This book looks at the land of Mexico, including its history, regions, natural resources, wildlife, environmental problems, and transportation systems.
Author: Yoo Kyung Sung
Tales of the Monkey King
The first night I went to work at the shelter, the attendant said, “You know they will not rest.” I stood in the doorway of the dormitory crowded with children. In the dark, the nightmares would come, but rest would not. Empowering Mexico’s vulnerable street children is no easy task when the dangers they face are real and many. But there is incredible strength in an unfinished story, especially if that story has a small hero who can overcome great odds. Night after night, Tales of the Monkey King, begun at dark and never finished until the next day, were precisely what the children needed. The brave little monkey, who fought against unspeakable odds but was never conquered, had come from far away to become their hero. Through him, many found the strength and courage they needed to face their living nightmares and cheat the King of Death. Stunning paintings by Brian Deines underscore the message and speak to the hero in everyone.
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa
Celia Cruz is the Queen of Salsa. She enjoyed singing and sings songs to her siblings when she was younger. In high school, she sang Afro-Cuban rhythms in local clubs. Then she was hired as lead singer for Cuba’s most popular band, La Sonora Matancera, and together they created a new style of Latin dance music. She left Cuba and started her singing career in the United States. She continues to sing over 49 years.creat
Opossum and the Great Firemaker
Relates the traditional Cora Indian tale in which Opossum outwits the larger and more powerful Iguana and returns the stolen fire to the people of the earth.
Going Home
Carlos and his family are going home for Christmas across the border from California to Mexico. Mama and Papa are excited, but Carlos and his sisters are not so sure. To them, California is home now, even though they were born in Mexico. But as the family drives to their hometown through festive villages and sun-kissed landscapes, Carlos and his sisters discover there’s magic in their roots and that—whether in Mexico or California—home is where the heart is: with one’s family.
See the review at WOW Review, Volume VI, Issue 4
Nilda
A young girl growing up in Spanish Harlem in the 1940’s watches the secure world of her childhood years slowly erode away.
Dominican Republic (Cultures of the World)
“Explores the geography, history, government, economy, people, and culture of the Dominican Republic”–Provided by publisher.
Sambalena Show-Off
A lazy boy gets his head stuck in a pot, and only with the wise advice of his grandmother does he get it out.
The Face at the Window
Dora learns to overcome her fears of a mentally ill woman who lives in her community in this gentle and compassionate story set in contemporary Jamaica, West Indies.
New Shoes for Silvia
Silvia can’t wait to try on her present from Tia Rosita: new shoes as red as the inside of a watermelon. The shoes are too big for Silvia to wear, and she waits for her feet to grow. The excitement of the new shoes and the formidable task of waiting to grow into them are both conveyed beautifully through the story and the art.