A Great Source of Realistic Fiction for Young Readers
A library for Juana is a great true story that incorporates cultural diversity in children’s literature and women’s rights. It is about a young girl named Juana, living in the 1600’s, who dreams of having her very own library. Many people in Juana’s life tell her she cannot be educated because she is a woman. This book not only describes the Hispanic culture and customs, but also the views against Hispanic women. These views still affect Hispanic women today. It is important to teach young women of all cultures that education and independence is important.
The Hispanic culture is depicted through colorful pictures of brunette women in the traditional, long, Spanish dresses with “rebozos” or shawls. Mexico is illustrated by pictures of lush, green hillsides and beautiful flowers. The characters in the book are mostly relatives of Juana that all live together, which represents the close relationships of even extended family between Hispanic families. Customary Mexican foods such as quesadillas are described in the book along with Spanish style household decor. These aspects help young a reader visualize the Hispanic culture and sets a tone for the culture as well. It also welcomes them into the home of the character and helps them become familiar with the cultural surroundings of the book.
The book also describes longstanding Hispanic views of women. There were people in the book such as her mother, universities, and scholars who told her she could not be educated or attend their universities because she was a woman. The common belief was that women should be busy doing jobs that women do such as housekeeping and sewing. Although the character held value and appreciation for being educated, her family discouraged her education because of the stereotypical expectations of women in that time.
Juana educated herself and begged her mother to go to Mexico City to become educated. There is much truth to this story. Many Mexican women do go to work in the big city in exchange for job training or to attend school. Very young women still must make this real sacrifice. According to Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Latina women have were the top internal migrates in 2005 (Pessar 2). These examples illustrate how the difficulty women faced to become educated. In addition, these examples aid in promoting understanding of certain roles within a culture. It also gives an opportunity to gain an appreciation for a culture and opportunity to apply the lesson to their own lives (Ponciano and Shabazian 23).
In conclusion, A Library for Juana is an excellent choice of children’s literature that promotes understanding of the Hispanic culture, views, and beliefs. This book uses great illustrations to depict the culture and set the tone for the book. The omniscient narrator allows all voices and beliefs to be heard on an unbiased level (Russell 38). The moral of the story is very strong and reasonable to teach to children. Teachers can use this book to promote the importance of education among all children. It is a perfect example of how to overcome obstacles which hinder their education quest and conquer their dreams.
The Hispanic culture is depicted through colorful pictures of brunette women in the traditional, long, Spanish dresses with “rebozos” or shawls. Mexico is illustrated by pictures of lush, green hillsides and beautiful flowers. The characters in the book are mostly relatives of Juana that all live together, which represents the close relationships of even extended family between Hispanic families. Customary Mexican foods such as quesadillas are described in the book along with Spanish style household decor. These aspects help young a reader visualize the Hispanic culture and sets a tone for the culture as well. It also welcomes them into the home of the character and helps them become familiar with the cultural surroundings of the book.
The book also describes longstanding Hispanic views of women. There were people in the book such as her mother, universities, and scholars who told her she could not be educated or attend their universities because she was a woman. The common belief was that women should be busy doing jobs that women do such as housekeeping and sewing. Although the character held value and appreciation for being educated, her family discouraged her education because of the stereotypical expectations of women in that time.
Juana educated herself and begged her mother to go to Mexico City to become educated. There is much truth to this story. Many Mexican women do go to work in the big city in exchange for job training or to attend school. Very young women still must make this real sacrifice. According to Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Latina women have were the top internal migrates in 2005 (Pessar 2). These examples illustrate how the difficulty women faced to become educated. In addition, these examples aid in promoting understanding of certain roles within a culture. It also gives an opportunity to gain an appreciation for a culture and opportunity to apply the lesson to their own lives (Ponciano and Shabazian 23).
In conclusion, A Library for Juana is an excellent choice of children’s literature that promotes understanding of the Hispanic culture, views, and beliefs. This book uses great illustrations to depict the culture and set the tone for the book. The omniscient narrator allows all voices and beliefs to be heard on an unbiased level (Russell 38). The moral of the story is very strong and reasonable to teach to children. Teachers can use this book to promote the importance of education among all children. It is a perfect example of how to overcome obstacles which hinder their education quest and conquer their dreams.