Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American author whose work often explores themes of identity, heritage, and the intersection of cultures. Her poetry and prose are characterized by a lyrical style and a profound understanding of the human experience. Engle delves into the complexities of living between two worlds, frequently drawing inspiration from her Cuban and American roots. Her writing resonates with readers through its emotional depth and poetic beauty.
Focusing on the contributions of eight influential Cuban women, this poetry collection celebrates their impact on various art forms, including folk art, photography, architecture, painting, sculpture, and music. It sheds light on their often-overlooked legacies and the ways they have transformed artistic expression within their communities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing female voices in the cultural landscape of Cuba.
How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild
Destiny's journey from a sickly sloth to a thriving member of her community highlights resilience and friendship. Rescued by the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, she overcame her challenges, including the loss of vision in one eye, to bond with other sloths. After her recovery, she was fitted with a tracking collar and released back into the wild. This uplifting tale encourages children to embrace determination and kindness towards those who may appear different, fostering empathy and understanding.
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra finds refuge from his difficult childhood by imagining the adventures of a brave but clumsy knight. This fictionalized first-person biography in verse of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra follows the early years of the child who grows up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel. The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel looks to his own imagination for an escape from his family's troubles and finds comfort in his colorful daydreams. At a time when access to books is limited and imaginative books are considered evil, Miguel is inspired by storytellers and wandering actors who perform during festivals. He longs to tell stories of his own. When Miguel is nineteen, four of his poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language. Award-winning author Margarita Engle's distinctive picture book depiction of the childhood of the father of the modern novel, told in a series of free verse poems, is enhanced by Raúl Colón's stunning illustrations. Back matter includes a note from both the author and illustrator as well as additional information on Cervantes and his novel Don Quixote.
In 1920s Cuba, Rima is bullied and shunned for her illegitimacy, but finds solace in riding her horse and forges unexpected friendships with others who share her dreams of freedom and suffrage. Includes historical note.
Showcasing the colorful buildings and iconic classic cars of Havana, this verse picture book follows a Cuban boy and his family on their road trip into the city.
When a hurricane exposes Soleida's family's secret sculpture garden, the Cuban government arrests her artist parents, forcing her to escape alone to Central America where she meets Dariel, a Cuban American boy, and together they work to protect the environment and bring attention to the imprisoned artists in Cuba.
A novel in verse about the friendship between a young girl and the poet Gabriela Mistral that leads to healing and hope for both of them.Cuban-born eleven-year-old Oriol lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she struggles to belong. But most of the time that's okay, because she enjoys helping her parents care for the many injured animals at their veterinary clinic.Then Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature, moves to town, and aspiring writer Oriol finds herself opening up. As she begins to create a world of words for herself, Oriol learns it will take courage to stay true to herself and do what she thinks is right--attempting to rescue a baby elephant in need--even if it means keeping secrets from those she loves.
Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874-1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works--paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York--are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor-winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.
From Pura Belpré Award–winning author Margarita Engle comes a lively, rhythmic picture book about a little girl visiting her grandfather who is a pregonero —a singing street vendor in Cuba—and helping him sell his frutas .When we visit mi abuelo , I help him sellfrutas , singing the names of each fruitas we walk, our footsteps like drumbeats,our hands like maracas, shaking…The little girl loves visiting her grandfather in Cuba and singing his special songs to sell all kinds of mango , limón , naranja , piña , and more! Even when they’re apart, grandfather and granddaughter can share rhymes between their countries like un abrazo —a hug—made of words carried on letters that soar across the distance like songbirds.
The book has received a starred review from Booklist, indicating a standout quality that sets it apart from others. It promises to deliver an engaging narrative or insightful themes that resonate with readers. The acclaim suggests a well-crafted story or profound character development, making it a noteworthy addition to any reader's collection.