Conoce a Rubén Darío

June 1, 2024
Grades 1-4 Winner of the prestigious Cervantes award, Nicaraguan writer and politician Ram�rez introduces a new generation to the writing of poet Rub�n Dar�o in this generously illustrated picture-book biography. Written in Spanish with colorful and vivid illustrations by Argentine artist de Bella, the engaging book is narrated by a wise, old owl, who relates various important moments in Dar�o's life, beginning with his birth in 1867. A talented child with a gift for words, Dar�o catches the attention of prominent Nicaraguan adults. However, Nicaragua's economic and political instability forces Dar�o to go abroad as a young man. Traveling throughout Latin America and Europe, Dar�o blossoms as a writer. After a prolific career as a writer, journalist, and ambassador to Spain, Dar�o returns to Nicaragua as a national hero. Excerpts of Dar�o's poetry highlight his clever, moving style. An extensive author's note at the conclusion offers context and historical background. A glossary is helpful for uncommon Spanish words. A strong choice for elementary schools looking for Spanish language books about Latin American writers.

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September 13, 2024

Gr 1-5-This series focuses on late 19th-century and early 20th-century key figures from Spanish-speaking countries. In Conoce a Zelia Nuttall, readers meet a young Zelia who is fascinated by a "Antig�edades de M�xico" book she got from her Mexican mother. This sparks her curiosity, and inspired by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma Zocoyotzin, who "comes to life" from the pages she is reading, she embarks into a journey in researching and spreading the word around the world as an archaeologist focusing in boosting Aztec life, work, and contributions to humanity. In Conoce a Jorge Luis Borges, the poetic text begins with an old Borges reminiscing about his childhood. The narrative alternates between a child Borges playing with his sister and imaginary friends to an older Borges sitting in his household chair during his last days. This book doesn't provide much details for the famous Argentinian literary great but showcases a joyful childhood bringing to life the stories and adventures of the books he read as a child. In Conoce a Rub�n Dar�o, an owl living in Dar�o's childhood home, narrates the Nicaraguan poet's upbringing and eventual migration to other countries to develop his career as a poet and influential literary figure who gave rise to the Modernism movement. The three titles are accompanied by illustrations that mirror and enhance the respective settings and individual imaginative minds and careers of important Latin American creators. Glossary and notes from the authors are included with each title. VERDICT These entries are recommended for elementary school libraries to enhance their Spanish-language biography collections.-Sujei Lugo

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