Nonfiction

Nonfiction genre

Under The Royal Palms: A Childhood in Cuba

In this companion volume to Alma Flor Ada’s Where the Flame Trees Bloom, the author offers young readers another inspiring collection of stories and reminiscences drawn from her childhood on the island of Cuba. Through those stories we see how the many events and relationships she enjoyed helped shape who she is today. We learn of a deep friendship with a beloved dance teacher that helped sustain young Alma Flor through a miserable year in school. We meet relatives, like her mysterious Uncle Manolo, whose secret, she later learns, is that he dedicated his life to healing lepers. We share the tragedy of another uncle whose spirited personality leads to his love of flying…and the crash that takes his life. Heartwarming, poignant, and often humorous, this collection encourages children to discover the stories in their our own lives — stories that can help inform their own values and celebrate the joys and struggles we all share no matter where or when we grew up.

Join the discussion of Under the Royal Palms as well as other books by Alma Flor Ada in Margarita Engle on our My Take/Your Take page.

Don Vespertilio, el murciélago

Description in Spanish: Don Vespertilio es un murciélago que vivió hace muchos anos. Sin embargo, nos dejo sus memorias, en las que relata parte importante de la historia de Puerto rico desde un punto de vista muy particular. Aprenderás más sobre la vida de los murciélagos y del área del carso en este libro que une el cuento con la información y que te invita a explorar el mundo de la fantasía y de la naturaleza que nos rodea.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a natural wonder in every way. They are home to an array of flora and fauna found no other place on earth. Explore the beauty and mystery surronding these islands, as well as their geography, wildlife, history, people, and the importance of the preservation of these isles.

Three Kings Day: A Celebration At Christmastime

For many Latino Americans one of the best things about Christmas is that it lasts for twelve days. The final day, Three Kings Day, comes on January 6 and honours the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. It’s a favourite holiday for children, with presents from the kings as well as parades, performances, parties, lively music, and scrumptious food. While describing the customs and revelry ten-year-old Veronica shares with her family and New York City’s Puerto Rican community, this book portrays a celebration that is rich in tradition and artistry. A glossary and index are included.

China: Land Of Dragons And Emperors

A fascinating book about the history and culture of China.The history of China spans thousands of years. Journey through China in this fascinating and absorbing book: discover the land of dragons and emperors, and learn about the significance of its ancient dynasties. Countless tools and materials that people have used every day for centuries—paper, gunpowder, cast iron, matches, and silk, to name just a few—were first made in China. Chinese society has progressed through major changes, but lucky numbers, festivals, beliefs about colors, the practic of footbinding, the building of the Great Wall, and the larger-than-life people of China are all integral parts of this ancient civilization and still have an impact on life today.Bestselling author Adeline Yen Mah explores an extraordinary view of the great story of China over the last two millennia in this nonfiction work, which also includes black-and-white photographs.

The Cultural Revolution

On August 18, 1966, more than 1 million young people marched into the center of Beijing. They had come to answer the call of the country’s leader, Chairman Mao Tse-tung. Mao had just launched the Cultural Revolution in China, an attack on anyone who seemed to be betraying communist ideals. The young people who came to Beijing carried Maos violent message throughout the land. During the next three years, the Cultural Revolution brought chaos and bloodshed all around China.

 

Mongolia (Culture of the World)

This book provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, wildlife, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of Mongolia.