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Loading... The Wind Called My Nameby Mary Louise Sanchez
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. The Wind Called My Name by Mary Louise Sanchez Literary Merit: Great Characterization: Great Recommend: Yes Reading Level: Late elementary/middle school Review: The cover of the book doesn’t do this book justice. I was surprised by a really great story of friendship and day-to-day life of a Hispanic family in the West during the Great Depression. I don’t usually read historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this book and read it almost entirely in one sitting! The story is beautifully told from the perspective of a ten-year-old girl as she is struggling to fit in after moving from New Mexico to Wyoming, where she and her family are seen as “other.” I loved the inclusion of Spanish words and phrases throughout the book in addition to the rich cultural traditions of the family. Non-Spanish speakers don’t need to worry about not understanding as there is a glossary and pronunciation guide in the back of the book and the context of the story helps the reader to understand what was said. no reviews | add a review
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When ten-year-old Margaríta Sandoval's family moves to Wyoming during the Great Depression, she faces racism, homesickness, and the possibility that her grandmother's land in New Mexico may be los No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.6Literature English (North America) American fiction 21st CenturyLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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I loved that it was centered on the experience of a Hispanic family from New Mexico -- a family descended from settlers who were there from early Spanish colonization, and that it talked about how even though Margaríta's ancestors had been living in the United States before New Mexico became a state, they are alienated because of their language and cultural heritage. The incidents surrounding having ancestors who fought in the Western battles of the Civil War were particularly interesting. Set in the 1930s, it's also a wonderful portrait of a frontier town, and of the ways people live in small communities.
I loved the Spanish language sayings throughout, the emphasis on food and culture and holidays and the way that Margaríta eventually manages to negotiate a better friendship with her spoiled friend Evangeline. I think comparisons with Little House on the Prairie are right on the money -- it's a different time period, but the same kind of day-to-day life in the West that remains compelling because of the beautiful storytelling.
Just discovered that this is a debut novel -- really excited to see more work from this author in the future. Incredibly strong, and a lovely voice. I also love that this is based on her family's stories.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )