Juana Martinez-Neal

This is a touching story about a little girl who learns about her connection to many of her relatives that she has been named for as her dad tells her about each of them. As she learns about each one she embraces this connection she has to her heritage. Then she learns that her first name is all her own and she gets to be the first Alma. The soft hues of the illustrations against the brighter reds and pink used to illustrate Alma help support the look of history and the brighter presence of Alma. This would be a lovely story to share with students as you get to know them (and their names) at the beginning of a new school year.… (més)

Oh my goodness, Juana Martinez-Neal is one of my absolutely favorite illustrators. The love she pours into each illustration is evident to the reader. In this book, I was transported to the Amazon and to the Ashaninka people, an Indigenous people group of the Peruvian Amazon. Bringing the stories of indigenous people to light is SO important. As is it also important to highlight who we have a duty to protect lands that are quickly being torn apart.

I cannot sing praises of this book enough. AND there is a translation for the Ashaninka people in the back. Bringing a voice to those who don't have one....this I love… (més)

I'm not going to sing the praises of the illustrator--Juana Martinez Neal. I feel I do that with every book of hers. She is amazing! Her drawings bring scenes to life. But additionally, it's the little subtle bits (like naming the boat El Recluso) that definitely made me an advocate of hers.

But this is more than a beautifully illustrated tale. It's a lyrical story about opening up one's heart. It could be children. It could be new experiences. It is all of that and more
The backdrop of the ocean made me long for the beach. Writing in the sand holds such memories. Believe it or not, the ocean plays a role in bringing Swashby to a place of love and acceptance. What Swashby meant for loneliness.......that doesn't quite happen ;)… (més)