Carmen Rivera Book order

This coming of age play follows Lena, a 12-year-old tomboy, who has been sent to live with her strict, superstitious grandmother in the mountains of Puerto Rico following her parents' divorce. She spends her days playing basketball with the local kids and unravelling the mystery of the poisoned mango tree on her grandmother's property. As Lena uncovers clues to the decades-old local myth, she comes to realize the truth cuts deeper than she could ever know. Featuring an entirely Latino cast, "Under the Mango Tree" employs magical realism to expertly explore family, history, and adolescence.

The plays explore the tumultuous life of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo and the impact of his regime on a family grappling with external forces. Carmen Rivera's dynamic storytelling captures the intense energy and theatricality of their struggles, revealing the personal and political turmoil of the era. Accompanied by an insightful introduction from scholar Jason Ramirez, these works delve into themes of power, oppression, and resilience.

Focusing on the life and poetry of Julia de Burgos, this work highlights her significance as a prominent Puerto Rican poet. It explores her contributions to Latin American and Caribbean literature, showcasing her unique voice and the themes of identity, feminism, and social justice present in her writing. The book delves into her struggles and triumphs, offering insight into her enduring legacy and influence on future generations of writers and poets.

Sandra Cisneros, a prominent figure in contemporary literature, combines activism with her acclaimed writing career spanning over three decades. Known for her impactful works like The House on Mango Street, she has also authored celebrated poetry and prose, including My Wicked, Wicked Ways and Caramelo. With a MacArthur grant and a reputation that inspires both admiration and debate, Cisneros continues to be a significant voice in American literature, addressing themes of identity and culture through her diverse body of work.

The story follows a young woman, María Elena Garcia, as she embarks on a journey to discover her identity during a Christmas visit to Puerto Rico. Despite her deep affection for the island and her academic background in Puerto Rican Studies, she quickly encounters a sense of alienation. The locals do not embrace her as she expected, highlighting the complexities of cultural belonging and identity. This comedic exploration delves into themes of heritage, acceptance, and the challenges of reconciling personal and cultural narratives.