the strong influence of Caribbean culture here in the U.S., particularly in New York.”
“Danticat is an artful and inspiring author whose work, infused with many levels of social conscience, educates readers of a variety of ages in a variety of ways. She is one of our most consistently featured and written-about authors here at Vamos a Leer, in large because the beauty and depth of her writing continue to amaze us…” Her works featured on the blog include Krik? Krak!, Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation, Eight Days, A Story of Haiti, and The Farming of Bones.
“This book is an Honorable Mention recipient of the 2017 Américas Award. It tells the story of Malaika, a young girl in Jamaica living with her granny while her mummy works in Canada to provide for them. In the story, Malaika is struggling with not having a costume for carnival, one of the most exciting festivals in her town. Malaika’s worries and frustrations with the costume are interwoven with missing her mummy, struggling to allow her granny to fill that motherly role, and optimistic expectations of no longer having financial issues since her mummy is working in Canada. In the end, Malaika and her granny find a resolution and Malaika dances beautifully in Carnival.”
Planting Stories: The Life of the Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
“Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian at the New York public library. This book tells us her inspirational story, and the way in which she planted in New York the seeds of all the stories she heard on the island where she grew up. These stories were told to her “under the shade of a Tamarind tree, in Puerto Rico.” The seeds she plants in the library are an extension of this tree, transplanted in New York City and for all the boys and girls who wanted to hear these stories. Belpré wrote the first book on Puerto Rico’s folktales for the city’s public library. She saw the importance of having access to books in our maternal language and to having representation of our own culture and imagery.”
“This book is a great education tool. The reader is able to see how Celia blossoms into a performer, while also learning about Afro-Cuban music traditions and genres. It includes select words in Spanish and even touches on historical-political information of how, after moving to the U.S., to her deep disappointment, Celia was no longer able to return to Cuba…For the classroom, this book could…accompany lessons that aim to utilize bibliographies, or Cuban-American history. Students can compare this book to another about Celia, or choose their own influential Latina, artist, musician, or any combination thereof! It can also accompany an activity that involves listening to Celia’s music, playing instruments, and/or learning to dance salsa.”
“Pelé, the King of Soccer” recounts several of Pelé’s achievements, both with the team that brought him to prominence, Santos Club, and the Brazilian national team, which led the country to victory in three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970). Additionally, the book delves into Pelé’s charismatic personality and his influence not only in the world of sports but also his social and cultural impact. In this way, readers, whether soccer fans or not, can understand the significance of Pelé to Brazilians and the reasons why many consider him the king of soccer.”
“Laura Acevedo tells the story of an aspiring Afro-Boricua chef and teen mom in the heart of Philadelphia, in With the Fire on High. Emoni, in her senior year of high school faces one of life’s toughest challenges, growing up and learning how to continue following her passion. Emoni juggles parenting, working and being a full time student when she takes a leap of faith and joins a cooking class as her senior elective, with the opportunity to travel to Spain. This book is a wonderful coming of age story that portrays its protagonist as a capable, loving and independent young woman who need a little help from her friends and family along the way.”
“Eight Days, A Story of Haiti tells the story of a young boy who is trapped under his house for eight long days following Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. In order to keep his spirits high and make the time pass, he daydreams of running and playing in the sunshine, scenes which have been beautifully illustrated by Delinois to “reflect the beauty of Haitian life before the earthquake, and what is possible for the future.” Despite living through a terrifying experience, the child protagonist embodies hope and potential.”
Language: Spanglish, mostly English with Spanish phrases
Region: United States
Illustrator: Rose Bousamra
Published by: First Second, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership, New York
2022
Frizzy, the 2022 graphic novel by Claribel Ortega, is our pick of the week. As noted by many at the LAII and educators alike, graphic novels are particularly helpful in translating difficult topics to younger audiences. This use is exemplified by the repeated use of classics like Art Spiegelman’s Maus and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolisin the classroom. Moreover, pictures, media, and graphics are what students are increasingly engaged with inside and outside the classroom. As such, they provide multiple ways to translate knowledge and complex realities while remaining accessible across a variety of language levels. We are thankful to see the continued use of graphic novels as a teaching tool and take a particular interest in Latin American authors’ increasing use of this toolset to introduce younger generations to complex and multifaceted histories. For those interested in these narratives, we recommend reading Canizales’s Amazona and doing a deep dive into Jesús Cossio’s works (particularly Barbarie—Cómics sobre la violencia política 1985–1990).
