Claro de luna

by Elizabeth Santiago Narrated by Almarie Guerra

Overview

A pesar de su nombre, Taína Pérez no sabe nada de su herencia taína, ni ha intentado nunca aprender. Al fin y al cabo, ¿cómo podría ayudar la historia antigua de Puerto Rico con todo lo que está pasando? Hay constantes problemas en la escuela y en su barrio, han echado a su hermano mayor de casa y como su madre está trabajando, le toca a ella sola cuidar de su hermano pequeño y de su abuela anciana. Es mucho para una niña de catorce años.
Pero la vida da un giro radical cuando su abuela le dice que es descendiente directa de Anacaona, la bienamada líder taína, guerrera y poeta, que fue asesinada por los españoles en 1503. La abuela también le regala un amuleto y un cemí y le dice que ha llegado el momento de asumir su poder como las mujeres que la precedieron. ¿Pero es eso posible? La gente como ella apenas consigue salir de sus circunstancias, y los problemas de su hogar y de su comunidad son mucho más grandes de lo que Taína puede manejar. ¿O lo son?
Un relato moderno intercalado con capítulos históricos, Claro de luna ofrece a los lectores una poderosa historia de lucha, esperanza y liberación colectiva del pueblo puertorriqueño y taíno.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

* "A beautiful ode to Puerto Rican history...Santiago's writing sparkles, even as it draws upon hard realities that Puerto Ricans can face in their everyday lives and sense of cultural identity. Filled with arresting prose and historical stories, this novel brings Puerto Rican history into the present, mixing in realistic themes to which most readers will relate." — Booklist, starred review

* "Readers will cheer for the bold, resourceful protagonist as she uses her newfound power to bring everyone she cares about together. . .Mayle's evocative black-and-white art and interstitial chapters centering Ty's ancestors through the centuries round out the contemporary storyline . . . Deeply moving, beautifully written, and inspiring." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history." — School Library Journal

"Mayle's elegant b&w art appears throughout and historical interstitials center Ty's forebears as they endured harrowing events such as genocide and colonization. Via evocative third-person prose, Santiago proudly showcases Taíno culture in this empowering debut that is at once educational, realistic, and speculative." — Publishers Weekly

Best Books 2023 - Kirkus Reviews
Best Children's Books of the Year Winner 2024 - Bank Street College of Education
Massachusetts Book Award Longlist 2024 - Massachusetts Center for the Book
RISE: A Feminist Book Project Booklist Winner 2024 - American Library Association (ALA)

School Library Journal

05/26/2023

Gr 7 Up—Full of Puerto Rican history and folklore, this novel captures the magic of the Caribbean while presenting an unforgettable heroine teens will root for. Readers follow Taína Perez, a Puerto Rican teenager who has always been curious about her name and family's history. She gets a lead from her grandmother, who confesses that her name means more than she thought. The 14-year-old's abuela reveals that she might be a direct a descendant of Anacaona, a strong Taína Indian princess who fought as a warrior until she was murdered in 1503. Taína's life completely changes as she realizes that her identity is more tied to her island's history than she ever would've thought. Grandma also gifts her a 14th-century amulet that releases a power she holds within her. As the story progresses, readers will get deep insight about Puerto Rico, the island's ancestors, and how learning about the past will shape the present and future. This genre-bending book is perfect for those seeking a coming-of-age novel with threads of the speculative and historical. Share with fans of Daniel José Older's "Shadowshaper" trilogy. VERDICT An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history.—Aurora Dominguez

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191552781
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	02/06/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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