Children's Books to Borrow
Ajyuq’: El Animalero
(Spanish)
- 55 pages; poems accompanied by small black and white drawings -
In this collection of short poems about animals, people, and events in Mayan life, poet Humberto Ak’abal presents emotions, feelings, ideas, and above all respect to Mother Nature. He interprets the reality of Mayan life in his poems- the sadness of the oppressed, nostalgia of the past, anguishes, and joys.
América is Her Name
(English)
- 28 pages with colored illustrations –
Nine-year-old América Soliz lives with her family in the Pilsen barrio of Chicago. She misses her home in Mexico and is unhappy in school, where she experiences prejudice against Mexican immigrants.
In Chicago, América has lost the strong, open voice she had in Mexico. América sits at the back of the room dreaming about her village in Oaxaca until one day a poet, Mr. Aponte, visits her class and inspires América to write. América begins to discover for herself that through writing she can relate to everyone. She is able to find her strong voice and her “home” in the Pilsen barrio.
The Ancient Maya
(English)
- 48 pages with colored illustrations and photographs -
Filled with articles on the different aspects of Mayan life and culture, this book provides an educational, yet creative way for children to learn about the Mayan civilization. Topics such as the social structure of the Maya, their unity with the environment, the belief system they shared, and Mayan architecture and geography are all presented with colorful pictures and diagrams for visual learning. Activities, poems, and interviews provide a diverse array of information.
The Aztecs Activity Book
(English)
- 16 pages; black and white drawings on every page -
Providing a hands-on approach to learning, this book is full of activities for children. Exercises include a time chart, connect-the-dots, board games, a recipe, a picture search, matching games, art projects, and more.
Each activity is accompanied by an aspect of the Aztec way of life, such as where the Aztecs lived, what they ate, what their jobs were, how they depicted their gods and goddesses, etc. This book allows children to learn about Aztec history and way of life in a creative and active way.
La Carta del jefe Seattle
(Spanish/Queche Maya)
- 31 pages with red and white drawings -
In 1854 the President of the United States offered to buy an ample extension of land from the Pueblo Indians, promising to change it into a reservation where the people could live. The response of Chief Seattle is included in this book in its totality. It has been described as the most beautiful and profound declaration made concerning the environment. In this powerful speech, Chief Seattle states the importance of the land for the Indian people, the memories it holds, and the love it should receive. The earth should be treated no differently than a brother, with friendship and respect.
Children of Yucatan
(English)
- 47 pages, each with colored photographs -
On the sunny coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Mayra catches bait her father will use for fishing. In the city of Valladolid, Fernando peels oranges in the busy plaza. At the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, Alfredo and Rosendo sell models of Mayan statues and pyramids to tourists.
From ancient pyramids to lively plazas, life in the Mexican state of Yucatán is a rich blend of Mayan and Spanish cultures and traditions. Author and photographer Frank Staub will take you around Yucatán to meet children like Mayra, Fernando, Alfredo, and Rosendo. Through words and pictures, these portraits of real children will help you understand what it’s like to grow up in Yucatán.
A Coloring Book of Incas, Aztecs, and Mayas
(English)
- 48 pages with black and white drawings -
A relatively large collection of black and white drawings for coloring, this book depicts images of gods, people, animals, and life events in the Incan, Aztec, and Mayan cultures. Many of the pictures are accompanied by brief descriptions of the history of the culture as well as an explanation of the picture itself.
Color in Colorado: The Art of Indian Children (Mexico)
(English)
- 99 pages; colored illustrations and black and white photographs -
This book consists of a collection of paintings by Indian children of Mexico. Full of vibrant color and depicting scenes of everyday life for the Indian children, these paintings not only demonstrate the artistic talent of the children, but also provide some insight into their way of life. The book also includes photographs of the children as they are painting as well as accompanying comments from authorities who know well of their culture in the form of quotes, poems, and brief essays.
Las Culturas Prehispánicas
(Spanish)
- 31 pages with colored illustrations -
Rina and her friend Ricardo have to study the history of pre-Hispanic cultures for school. Though they find the topic interesting, the multitude of dates and names of people to remember seems overwhelming. They have difficulty understanding the difference between the cultures of the past. Just when the two children are about to give up their studies completely, a little old man magically springs from their textbook! Calling himself “Cronito” because of his vast knowledge of the chronology of history, the old man tells the children that he is there to help them learn the history of the pre-Hispanic cultures, which he has witnessed first-hand. Cronito takes the children on a journey through the ancient cultures of the Olmecas, Zapotecs, Mixtecos, Teotihuacanos, and Toltecas, allowing them to view for themselves the diversity of the past.
Day of the Dead (Johnston)
(English)
- 44 pages, each with colored illustrations –
The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most important holidays, and this book creatively presents some of the traditions of the festive day. Beautifully and vibrantly illustrated, this is a short story about two children who cannot wait to participate in the Day of the Dead festivities, as they excitedly watch their parents and aunts and uncles prepare for the day. Spanish words are interspersed in the story, allowing for new Spanish vocabulary to be learned.