Complex realities and difficult emotions surround our lived experiences, and graphic novels offer a distinct place to explore these nuances. The past few years documented an uptick in censorship throughout the U.S. The list of banned topics and curricula include the history of slavery and the continuance of racism in the U.S., Critical Race Theory, and an expanding repertoire of banned or censored texts. Frizzy is not yet on that list of honorable “challenged or banned” titles, but its work to confront racism and Anti-Blackness from a young age certainly puts it in danger. For this reason, we encourage you to add it to your reading in this last week of Black History Month–though it makes an excellent read year-round. Claribel Ortega is the best-selling author of the novel Ghost Squad and Witchlings. Ortega’s work and Rose Bousamra’s powerful illustrations bring to life the coming-of-age story of Marlene, a Dominican middle-school-aged student developing and navigating her own identity and personal expression amidst family and societal expectations. Every week, Marlene and her mother go to the hair salon. This is a weekly battle for Marlene, who wants to express herself and her curls freely. Through humidity disasters, family criticisms and harsh comparisons, various YouTube influencer curly routines, school bullies, and family arguments, Marlene navigates her way to expressing her own identity while reckoning with her family’s complicated understanding of their own heritage. While Marlene finds support in her family and friends throughout this journey, sometimes it is those we most want to impress who can be the most resistant to the very things that are vital to our own identity expression.
Importantly, readers learn through Marlene’s journey that everyone brings their own history to their actions. Marlene’s mother has her own experiences of being bullied and judged for her natural curls. Confronting deeply ingrained societal and familial prejudices of Anti-Blackness is a long process, but this book is a great starting point for students. Moreover, this reckoning is complicated along the way by grief, loss, hate, jealousy, and bravery. This novel highlights emotional intelligence and provides an excellent learning opportunity for students to build their own. Most importantly, Marlene’s resilience and demand to fight for her own expression is critical. As she discovers, there is no such thing as good or bad hair—only hair. This lesson is applicable to many aspects of our lives and reminds students to stay true to themselves—we each are worth fighting for.
“The only thing I wanted to do was make people see me how I saw myself in my head. Was that so hard?” p.74, Claribel A. Ortega
“We learn things from our parents, who learn things from their parents, who learned that from their parents. It doesn’t make those things okay to believe…but it does take time to unlearn them and be better.” p.149, Claribel A. Ortega
Winner of the 2023 Pura Belpré Award for Children’s Text Winner of the 2023 Eisner for Best Publication for Kids October 2022 Indie Bestseller
An Amazon Best Book of 2019 in the Ages 6–8 category
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Capitol Choices Book
When the rainy season begins, an entire village moves into the forest. But something is left behind—the tortoise Titi. The siblings Cauã and Inaê then experience an adventure along the Tapajós (pronounced ta-pa-ZHOS) River. “Along the Tapajós” is a picture book written and illustrated by Fernando Vilela, with translation by Daniel Hahn. The story is set in the Amazon rainforest along the Tapajós River, providing readers with a glimpse into the rich biodiversity and cultural diversity of the region.
Narrated by Cauã, the story takes place in a Pará’s state, characterized by “two” seasons per year: winter, when it rains a lot, and summer, the dry season. These two climates affect the water level, and the population along the Tapajós River traditionally moves according to the season. Cauã and Inaê are in school when someone announces that the rain is coming; it’s winter, and they’ll soon have to move from their stilt (palafitas) house to the forest.
The community’s men build the house with wood, while the women prepare the meal. Soon after, they gather straw to build the roof. Meanwhile, Inaê misses her pet Titi, who didn’t come with them. Then, the girl decides to fetch Titi with her brother. Consequently, they will face many challenges in the heart of the Amazon Forest.
Inspired by Fernando Vilela’s visit to the region, the narrative delves into the daily life of a family living along the Tapajó River, emphasizing their sustainable relationship with nature. Through vibrant illustrations and captivating storytelling, the book advocates for Amazon rainforest preservation and shows us the unique way of life of the people who call it home.
Publicado por: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform por la cátedra de mujeres ancestrales y el departamento de estudios afropuertorriqueños
Idioma: Español
“María Calabó: de niña curiosa a mujer líder” es parte de una serie especial de libros publicados por un proyecto de escritura creativa dirigido por Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro llamado la Cátedra de Mujeres Negras Ancestrales y afiliado con el Departamento de Estudios Afropuertorriqueños. Recomendamos este proyecto mucho, y espero que esta revista ofrezca una inspiración a incluir unos de estos libros en sus recursos institucionales o personales. Como parte de la serie Mujeres Afroboricuas 2016, este libro cuenta la vida de la líder Marie Ramos Rosado, Doctorado en filosofía y letras del departamento de estudios hispánicos con especialidad en literatura puertorriqueña, mejor conocida como María Calabó.
