Embedded Files
link related to the story that can be used as a resource
link related to the story that can be used as a resource
Meg Medina
Meg Medina
Author Qualification(s): 2023-24 National Ambassador of Young People's Literature; of Cuban descent (parents emigrated to Queens)
Illustrator Qualification(s): Born in Mexico City, famil moved to Texas where she grew up
Genre(s)
Genre(s)
Picture Book
Realistic Fiction
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Generational language gap
Acknowlegement of one's culture
Assimilation into new culture
Awards
Awards
Pura Belpre Award (2016)
Plot Summary
Plot Summary
This is the story of a LatinX girl living in America whose abuela comes to live with her. At first, they have difficulty communicating, but when Mia convinces her mother to buy abuela a pet parrot, it changes everything! Mango the parrot assists them both in learning each other's language.
Connections & Representation
Connections & Representation
Students who have difficulty communicating with members of their extended family that are from other generations will especially relate to this story.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes
This book is culturally generic and steers away from addressing any real differences between the two cultures, so there really aren't any stereotypes.
Conflicts
Conflicts
Mia and her abuela have a difficult time communicating with each other and must find creative ways to share ideas.
Insider/Outsider
Insider/Outsider
Abuela must feel at first like an Outsider because she can't speak to her granddaughter or her neighbors. She slowly becomes an Insider when she learns the language.
Teachable Moment
Teachable Moment
This book teaches us that people in our family are worth finding a meaningful way to make connections with, and that human relationships should not be limited by language barriers.
Page updated
Report abuse