by Kathryn Worley
| Illustrated | Young Reader | Chapter Books | Young Adult |
| Legends and Folklore | Folklore Collections | Informative | Arts and Crafts |
March 2001
Shortly after I returned from the Heartland Presbytery trip to Guatemala last fall, I thought I would put together a short list of children's books that depicted life in that country. as I was rechecking out some of my favorites from the library, I realized that there were a host of titles I had not read. So, I spent the next month or so reading and learning more of what was being offered on Guatemala in the field of children's literature.
On of the reasons I thought of children's books is that several in our traveling group felt that they did not have or could not tell their own stories. I have found that in many settings, reading or telling a children's story ties all generations together. Many ensuing questions are then answered from the reader's own stories.
Another often mentioned concern was how to reach others. Perhaps some of these titles could b bought for the church librar6y. Books at had can be used in Sunday and Bible school classes to heighten the interest of children about families in another country. And again, children's books do stimulate the minds of adults as well as children. Many of the informational books provide pictorial sensations that words cannot.
Some of the books are not in print. However, all of the titles can be found in the Kansas City-area public libraries unless specifically mentioned as not. There is no excuse not to review books ahead of time that you might wish to purchase as a gift to your church library or to another person.
I give to you this gift of many book titles to share concerning Guatemala and the Mayan people. Do enjoy!
Kathryn Worley
kcbillsw@aol.com
Albert, Burton. (1996). Journey of the Nightly Jaguar. Illustrated by Robert Roth. New York: Atheneum Books.
Inspired by a Mayan myth, Albert’s visions of the jaguar come alive in the form of poetry. Illustrated to enhance both the power and elusiveness of the beast. [32 pp.] PreK-I.
Carling, Amelia Lau. (1998). Mama and Papa Have a Store. New York: Dial Books.
The author, of Chinese heritage, recounts a typical childhood day growing up in Guatemala City. Her early life was a blend of the Chinese, Indian and Ladino cultures. Pura Belpre Honor Book - illustration. [32pp.] P-I.
Castaneda, Omar S. (1993). Abuela’s Weave. Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc.
Esperanza is worried that her Grandmother's facial birthmark might frighten away potential customers when they go to market to sell their fine woven goods. This leaves the burden of the family income in Esperanza's hands. In his illustrations, Sanchez brings the woven designs of the people alive. A favorite! [32 pp.] P.
Czernecki, Stefan and Timothy Rhodes. (1992). The Sleeping Bread. Illustrated by Stefan Czernecki. New York: Hyperion.
Travels to Central America inspired the authors to tell a short "miracle" story set in a small Guatemalan village. Illustrations reflect the color of the Mayan weavings. A fun, short read aloud which invokes a Guatemalan spirit. [32 pp.] P.
Gage, Amy Glaser. (1996). Pascual’s Magic Pictures. Illustrated by Karen Dugan. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, Inc.
Set in Tikal, Pascual saves his small earnings for a camera. Inspired by a Guatemalan boy selling wares, Gage creates a humorous tale that reflects the reality of tourism and family life in Guatemala. [32pp.] Pre-K – P.
Grifalconi, Ann. (1994). The Bravest Flute. Boston: Little Brown and Company.
New Year’s celebrations are plentiful in Guatemala and the rest of Central America. This story reflects the responsibility a young Mayan boy from a small highland village bears on this New Year’s day. Moving watercolor illustrations. [32pp.] K- adult.
Grossman, Patricia. (1994). Saturday Market. Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Although set in Southern Mexico, this story reflects the diversity and the hustle and bustle of the open market. One vendor is Mayan. [32pp.] PreK-I.
Markel, Michelle. (1995). Gracias, Rosa. Illustrated by Diane Paterson. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
Set in the United States, Kate has a new babysitter named Rosa. Rosa is new to the US and has to learn to use a microwave and how to play videos. Rosa is from Guatemala. Throughout the ensuing weeks together Rosa shares her life with Kate. [32pp.] PreK-P.
Simon, Suzanne. (2000). Trouble Dolls: A Guatemalan Legend. Illustrated by Diego Isaias Hernendez Mendez. New York: Scholastic.
I have not read this book and it is not in the Public Library system. These thoughts reflect a review by a mother with adopted Guatemalan children. Many aspects of the Mayan culture are represented in this title through food, games, crafts, traditions and legends. Six little dolls are included with the book with ideas to engage the reader, dolls and book together celebrating Mayan life. A favorite of this family. 64 pp. All ages.
Wahl, Jan. (1996). Once When the World Was Green. Illustrated by Fabricio Vandenbroeck. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.
An original tale inspired by the jacaranda tree and the Popul Vuh. Harmony among all creatures is woven into the story. Illustrations reflect La Ruta Maya, near the Yucatan, Belize and Guatemala. [32 pp.] K-I.
Wisniewski, David. (1991). Rain Player. New York: Clarion.
It is a time of drought and Pik has challenged the Rain God to a game of Pok-a-tok. Vibrant cut paper illustrations. Accompanying author’s note. [32pp.] P-adult.
Cameron, Ann. (1988). The Most Beautiful Place in the World. Illustrated by Thomas Allen. New York: Knopf.
Seven-year old Juan tells of his simple highland village life. He has responsibilities. He has dreams. Short thought provoking story. 58pp. All ages.
Brill, Marlene Targ. (1996). Journey for Peace: The Story of Rigoberta Menchu. Illustrated by Ruben de Anda. New York: Dutton-Lodestar.
A biographical sketch of Menchu introduces young readers to her life of struggle and victories for peace. 56 pp. upper P-I.
Casteneda, Omar S. (1991). Among the Volcanoes. New York: Lodestar Books.
Living in the Highlands above Lake Atitlan, Isabel has dreams for the future that are not all traditional. Her inner turmoil sensitizes the reader to the responsibility of cultural tradition and also the need for self identity of a young Mayan teen-woman. Good read aloud. 184 pp. I.
Castenada, Omar S. (1994). Imagining Isabel. New York: Lodestar Books.
We return to find 16 year old Isabel married to her love Lucas and her mother dead. Home responsibilities for two families are greater than before. The opportunity of becoming a teacher is opened to her through a government program. Trying to balance a dream with family life becomes more difficult. 200 pp. I.
Rhoads, Dorothy. (1956). The Corn Grows Ripe. Illustrated by Jean Charlot. New York: Viking.
Tigre is a bright, young Mayan lad who likes to sleep late and take his time. Then, his father breaks a leg. Offering to accept the responsibilities of his father, Tigre learns the balance of work and the force of nature. Set in the Yucatan, we see peasant life through the eyes of a young lad. Newbery Honor Book. 88pp. I.
Eboch, Chris. (1999). The Well of Sacrifice. Illustrated by Bryn Barnard. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Eveningstar is a young woman who dared to be different. This is a fictional story of a possible factor that might have contributed to the decline of the Mayan civilization. 236 pp. YA-adult.
Hadden, Gerry. (1997). Teenage Refugees from Guatemala Speak Out. New York: Rosen Publishing Group.
Seven teenagers reveal their reasons for leaving Guatemala and assess their current North American homes. No story is the same. 64 pp. upper I-adult.
Meyer, Carolyn and Charles Gallenkamp. (1985). The Mystery of the Ancient Maya. New York: Atheneum.
This title explores the ancient Mayan civilization giving young people a strong introduction to the life and mysteries of these Central American people. Some charts, b/w pictures, drawings. 160 pp. Upper I-A.
Talbert, Marc. (1995). Heart of a Jaguar. New York: Simon & Schuster.
A devastating drought has settled in Maya Yucatan Peninsula in 1200 A.D after the fall of Chichen Itza and before the arrival of the Spaniards. Our story is focused on Balam, a fourteen year old boy on the cusp of manhood. The power and belief in the gods guides a small peasant village in its ways and actions. 216 pp. YA-adult.
Dupre, Judith. (1993). The Mouse Bride: A Mayan Folk Tale. Illustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
When this book was first published, I was surprised to see it a Mayan myth as I had only known the story from an Asian perspective. So, as with Cinderella, this myth, told to the author by an elderly Chol Indian of Pelenque in Chiapas, is universal. The mouse parents search the whole universe for the perfect suitor for their perfect daughter. Great for read aloud and storytelling. [32pp.] All ages.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. (1999). Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient Maya. New York: Holiday House.
Fisher describes and brightly illustrates the twelve most important of the Mayan gods and goddesses including both the benevolent and destructive. Maps, pronunciation guide, and Mayan numbers are also included. [32pp.] P-I.
Gerson, Mary-Joan (retold) (1995). People of Corn: A Mayan Story. Illustrated by Carla Golembe. Boston: Little Brown.
A Guatemalan Mayan creation story originally found in the Popol Vuh or 'council book' of the Mayan. Within this legend is the great goddess, Grandmother of Light, who weaves magic in the cloth of her loom and from whom women believe comes the inspiration of their patterns through their dreams. [32 pp.] P-I.
Lattimore, Deborah Nourse. (1989). Why there is No Arguing in Heaven: A Mayan Myth. New York: Harper & Row Publishers.
Pulling from her research of both text and art and glyphs, Lattimore gives us her interpretation of the Mayan creation story. Compare similarities to People of Corn. [32pp.] P-I.
Mora, Pat (retold by). (1995). The Race of Toad and Deer. Illustrated by Maya Itzna Brooks. New York: Orchard Books.
Mora first heard this folktale while she was visiting in Tikal. Readers and listeners can compare this story with the Tortoise and the Hare. [32pp.] preK-I.
Palacios, Argentina (adapted by). (1993). The Hummingbird King. Illustrated by Felipe Davalos. New York: Troll Associates.
A retelling of the legend of Kukul and how he became the halac uinic (chief) which later led to how the quetzal (kukul) came into being. A nice adaptation for a read aloud or storytelling. 32 pp. P-I.
Rockwell, Anne. (2000). The Boy Who Wouldn’t Obey: A Mayan Legend. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Chac, the Mayan wind and rain god needed a servant. He went to earth and plucked up a small boy. Unfortunately, Chac didn’t realize that this boy never did what he was asked. The legend unfolds as told by the monkey, the one who first wrote stories. Good for read aloud and storytelling. [32 pp.] Pre-K-P.
Volkmer, Jane Anne. (retold and illustrated by) (1991). Song of the Chirimia/La Musica de la Chirimia. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.
This vibrantly illustrated book retells the Mayan folktale of the origin of the wooden pipe flute and its sweet sound—sweeter than all the birds put together. Bilingual. Good read aloud or for storytelling. [32 pp.] PreK-I.
Although these collections are mostly written for adults, they are great for short read-alouds and for storytelling. Through these stories, we can learn more of the rich heritage of the Mayan people. Much like US Native American lives, the art of oral tradition handed down from generation to generation is being lost. Writing down the story in another language is difficult, yet necessary to preserve the past and also share the dignity of an enduring people. These stories have been collected over time. Much care has been given to reflect the true light of the story now written.
Bierhorst, John (editor). (1986). The Monkey’s Haircut: And Other Stories of the Maya. Illustrated by Robert A. Parker. New York: William Morrow & Company.
A collection of Mayan myths for young and old for reading or telling. Quiche myths are absent. 152 pp. All ages.
Montejo, Victor. Translated by Wallace Kaufman. (1991). The Bird who Cleans the World and other Mayan Fables. Willimantic, CT: Curbstone Press.
These animal stories represent the oral storytelling tradition of the Jakaltek-Maya, especially of Jacaltenango in the Kuchumantanes highlands. 120 pp. All ages.
Sexton, James D. (Translated and edited) (1992). Mayan Fables. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press.
A collection of thirty-five Mayan myths including the Maya Quiche. The excellent introduction provides the reader with worthwhile background material explaining folklore as it ties story to Mayan culture and beliefs. Wonderful resource. 265 pp. All ages.
Sexton, James D. and Ignacio Bizarro Upjan. (1999). Heart of Heaven, Heart of Earth and other Mayan Folktales. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press.
A collection of thirty-three tales concentrated from San Jose la Laguna on Lake Atitlan. Some are ancient tales while others are original from Ignacio. These are primarily of Tzutuhil and Cakchiquel Mayans. 152 pp. All ages.
Amada, Elisa. (1999). Barrilete: A Kite for the Day of the Dead. Photos by Joya Hairs. Toronto: Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre .
In Satiago Sacatepequez, Guatemala, some of the largest kites in the world are flown on the Day of the Dead. This photo essay discusses the preparation for and the celebration of this special day for these Maya Quiche. [32 pp.] All ages.
Ashabranner, Brent. (1986). Children of the Maya: A Guatemalan Indian Odyssey. Photographs by Paul Conklin. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company.
Indiantown, Florida has become home to many Guatemalan refugees. Each separate story relates the desperate struggle individuals and families had as they had to flee their own country to survive. One small town opened its arms to help these refugees. 96 pp. I-adult.
Beck, Barbara (revised by Lorna Greenberg) (1983). The Ancient Maya. New York: Franklin Watts.
This title gives the reader a strong introduction to the life and history of the ancient Maya. A short description of key cities is included. 64 pp. I.
Brill, Marlene Targ and Harry R. Targ. (1993). Guatemala (Enchantment of the World series). Chicago: Children’s Press.
An informative survey introduces the reader to Guatemala. Much information is packed in the text, photos, maps and timelines. Good resource. 128 pp. I-adult.
Chrisp, Peter. (1994). The Maya (Looking Into the Past). New York: Thomson Learning.
Not the best; however, the photographs of temples, artifacts, glyphs and writing give a sense of the ancient city life. Cutlines provide snippets of information. 32pp. upper P-I..
Dahl, Michael. (1998). Guatemala. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone Books.
Part of the Countries of the World series, this 8 inch square book introduces basic facts about the country and the people. A full page color photo is accompanied by large print text. Each double page spread depicts a separates subject: land, people, food, holidays, etc. Great photos. Minimal information. A positive introduction to the country. 23pp. P.
Franklin, Kristine L. and Nancy McGirr (edited by). (1996). Out of the Dump: Writings and Photographs by Children of Guatemala. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
McGirr took her camera to the dumps of Guatemala City. She saw the interest of the children. Thus, a major project began. The words and photographs from the children give us an insight into their lives. [50pp.] upper P-adult.
Galvin, Irene Flum. (1997). The Ancient Maya. (Cultures of the World). Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark Books.
Nicely balanced with text and photos, maps and charts, the reader is provided with a history and belief system of the ancient Mayan as well as the contemporary life of today. 80 pp. I.
Greene, Jacqueline Dembar. (1992). The Maya. New York: Franklin Watts.
A respectful introduction to the life of the ancient Maya. There is a nice balance between photos, charts, drawings and the text. 64 pp. upper P-I.
Hermes, Jules. (1997). Children of Guatemala. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.
The spirit of Guatemala is ever present as the reader meets children throughout the country in this heavily photographed essay. A great book for sharing. 48pp. P-adult.
Jenness, Aylette and Lisa W. Kroeber, (1975). A Life of Their Own: An Indian Family in Latin America. New York: Thomas Crowell Company.