La estructura de este libro está bien construida para facilitar el aprendizaje de los alumnos. El libro empieza con una interpretación ficcional de la biografía de la joven María, demostrando desde su juventud la mente fuerte y creatividad constante que llegaría a definir la carrera de esta académica. Su trabajo de vida incluye investigaciones en el campo cultural, con gran énfasis en el tema del mestizaje cultural étnico y también género, la Bomba, y la Plena. Los lectores pueden aprender a través de las experiencias de su familia y desde la joven María los dificultades y posibilidades para cambio que empezaron con su aprendizaje cultural, musical, y educativo. Esta estrategia estructural invita a los jóvenes para verse a sí mismos en la joven María, y pregunta qué pueden hacer para abogar por sus propias comunidades.
Para los lectores o estudiantes que quieren aprender más sobre María y su trabajo, después de los cuentos de su niñez hay una sección más formal escrita por el autor con la estructura de una biografía típica. Después, también hay una selección de las citas impresionantes de María Calabó, que representa unos de sus ideas más fuertes. Críticamente, María Calabó continúa su trabajo hasta el día de hoy. Aunque ella es una figura importante, no es solo una figura histórica.
Desde la perspectiva de un educador, hay mucho para hacer en este libro pequeño, y tenemos ganas de leer los otros cuentos de la Serie Mujeres Afroboricuas, dedicado a contar la “lucha anti-racista” de unas mujeres valerosas que “han hecho posible la igualdad racial y de género”. María es una de estas mujeres, y te animamos a compartir su historia.
“cuando se habla de la puertorriqueñidad, siempre es sobre los blancos; el elemento negro no se discute como parte de la identidad”
Mujeres incluidas en los títulos de la Serie Mujeres Afroboricuas 2016
“Todos Estamos Conectados” es un libro vibrante, escrito por Gabi Garcia e ilustrado por Natalia Jimenez Osorio con un mensaje positivo para nosotros en estas fiestas. A través de rimas encantadoras y bellas imágenes, este libro nos enseña sobre la importancia de ser amables, y que cada uno de nosotros tenemos una responsabilidad con el mundo y a todos que están dentro de él. En este Día de San Valentín, recordemos que al trabajar en equipo podemos lograr cosas extraordinarias—estamos más fuertes juntos. Aunque el origen del Día de San Valentín no es claro, hoy en los Estados Unidos el día funciona para celebrar tanto el amor romántico como el amor platónico. Por eso, el mensaje de Gabi Garcia ofrece un importante recordatorio de que si bien los regalitos y las tarjetas de San Valentín son un regalo hermoso de nuestros amigos, no debemos olvidar apoyar y celebrar las comunidades y las conexiones globales que nos hacen más fuertes. Mientras cuidamos de los humanos y celebramos nuestras diferencias, no deberíamos olvidar apoyar el planeta y las criaturas que lo habitan. Este libro nos recuerda que nuestra fuerza reside en la unión y que al “tomar decisiones valientes” juntos, podemos construir un mundo mejor.
Este libro, dedicado a los niños del Perú, cuenta la historia del desarrollo de Julio C. Tello desde un niño a un querido arqueólogo bien famoso por sus contribuciones a la historia indígena de Perú. Tello, mejor conocido como Sharuko y que queda siendo un persona central en la patrimonia nacional de Perú, comenzó este viaje en su niñez. En una biografía llena de sorpresa, apoyo familiar, dificultades, y dedicación erudita, los lectores aprenden el cuento inspirador de uno de los gigantes en el campo de la arqueología. La autora, Monica Brown, es muy reconocida por su trabajo en este blog, y en su libro ella demuestra otra vez su talento para iluminar la vida cotidiana y los desafíos diarios de las personas bien conocidas en nuestra historia.
Sharuko, un sobrenombre que significa Valiente en Quechua, cumple su nombre en este cuento. A través del cuento, revisamos la ocupación y destrucción del periodo de colonización en Perú, en que críticamente operaban un programa de destrucción del lenguaje, cultura, y costumbres que los indígenas de Perú tienen que confrontar cada día. Por eso, la lucha de Sharuko desde un niño curioso a un escritor del patrimonio nacional de Perú es esencial. Este libro es para los estudiantes de historia, de Perú, y para todos los lectores funciona como un recordatorio de la importancia del poder de escribir su propia historia.
Además, las obras de Elisa Chavarri iluminan una historia difícil, representando las realidades históricas mientras elevan el patrimonio indígena de Perú y el trabajo de Sharuko con inspiración, determinación, y agencia. Críticamente, las ilustraciones vibrantes se unen con el texto para invitarnos a reinvestigar nuestra conexión con la historia. ¿Quién escribió el pasado? ¿Qué cuentos nos faltan? ¿Cómo vamos a escribir nuestro presente? ¿Quién escribirá nuestra historia?
Sharuko “pensaba que todos los peruanos—no solo los indígenas—deberían conocer esas historias para sentir el mismo orgulloso…” – Monica Brown
Vamos a Leer 