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Children, Adults and Reference books Please send email before sending books for reviews. email us |
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 Sara J Figueroa Associate Youth Books Editor |
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There's a Coquí in My Shoe! A young boy named Armando discovers a coquí in his shoe. Soon the coquí, whose name is Carlito, and young Armando become fast friends. Armando takes Carlito the next day to San Juan with his mother to sell piraguas, with a plan to get Carlito the coquí back to his home in El Yunque. What a delightful book! A great story line,
fabulous illustrations, and a fun and educational story. Not only does
the author introduce the readers to our delightful coquí, she also
masterfully weaves in Puerto Rican culture, while at the same time inspiring
readers on conservation. At the end it is understood that without conservation
our beloved coquí will soon dissapear from Puerto Rico all together. 'There's a coquí in My Shoe' is a teaching tool for children to learn to love Puerto Rico and our culture. Did you know not all coquíes sing co-quí? One specie is only found in isla Mona and one specie likes to live in caves. Most people think Puerto Rico's National Flower is the hibiscus, but it is not. Read about all this and more in 'There's a Coquí in my Shoe.' A lovely book of friendship, coquíes,
and lo nuestro . . . . Every Puerto Rican household should have
one. Ivonne Figueroa Get your copy today. Price of Book: $21.99 (PA residents, please add 6% sales tax) plus shipping. See shipping rates below. USPS Priority Flat Mail:
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by: Rebecca Padilla A great way to begin your own family's oral history tradition. You will fall in love with the art as much as the story! Publisher: LIBROS: Estimulando La Capacidad Cultural Cuentitos de Mami Amor is a children's book by first time children's book author Rebecca Padilla. The book is a narrative of the struggle of Mami Amor as a "tejedora" in Puerto Rico's needle point industry circa 1940. Mami Amor becomes a displaced worker leaving el campo first and then leaving her tierra de melao "melao" for better opportunity in the States. The hypnotic story tells of her great love and appreciation for her Island and the sorrows at having to leave. This is an absolutely lovely cultural piece for children (and grown ups too). A tender story full of pride, dignity, family lore, history, love, culture, y lo nuestro. The book carries the theme of oral family history and how this family is passing it down to other generations through story telling. The narrative personalizes our history and culture making it more real for children. The book is beautifully illustrated with a Puerto Rico theme and flavor by talented international female artist Star Padilla. The illustrations include lush greenery and cultural symbols such as pavas, caña, sillones, carro público, the flag, and much more. |
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It is a hard decision to make . . . which did I enjoy the most - the story or the illustrations? Mis Dos Luces is a story about a young Puerto Rican boy who does not live on the island any more and who is not fluent in Spanish. He remembers his vecindad where he used to live in Puerto Rico. The boy meets Doña Luz who teaches him amor de patria using the song Verde Luz. Mis Dos Luces is a sweet and intriguing story told in a language for children. Use this opportunity to explain the illustrations and the criollo words to your children. What is a cuchifrito? What is a Doña? What kind of guitar is this? Read this book to your children over and over again. Mis Dos Luces (16.00) is published by: LIBROS: Estimulando La Capacidad Cultural. Long Island, NY 516-889-6077 fpadilla@gtemail.net |
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Nicholasa Mohr, All for the Better tells the story of how one caring person can make a difference. In 1933 the Great Depression had hit Puerto Rico as hard as it had hit the United States. Evelina López, then 11, left her mother and sisters to live with an aunt in New York City. Her journey to Spanish Harlem, El Barrio, and the life that followed there make up this simple biography. When she learned that food packages were available to those who presented the proper forms, but that most of her neighbors were too ashamed to apply, she found a solution. From this early success, Evelina López Antonetty became an activist on behalf of the Spanish community in New York, ultimately founding the United Bronx Parents Group. The language in this well-written biography is rich, flavored with Spanish words, and yet relatively easy to read. The black-and-white drawings scattered throughout highlight important details of the story. |
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by: Marisa Montes Juan Bobo Goes to Work is a funny and entertainment book for children, in English, with wonderful illustrations. Juan Bobo, a Puerto Rican folk hero, and beloved jíbarito, goes off to find a job. His adventures take him to a farm and a store where he proceeds to try his best but without much success. Here we get to meet the real Juan Bobo and laugh at all his bumbling and silly escapades, but not to worry - all ends well for our Juan Bobo. This is a large book with beautifully illustrated page sized art - just right for young children. The text is sprinkled with Spanish phrases which are included in a glossary in the back of the book. This colorful book will soon become one of your child's favorites. You can order this book through Isla Mail Order Catalog (800-575-4752). HarperCollins ISBN 0-688-16233-9 |
JUAN BOBO WINS AWARD . . . . JUAN BOBO won the ALA 2002 Honor for Illustration. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA), an ALA Affiliate. The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian from the New York Public Library. As a children's librarian, storyteller, and author, she enriched the lives of Puerto Rican children in the U.S.A. through her pioneering work of preserving and disseminating Puerto Rican folklore. The awards are given biennially (every 2 years). |
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by: Teach your children our culture by reading them this book. Juan Bobo is Puerto Rico's most popular folk character. Poor Juan is a "bobo" - a young boy who is a terrific airhead. Most of the stories center on Juan and his Mother. Juan tries to accomplish different tasks but he is not mentally capable of following through. The character of Juan Bobo is a heritage from our Spaniard roots. Juan Bobo stories are endless. Most families have their favorite tales. Occasionally new Juan Bobo tales pop up here and there. This children's book includes four stories of our beloved Juan Bobo. They are "The Best Way to Carry Water," "A pig in Sunday Clothes," "Do Not Sneeze," "Do Not Scratch, Do Not Eat,!" and "A Dime a Jug." This is "An I Can Read Book."