An older title, the center (and main) section of this book does reflect the life of the Maya before extensive intervention of the military and the guerrillas. However, some fear of the military and mistrust of the ladino is also evident. Life is poor, but there are opportunities to buy land and develop new businesses. Education is a high priority for parents as they wish to see their children be able to communicate intellectually with ladinos in their (Spanish) language. Set in San Antonio. B/W pictures. Flaws in introduction. 134 pp. I-adult.
Lantier-Sampon, Patricia. (1993). Guatemala is My Home. Photographs by Rose Welch. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing.
Twelve year old Maria is a fourth-grade Tzuthil Mayan living in Santiago Atitlan. As we follow Maria though photos and text, we receive a glimpse of contemporary Mayan family life. Honest portrayal. 48 pp. upper P-I.
McKissack, Patricia. (1985). The Maya. (New True Books). Chicago: Childrens Press
Written for the young reader, McKissack provides basic knowledge of the Maya people. 48pp. P.
Malone, Michael. (1996). A Guatemalan Family. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company.
Many Guatemalans have been forced to leave their country to look for a new home. This title tells of both the struggles and joys of a Guatemalan family making a new home in the United States as well as teaching their American born children their own Mayan heritage. 64 pp. I-adult.
Odijk, Pamela. (1989). The Mayas (The Ancient World). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett Press.
This is a reference book introducing the reader to the ancient Mayan. Most of the photos show the fallen palaces, writing, art and architecture. 48pp. I.
Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. (1996). Quetzal, Sacred Bird of the Cloud Forest. Illustrated by Neil Waldman. New York: Morrow Books
The mystery of the Quetzal has been with humankind for centuries and no one knows where it began. This title offers us insight into its relationship and significance to the ancient Mesoamerican peoples and also its life today. 40 pp. upper P-adult.
Patton, Don. (1995). Armadillos. The Child’s World.
A porch lined with armadillos caused many of us to ponder. (November, 2000). This title gives us beautiful photographs and insight into the nature of this Guatemalan mammal. [32pp.] P–All ages.
Sheehan, Sean. (1998). Guatemala (Cultures of the World series). New York: Michael Cavendish.
Good resource survey of Guatemala. Text and photos reveal the diversity and disparity of the Guatemalan people – both past and present. 128 pp. I-adult.
Sherrow, Victoria. (1993). The Maya Indians (The Junior Library of Indians). New York: Chelsea House Publishers.
One title of a larger series, this informational book provides a strong text. The layout of the pages would not excite the casual or non-reader. Color photographic section presents nice display of figurine artifacts. 80 pp. I.
Sola, Michele. (1997). Angela Weaves a Dream. Photographs by Jeffrey Jay Foxx. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Sola and Foxx give tribute and respect to the modern Mayan women and girls who follow the grand tradition of weaving. Set in Chiapas, Mexico, the reader follows Angela with the direction of her grandmother through the life of a young and promising weaver. 48pp. upper-P-adult.
Stalcup, Ann. (1999). Mayan Weaving: A Living Tradition. New York: Power Kids Press.
Part of a series, Crafts of the World, this text is limited. However, the full page photographs tell a story of their own. The final pages show how to do cardboard weaving.
24 pp. P.
Tutor, Pilar. (1993). Mayan Civilization (The World Heritage). Chicago: Childrens Press.
Photos of Tikal, Quirigua and Copan highlight the story of Mayan life in its height of glory. Strong information. 36pp. I.
Viesti, Joe and Diane Hall. (1997). Celebrate!. Photos by Joe Viesti. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.
Viesti’s goal is to photograph festivals throughout the whole world and share with others. In this Central American edition, he and Hall include Guatemala’s Santiago Sacatepequez’s Day of the Dead kite flying and Chichicastenango’s Dance of the Conquistadors. [32 pp.] All ages.
Merrill, Yvonne Y. (1997). Hands-on Latin America: Art Activities for All Ages. Salt Lake City: Kits Publishing.
Good craft ideas reflect the arts of all Latin America. Well illustrated. 88pp. All ages.
Kathryn Worley
March 2001