Juana and Lucas

Juana and Lucas
Author: Juana Medina
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Total Pages: 97
Release: 2016-09-27
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0763672084

A spunky young girl from Colombia loves playing with her canine best friend and resists boring school activities, especially learning English, until her family tells her that a special trip is planned to an English-speaking place.

Juana & Lucas: Muchos Changes

Juana & Lucas: Muchos Changes
Author: Juana Medina
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Total Pages: 98
Release: 2024-09-17
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 153624516X

“Tackles serious issues . . . in a kid-friendly way that acknowledges the emotions such experiences can cause. Another fantastic adventure.” —Booklist (starred review) I agree with my abuelos—I think I will be a VERY good older hermana. Even when I am not the most patient human being on earth. Juana’s life in Bogotá, Colombia, is just about perfect. Every now and then a big problema comes along—like having to learn English or Juana’s mami getting remarried—but things eventually settle down, and life goes back to feeling pretty perfect again. But then Mami springs two new sorpresas on Juana. One: Juana will be spending her school break going to skating camp instead of relaxing (even though she doesn’t know how to skate!). Two: Mami is going to have a baby! How can one Juana-size person possibly handle SO. MANY. CHANGES? The answer: with the gentle love of Mami and Luis, the guidance of Juana’s abuelos, the sympathy of newfound friends, the ready ear of her furry amigo Lucas, and Juana’s own expansive heart.

Leaving Tabasco

Leaving Tabasco
Author: Carmen Boullosa
Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
Total Pages: 269
Release: 2007-12-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1555846025

A young woman encounters strange events in her Mexican hometown in this novel by an author who “immerses us...in her wickedly funny and imaginative world” (Latina). Leaving Tabasco tells of the coming of age of Delmira Ulloa, raised in an all-female home in Agustini, in the Mexican province of Tabasco. In Agustini it is not unusual to see your grandmother float above the bed when she sleeps, or to purchase torrential rains at a traveling fair, or to watch your family’s elderly serving woman develop stigmata, then disappear completely, to be canonized as a local saint. But as Delmira becomes a woman, she will set out on a search for her missing father, and must make a choice that could mean leaving her home forever, in a tale filled with both depth and delightful mystery that poses questions about just how real the real world is. “To flee Agustini is to leave not just a town but the viscerally primal dreamscape it represents.”— The New York Times Book Review “Vibrant...Each chapter is an adventure.”—The Boston Globe “We happily share with [Delmira] her life, including the infinitely charming town she inhabits [and] her grandmother’s fantastic imagination.”—The Washington Post Book World

Juana and Lucas: Muchos Changes

Juana and Lucas: Muchos Changes
Author: Juana Medina
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN:

Mami springs two new sorpresas on Juana. One: Juana will be spending her school break going to skating camp instead of relaxing (even though she doesn't know how to skate!). Two: Mami is going to have a baby! How can one Juana-size person possibly handle SO. MANY. CHANGES?

They're Cows, We're Pigs

They're Cows, We're Pigs
Author: Carmen Boullosa
Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
Total Pages: 171
Release: 2007-12-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1555846033

A dark, thought-provoking adventure that “artfully evokes the blood-soaked reality of 17th-century pirates” (Entertainment Weekly). This “wryly humorous, satiric, and often macabre novel” (Library Journal) follows Jean Smeeks, a Flemish thirteen-year-old who signs up as an indentured servant with the French West Indies Company, but instead winds up a slave on the notorious island of Tortuga. Over time, he learns the arts of herbal medicine and surgery—a skill that allows him to join a band of Caribbean pirates. Contrasting Jean’s romantic pull toward the “Brethren of the Coast”—an all-male society pursuing socialist, anti-colonialist ideals—with the brutal reality of their lawless existence, They’re Cows, We’re Pigs is a “unique and memorable” novel whose “pirate world leaves you as a good book should: thinking” (The Boston Herald).

'Twas the Night Before Pride

'Twas the Night Before Pride
Author: Joanna McClintick
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Total Pages: 31
Release: 2022-05-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1536226823

A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective—honoring those in the LGBTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality. Pride’s . . . a day that means “Together, we are strong!” This joyful picture-book homage to a day of community and inclusion—and to the joys of anticipation—is also a comprehensive history. With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches. On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. Debut author Joanna McClintick and Pura Belpré Award–winning author-illustrator Juana Medina create a new classic that pays homage to the beauty of families of all compositions—and of all-inclusive love.

Maya and the Turtle

Maya and the Turtle
Author: John C. Stickler
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Total Pages: 54
Release: 2012-09-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1462910289

**WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2013-2014 MORNING CALM MEDAL** This multicultural children's book presents a heartwarming Korean fairy tale about a little girl and a fortunate encounter. Poverty is all Maya has ever known, but she doesn't allow it to stop her from caring for her father, and others, as best she can. Kind and gentle, she is a lovely young girl who always puts others first. One day, she finds a little turtle and takes him home, raising and loving him, never knowing that he will play an instrumental part in her destiny. Similar to The Korean Cinderella, Maya and the Turtle, is an original Korean fairy tale by authors John Stickler and Soma Han that teaches children that the road to greatness lies in selflessness and that the loving kindness of a pure heart can awaken great love and power in another. Beautifully illustrated by Han, this book contains fascinating bits of information about Korean culture and is a poignant tale about the rewards of kindness, patience and courage.

Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas

Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas
Author: Juana Medina
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022-01-04
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1536223050

“Juana's big problema will resonate with many readers, who will look forward to hearing more about this spunky Colombian girl's life.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Juana’s life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotá with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and has been spending a LOT of time with a new amigo named Luis. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can’t help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change—like how much Mami loves her. Based on author-illustrator Juana Medina’s own childhood in Colombia, this follow-up to the Pura Belpré Author Award–winning Juana & Lucas is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.

Smick!

Smick!
Author: Doreen Cronin
Publisher: Viking
Total Pages: 41
Release: 2015
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0670785784

Can friendship bloom between a dog and a chick?