A reader, book level 3 for grades 2-4. English with Spanish translation
in the back. |
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This is a beautifully illustrated bilingual activity book that includes a lot of history and Taíno traditions. Most of the pages are coloring sheets filled with beautiful Taíno images. The book includes a children's Taíno Word Search, a maze, glossary with Taíno vocabulary (bilingual), petroglyphs, a petroglyph puzzle and a list of where to find petroglyphs in the island. There is a section of Notes for Teachers and Parents, sections of interesting Taíno facts, a concise Taíno history for kids, and a bibliography. The book is in story format. Take a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the native people of Puerto Rico, the Taínos. Through the adventures of Guanín and his parrot Tahite you'll discover the magic of this tropical paradise as it was before the encounter. |
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 EL
YUNQUEExploring the rain forest of Puerto Rico. Explorando el bosque pluvial de Puerto Rico. Written and illustrated by: Lisa Johnson Vargas Editorial Cordillera, Inc. 1984 Take a fascinating bilingual tour of Puerto Rico's rain forest. This is a neat bilingual book (2 columns English and Spanish side by side) that is a beautiful descriptive narrative Puerto Rico's rain forest. The author begins her narrative as she drives up to the sacred Taíno mountain. The almost poetic narrative will entrance the readers. She sprinkles a few Spanish words and their meanings here and there. You can feel what she is feeling as you visit this beautiful place through her eyes. Lisa Johnson Vargas describes what she sees, the trees, the animals, how things feel (wet, rough, or soft). Illustrations are in pen and ink - no color. A great book for the school library and the classroom. |
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Something Wicked's in Those Woods A mystery youth book in English - with Puerto Rican flavor – is this the first? Something Wicked's in Those Woods is a neat book written by Puerto Rico-born, law book editor, and now author Marisa Montes. A very entertaining youth book that incorporates Puerto Rican culture and a good old fashioned ghost story. After the tragic loss of their parents eleven year old Javi and his little brother Nico move to California from Puerto Rico to live with their Tití. Almost immediately Nico finds Hamish - who appears to be an imaginary friend. At the house the boys encounter strange things happening - like furniture flying through the air and appliances turning on and off by themselves. Soon Javi discovers that Hamish is a real ghost! Javi's new friend Willo believes Javi's telling the truth about the mysterious happenings. They work together to solve a mystery that turns out to be a long unsolved crime. Weaved in are references to Puerto Rico and our food and culture – something that Puerto Rican children can relate to and are excited to find. |
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Price: $6.99 This is the story of an old-fashioned hero, the baseball superstar from Puerto Rico who, before his untimely death in a 1972 airplane crash, was noted for his achievements on and off the baseball field. Clemente was right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, an outstanding athlete and a dedicated family man, whose love for his native land of Puerto Rico was unsurpassed. This book tells an inspiring story of this Baseball Hall of Famer. Great reading for young sports fans. |
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| Adult Books | |
 Profound
Crossroadsby: Anthony Ramos Profound Crossroads, by Anthony Ramos, a work of historical fiction, takes place in Spain in the year 844. The setting is the war between Spain and the Moors who had invaded Spain 130 years earlier, and the battles that were a prelude to the Christian Crudades two hundred years after that. From the very beginning Profound Crossroads captures your attention with exceptional and scholarly writing that includes love, intrigue, pride, greed, betrayal and deception. Eusebio Fernandez, the leading character, is a young, devout Christian captain who becomes a battle-hardened warrior earning him the right to be called "Mata Moro"or Moor slayer. Eusebio is engaged to Genera, but a few days before the wedding Eusebio voluntarily embarks on a deadly scouting mission. * Anthony Ramos grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and is a product of the City University of New York. Anthony's love for history and Spanish heraldry research led to the development of the theme of Profound Crossroads, his first book. Profound Crossroads was published by AuthorHouse, the
world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. www.authorhouse.com. |
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 retaliation
against the patriarchal society in which women are subjected to. They’re
stories of upper-class as well as middle-class women who rebel against what
was considered their role in society. The black humor that exist in the
short stories are amazing. I couldn’t put the book down. Reviews by
Ashley Zurk.
