Age: Mexico

Materials from Mexico

Light Foot/Pies Ligeros

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Once upon a time no creatures on Earth died. But they had baby after baby, and before long the world grew crowded. Death decided to solve the problem by challenging everyone to a skip-rope contest — as an immortal, Death won every time, and one by one everyone succumbed to her dare. Soon, every living [...]

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Themes: , , , , , , , » 1 Comment

Mediopollito: Cuento Tradicional en Espanol e Ingles/Half-Chicken: A Folktale in Spanish and English

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Have you ever seen a weather vane? Do you know why there is a little rooster on the top, spinning around to tell us which way the wind is blowing? Here is the answer in this old, old story about a very special chicken. With only one eye, one leg, and one wing, Half-Chicken sets [...]

Other Descriptors: All Ages, Folklore » Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Montezuma and the Aztecs

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Montezuma clarifies the differences between Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations, and then discusses Aztec culture, the significance of human sacrifice, the relationships among neighboring towns, European explorers, and Montezuma.

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Latin America, Nonfiction, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Pequena the Burro

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

When Pequena is feeling ordinary and inadequate, a wise friend reminds her that being a burro is a gift. He recalls the strength, the steadfastness, the capacity for work that were the burro’s important contributions to the building of Mexico.

Other Descriptors: All Ages, Fantasy » Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Stories of Mexico’s Independence Days and Other Bilingual Children’s Fables

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

This collection of six bilingual children’s stories takes a regional and historical emphases. Sixteen provides the background of September 16, Mexico’s day of independence from Spain, and places it in a present-day context with which children can easily identify. “The Little General” teaches children about Cinco de Mayo through a young boy who helps save [...]

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Primary (ages 6-9), Short Stories » Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Spirit of the Maya: A Boy Explores His People’s Mysterious Past

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Kin, a 12-year-old Lacando’n boy living in a Mexican town, is descended from the ancient Maya. Wearing contemporary clothing yet sporting the style of long hair traditional to his people, he is clearly rooted in both the past and the present. After his grandfather shows him a book about Pacal, a Maya who became king [...]

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Latin America, Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Every Cinco de Mayo, Rosa and her family cheer at a parade and enjoy delicious Mexican food. But what exactly is Cinco de Mayo? Although many people think May fifth marks Mexico’s independence, the holiday is actually the anniversary of a decisive battle against foreign occupiers. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by many. Follow [...]

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Nonfiction » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Beto and the Bone Dance

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

A fantastic encounter on the Day of the Dead. Today is Beto’s favorite holiday — the Day of the Dead. First, he and his father craft an altar at home in honor of Beto’s recently departed grandmother, filled with the things she loved in life. Later, it’s off to the cemetery, where at midnight all [...]

Other Descriptors: Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Pancho’s Pinata

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

On Christmas Eve Pancho rescues a star from a cactus and receives the gift of happiness.

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Elena’s Serenade (Americas Award For Children’s And Young Adult Literature. Commended (Awards)

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Who ever heard of a girl glassblower?In Mexico, where the sun is called el sol and the moon is called la luna, a little girl called Elena wants to blow into a long pipe…and make bottles appear, like magic.But girls can’t be glassblowers. Or can they?Join Elena on her fantastic journey to Monterrey — home [...]

Other Descriptors: Fantasy, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , , , , , » 2 Comments