The Days of the Dead: A Mexican Tradition
(English)
- 48 pages with inserts of colored photographs –
An informative book on the Mexican Days of the Dead, this book first describes the history of this holiday, searching as far back as Pre-Hispanic Mexico. The cultural traditions of the holiday are presented, along with an explanation of the significance of these days. The customs of the Days of the Dead are described as they relate to different towns of Mexico. Vibrant pictures depicting common scenes of the holiday enhance the ideas set forth in this book.
The Decade of Chaqwa: Peru’s International Refugees
(English)
- 40 pages; 19 pages with black and white photographs or drawings –
Unwilling to choose between the opposing Maoist Shining Path guerrillas and the security forces, the peasants of Peru were forced to flee their villages in order to escape the brutality of these leaders. Too poor to leave their countries, they became internal refugees known as desplazados (displaced). As desplazados, they suffered high levels of malnutrition, disease, and psychological trauma, as well as living conditions considered extreme even for Peru. This book details the events leading to this internal war and the struggles these people of Peru suffered.
El Salvador
(English)
- 48 pages with colored illustrations and photographs –
In this exploration of the smallest country of Central America, El Salvador is described as a beautiful land with ancient ruins, mighty volcanoes, fertile lands, and beautiful beaches. However, El Salvador lacks peace. Since the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s, people have fought over the limited amount of farm land available in El Salvador. This book accounts life in the country as it was before the Spanish arrived, the rich history of the land, and the cultures of its people. El Salvador of today is also explored.
A Gift for Abuelita
(Spanish/English)
- 26 pages; 13 colored illustrations –
The magic of love and the rituals surrounding the Day of the Dead are woven together in this heartwarming family story. Rosita and her grandmother are inseparable. When her grandmother dies, Rosita misses Abuelita so much that nothing the family says can comfort her. Finally, Rosita’s grandfather tells her that she can show Abuelita how much she misses her by making a gift for the Day of the Dead, when Abuelita’s spirit will visit. All of the family is busy carving, weaving, cooking, or gardening to prepare their gifts for the coming celebration. But what can Rosita make that will show Abuelita how much she still means to her?
La Historia de los Aluxes
(Spanish)
- 12 pages of black and white drawings –
To protect their land from harm, the Mayan created small figures like little men known as Aluxes. These figures had the same body parts as men, but their features were quite different. A Mayan wise man made the Alux with parts from many different animals and things found in nature. This coloring book describes exactly how Aluxes were made and the legend behind their purpose.
The Incas of Peru
(English)
- 48 pages with colored photographs and drawings -
Filled with articles on the different aspects of the life and culture of the Incas, this book not only provides a vast array of information for the reader, but also incorporates pictures and diagrams to make learning a creative experience. Topics include Inca architecture, history, social classes, art, agriculture, religion, practices, and more. Hands-on activities provide a method of continued learning.
The Latino Experience in US History
(English)
- 420 pages; black and white photographs and drawings -
This textbook tells the story of Latinos in the history of the United States. It is told mostly through first-hand accounts of the people who lived this richly personal and diverse history. Information from letters, diaries, interviews, and official records helps to create a dramatic narrative of that Latino experience.
The book recognizes the diversity of different Latino cultures, yet also points out the backgrounds and experiences that different Latino people share. The text describes events in Latin America as well.
Let’s Learn About Maya Gods
(Spanish/English)
- 16 pages of black and white drawings -
This short coloring book contains a description of the history of the Maya gods and their importance to the Mayan people. Black and white drawings depict images of the different gods as viewed by the Mayan people.
Leyendas y Fabulas Americanas
(Spanish)
- 110 pages; no illustrations -
This collection of engaging American legends and fables provides a vast array of imaginative stories. Popular myths are expressed in story format in tales such as The Black Tiger and the White Deer, The Castle of Maese Falco, The False Ewe, The Phantom Ship, The Offering of Stone, and many more. The book includes legends from all over the continents of the Americas, from places such as Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the Andes, and the Amazon, presenting a diverse collection of cultures.
El Maguey
(Spanish)
- 22 pages; 9 pages with colored drawings -
The vast geography of Mexico and the culture of its inhabitants has given rise to extraordinary products. This collection will take the reader by the hand through the history and the nature of the many gifts of the Mexican land that have given wonders to the world. The aromas and the colors, the flavors, sounds and textures of Mexico’s prodigious fruits are presented in these pages.
Maya Arts and Crafts of Guatemala
(Spanish/English)
- 34 pages; large, black-and-white drawings –
The drawings in this book show a range of the traditional arts and crafts of Guatemala’s indigenous Maya people: weaving, fiber arts, pottery, and woodwork. These crafts are an essential part of Maya culture because of their beauty, their social significance, their economic value, and their ecological impact. Each drawing is accompanied by a brief description of what is occurring in the scene.