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Judith is an accomplished prize-winning writer and poet. This book is a compiliation of some of her best work translated into Spanish. Ortíz Cofer writes about her upbringing within her Puerto Rican family background. A lovely book by one of the best known Puerto Rican writers. |
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This historical and entertainment title is a compiliation of political cartoons that appeared in El Imparcial, an old-time island newspaper - and the leading newspaper at the time. Cheo was the cartoon character (a charismatic character, by the way) and thru his eyes the artist made political statements of the day. Cheo appeared in the Sunday editions and is the longest running cartoon-strip in Latin America. The cartoonist is Fernando L. Conesa who was born in Ponce in 1917 and died in 1984. His son Nelson found the original drawings and stored them. Gilda Mirós is his step-daughter. |
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"Mis Mejores Entrevistas de Radio" - by Gilda Mirós. This Spanish book, by well-known New York radio & TV personality Gilda Mirós, takes us on a nostalgic look back at the famous musical group, La Sonora Mantecera and Celia Cruz, as well as other big names, such as Bobby Capo, Myrta Silva, and many others, through a series of radio interviews. The book includes Mirós most popular interviews and many photographs. This very special title should become a collectors item. It is the story of Latin America's big names and a history of our musical past. You will smile and your eyes will get moist. I promise you. Buy it. Ivonne Figueroa - ISBN #09742175-8-6 |
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This Spanish book is a selected inventory of Puerto Rican poetry and includes at least one poem of many of Puerto Rico's most famous "poetas del ayer" including: Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, José Gautier Benítez, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, Virgilio Dávila, José P.H. Hernández, Clara Lair, Juan Antonio Corretjer, Francisco Matos Paoli, and others. Contemporary poets, such as Jorge Luis Morales, Marina Arzola, and Juan Sáez Burgos among others, are also included in this thick volume. The author groups poets by the type of poetry and by periods and presents us short essays on the particular poetry presented. Barradas gives us a glimpse into the lives of our illustrious poets. |
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This is a bilingual compilation of biographies about women Boricua leaders, Borinqueñas who made a difference, one side of the page in Spanish the other in English. The book includes not only historical figures but current day Boricuas as well. Included are women who have made contributions to the cultural, political, educational, economic and social climate of our Isla del Encanto. It includes over 40 biographies of such women as: Julia de Burgos, Miriam Colón, Ruth Fernández, Rita Moreno, Antonia Pantoja, Sylvia Rexach, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, Lola Rodríguez de Tió and more. Also included is Margot Arce de Vázquez, one of Puerto Rico's most distinguished professors and writers. María Teresa Babin is also included in this book, she was a scholar, critic, writer and more. Josefina Barceló de Romero, mother of our Resident Commissioner in Washington. Celeste Benítez is also among the honored here, Benítez a scholar full of political inclinations, a charismatic personality, has been a leader in Puerto Rican politics, PPD. Read about Mariana Bracetti, "Brazo de Oro", revolucionary leader who embroidered the "Bandera de Lares". Learn all about Sister Isolina Ferré, a spiritual leader and community activist, sister of Don Luis Ferré, and winner of many awards. This is a must read for all Boricuas. It is written in an easy to read format, clear and to the point. It is also a great source for other reading material written by these women. It includes a bibliography. This book profiles the silent achievements of some influential women whose stories remained silent. A very important segment of our Puerto Rican heritage, culture, history. |
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 Puerto Rico, Encanto Oculto by: Karenlie Anne Riddenring This gorgeous 'coffee-table book' features beautiful color photographs of Puerto Rico with identifying text. It is a large soft cover, bi-lingual edition, with over 200 pages. Once you read it you'll understand the expression, 'Puerto Rico, Isla del Encanto....' Buy it, you'll be glad you did! Contact the editor at 787-638-6298 or encantooculto@yahoo.com, or buy it from Isla Online Catalog. This book is also a great deal at only $30.00 plus freight. Usually large photograph books run twice that much. Great gift item! |
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 Fiesta
en Puerto Rico A beautiful, fabulous, book of pictures!
