Abuelita, Full of Life
By Amy Costales
Costales, A. (2007). My Grandma, Mi Abuelita. Flagstaff: Luna Rising.
Age level: K-2
Genre: Children's Literature
Topic/Theme: Families, Multiculturalism
Awards: none found
Author: Amy Costales
Email: costalitosa@yahoo.com
2010
Grandpa Used to Live Alone~Abuelo Vivia Solo
2007
Hello Night~ Hola noche
2009
Sundays on 4th St.~ Los Domingos en la Calle Cuatro
Illustrator: Martha Aviles
Applicable Standards
RL.1.3 – Describe character, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
RL.1.4 – Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
RL.1.6 – Identify who is telling the story at various points in a text.
RL.1.9 – Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.
Objective:
They will practice this through discussion of each character and their personal preferences as stated in the story.
Connection to Students
- I think this book will directly affect many of my students, whose roots are from Mexico. It has the broader theme of families and the values we put on them.
- I would use this book in relation to a Mexican holiday, discussion of families, and multi-cultural discussions.
- Subject areas that I can use with this book are music and cultural appreciation.
- I would want my students to see that even though we may be different each other, many cultures share the same values and customs in different ways.
Culturally Relevant and Authentic Examples
Illustrations
The cultural details in the illustrations of this book are numerous. If one did not know anything about the Mexican culture then he/she may believe that this book is stereotyping; however having been a part of strong Mexican culture in living and growing up in Los Angeles, these details add to the cultural rich illustrations though out the book. Some of the examples of the authentic details are the pictures of the virgin in multiple rooms, wrapping tamales, having aloe and cactus plants and the street vendor. Growing up in Los Angeles with many Mexican friends these things represent daily life, all the way down to Grandma living with them. The best time was when my friends would make bunuelos!
Theme:
The theme of this book is families. The Mexican culture has a very strong family values. It is not odd to see many generations living in one house or money being wired to Mexico to help out their family members. The overarching principle of family, that Grandmother is coming to live with them, demonstrates their deep value of family.
Characters:
The characters represent the culture of Mexico too. They are dark haired with dark eyes and there is mention of old Mexican folk music with guitar and accordion. This music is representative of Mexico.
Tina Sheaves
April 15, 2013