Maya Art Design: Coloring Book (Livre a Colorer)
(Spanish/English)
- 38 pages of black and white drawings -
This coloring book consists of a collection of black and white Mayan art images depicting gods and goddesses as well as events and objects in everyday Mayan life.
Moon Was Tired of Walking On Air
(English)
- 47 pages; all pages illustrated with color drawings -
In powerful words and striking illustrations, this book captures the magic of fourteen creation myths of the South American Indians. There is a tale of how Takako married the daughter of Rain and an explanation of why a Rainbow is bent. We learn why Sun has a headdress and Moon has none and what happened when Armadillo dug a hole in the sky. As the Toba Indians of Gran Chaco say “There are worlds above the earth and worlds below.” This book is a dazzling introduction to those worlds.
Mexico! 40 Activities to Experience Mexico Past and Present
(English)
- 96 pages with red and green illustrations –
This creative book, filled with activities of all different kinds, encourages children to experience Mexican culture and history hands- on. They can uncover a building’s past on an indoor archaeological hunt, carve an ancient Olmec-style head, do math using Maya glyphs, and speak important Spanish words. They can read about Mexican children just like them and many important Mexican figures. Thought-provoking exercises encourage children to consider issues shared by many countries, such as poverty, pollution, honoring the dead, traditional versus modern, race relations, human rights, and forgiveness.
Mother Scorpion Country
La Tierra de las Madre Escorpión
(Spanish/English)
- 32 pages with colored illustrations -
“Long ago in the land of Miskitos, there lived a woman called Kati and her husband Naklili who loved her very much...” And so, this short story describes the devotion of that love in both life and in death. When Kati dies and must journey to Mother Scorpion Country to live with the other spirits of the dead, Naklili cannot bear to be without her. He buries himself alive with her and accompanies her on her journey. However, Naklili soon discovers that he is not yet ready for death, for he cannot see the beauties of Mother Scorpion Country that Kati sees. He must decide whether to return to the land of the living or remain with his beloved.
Somos Mexicanos: Mexican Americans in the United States
(English)
- 128 pages; black and white photographs -
Globe Fearon’s Historical Case Studies series takes an in-depth look at important topics in U.S. and world history that have high interest for students. Each book in the Historical Case Studies series focuses on eight key events, and discusses the social, economic, and political forces that led to the events. The eight events for Somos Mexicanos include Californios and the Gold Rush, Benito Juárez, Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Americans Defend the United States, Delores Huerta, the Chicano Movement, Mothers of East Los Angeles, and Trade Across the Border. Students will examine these critical events and discover their effects on today’s society. Strong journalistic photographs, maps, diagrams, and time lines appeal to a variety of learning styles. Primary source documents allow students to access history directly.
Los Aztecas en las rocas
(Spanish)
- 109 pages, each with black and white drawings –
This book takes a comic approach to the history of the Aztecs. Set in a format much like that of a comic strip with black and white drawings, short narratives, and speech blurbs, the story is easy and entertaining to read. The history of the Aztec people is told in terms of the people that preceded this great culture, the Aztec leaders, the role of the Aztecs in the course of history, and the customs and traditions of the people.
The Painted Pig
(English)
- 31 pages; 9 black and white drawings, 13 colored illustrations –
In Mexico there is a little Indian girl named Pita who loves toys. Her most precious and cherished toy is her pig, painted yellow with pink roses on his back and a tiny rosebud on his tail. Pita’s brother, Pedro, also a lover of toys, admires Pita’s pig and wants to play with it.
Afraid that he will break her own pig, Pita suggests that the children go to the market to have Pancho, the toy-maker, create a pig for Pedro. When Pancho is unable to make the new pig, the children must come up with a more creative way for Pedro to have his own painted pig.
The Story of Mexico
(Spanish/English)
- 47 pages; black and white drawings –
In order to truly appreciate Mexico and all of its culture, one must trace the roots of the nation and uncover the richness of its past. From its ancient Aztec beginnings to contemporary Mexican culture, this coloring book tells the history of Mexico. It presents the events that have changed the course of history and have made Mexico the country that it is today. Famous figures such as Cortes, Hidalgo, Santa Anna, Maximilian, Juarez, and Friday Kahlo are introduced along with an explanation of the roles they had in the history of Mexico.
La Vendedora de Nubes y Otros Cuentos
(Spanish)
- 64 pages, each with colored illustrations –
A colorful collection of children’s stories, this book consists of four short stories which spark the imagination and excite the young reader. Stories include “Las tres palomitas,” a tale about three sisters who love to dance, though their whims often get them in trouble, “Nicolás,” a story about a young boy who forms a friendship with a rat and must save his little friend from harm, “La vendedora de nubes,” one of a young girl who tries to sell a cloud to many different types of people, and “Dedos de luna,” a touching story about the love and creativity a boy and his grandfather share.