I've read this book and carefully looked at the pictures,
over, and over again. I'm not ashamed to confess that I get goose bumps
and a lump on my throat each time I look through it.. What a beautiful
book! A labor of love. It is rich in island folk tradition and customs.
Fiesta en Puerto Rico, will make you proud. This large coffee table type
book with full page photos, illustrates Puerto Rico's rich heritage of
"fiestas." The book is in Spanish with English translations. Text with
plenty of information on each fiesta is included. Again it is a large
coffee table type book. All the pictures are in color and most are page
sized. It has 240 pages. This book makes a fantastic gift. "Fiesta en
Puerto Rico" features different types of festivals including, religious,
cultural, music, and even the Puerto Rican parades in mainland USA. There
are great pictures of La Virgen del Carmen festival, where the procession
takes to the ocean on small boats filled with flowers. How beautiful!
Learn more about your culture. Get this book. Every Puerto Rican home
should have one. Ivonne Figueroa, editor. Get your autographed copy today.
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ISBN# 0-9630180-6-X A bilingual book, with translations side by side, and with great color photographs makes a great addition to any classroom and library. Puerto Rico Natural includes chapters on how the island became populated by all the different species and chapters on fungim spiders, millipedes, insects, snails, frogs and coquíes, lizards and snakes, birds and bats, and more. Here you will read how these Puerto Rican species came to exist, what makes them unique, and how they survive. |
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By: Angel David Cruz Báez (University
of Puerto Rico) To order the Atlas of Puerto Rico contact:
The Cuban American National Council, Inc 305-642-3484 $32.50 - 202 pages This bilingual book is a fantastic source of information on Puerto Rico. The latest computer technology was used in the creation of the many maps and charts. A scholarly work by two university professors in conjunction with the Cuban American National Council and the Ford Foundation. The Atlas of Puerto Rico has 14 chapters of information and raw data that covers topics including the natural environment, geology, land forms, hurricanes, soils, agriculture, the decline of sugar cane, manufacturing, fertility rates, and other statistics including population growth and migrations. In the back you'll find some very interesting old Spanish historical maps. The text pages are divided into two columns, one in Spanish the other in English. This is an important reference book for your library especially for schools and students. There are no other books like this one. Everything you ever wanted to know about Puerto Rico. |
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Cuentitos
de Mami Amor
MIS
DOS LUCES
All
for the Better: A Story of El Barrio 
Juan
Bobo Goes to Work
Juan
Bobo
Libro
de Actividades Taíno 
Something
Wicked's in Those Woods
Pride
of Puerto Rico : 
Rosario
Ferre’s Eccentric Neighborhoods is 340 pages of the detailed lives
of two elite families that are linked in many ways. The fictional main
character Elvira Vernet records her family history from the turn of
the century to the present. Once again Ferre takes the history of two
distinguished families to convey what was occurring in Puerto Rico.
It’s a romantic, captivating, yet sorrowful epic that gradually
shows how families can be affected by the social and political changes
that occur on the island. Reviews by Ashley Zurk.
Book
by Rosario Ferre, Sweet Diamond Dust is the story of the De La Valle family
and the fate of their prosperous sugar mill. It is told by relatives,
friends, and servants of the De La Valle family who reveal secrets, love
triangles, and betrayals. The book is divided into four parts ultimately
revealing the fate of Diamond Dust. By far one of the best novels Ferre
has written. Reviews by Ashley Zurk.
Book
by Rosario Feree, The House on the Lagoon is filled with five generations
of history written and told by Isabel Monfort. Ferre adds a twist by letting
Isabel’s husband discover her manuscripts, which are filled with
the history, or according to Quinten, her husband, the false chisme of
their families. He just so happens to remember things differently. The
novel becomes a humourous battle between husband and wife. The story is
very entertaining yet informative. Ferre incorporates the history of Puerto
Rico into Isabel’s and Quinten’s accounts of what happened
to their families. Reviews by Ashley Zurk.
El
Deli Latino, Prosa y Poesía
A
Portrait of Puerto Rico
Para
Entendernos - Inventario Poético Puertorriqueño 
"Puerto
Rican Women, Mujeres Puertorriqueñas 
Puerto
Rico Natural
Atlas
de Puerto Rico