The First Tortilla: A Bilingual Story (English and Spanish Edition)
by Rudolfo Anaya
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Guided by a blue hummingbird, Jade brings an offering to the Mountain Spirit who lives near her village in Mexico, and asks if he will send rain to end the drought that threatens the people. Includes information about the legend on which this story is based and facts about corn.Tags
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This is such a beautiful and cultural way to show children the true meaning of being a Native American. Although, it is fiction because the humming birds and nature are talking to her. But maybe that just might be the point of this book. I know some cultures that believe that the Earth talks to them.
Vivid colors, scenic flowers, creatures that can speak, and the bravery of a young girl lend beauty and heart to this story. Beyond an explanation of how the first tortilla was formed, the story reminds us of simple gifts like corn and rain that give life to us all. It reminds us to be thankful for the beauty and essence of the plants and animals which surround us.
Classroom use: story could supplement science and history lessons on agriculture and the development of food; students could create their own explanation/discovery stories for subjects such as fire, houses, clothing, etc.
Classroom use: story could supplement science and history lessons on agriculture and the development of food; students could create their own explanation/discovery stories for subjects such as fire, houses, clothing, etc.
Interesting story in English and Spanish. Good choice for seven year old granddaughter, who loves to read, and is working on becoming fluent in two languages.
This book is about a girls journey to the mountain to give presents and praise it. She is praising it because a blue hummingbird told her if she did it would rain and her families crops would prosper. The mountain then thanks the girl with a tortilla.
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Author Information
68+ Works 6,329 Members
Rudolfo Anaya, an educator and author, was born on October 30, 1937, in Pastura, New Mexico. He earned a B.A. in English in 1963, an M.A. in 1968 and a second M.A. in Guidance Counseling in 1972 from the University of New Mexico. During the 1960s, Anaya taught in the Albuquerque public schools. In 1974 he began to teach at the University of New show more Mexico and earned the title of professor emeritus in 1993. Anaya's first novel, Bless Me, Ultima began as a trilogy including Heart of Aztlan (1976), and Tortuga (1979). This loose trilogy based on his life experience as a Chicano child, formed Anaya's reputation. Anaya mixed old Spanish folk tales based on the oral tradition with a theme of loss, specifically the loss of religious belief. In 1993, he won the PEN West Center Fiction Award for his novel Albuquerque. 1995 Anaya received both the El Fuego Nuevo Award from the Mexican American Educators and the Excellence in Humanities Award from the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities. Anaya has lectured extensively around the world. His works have been translated into many languages such as Italian, Russian and Japanese. With his wife Patricia, he founded the Aztlan Premio, a prize encouraging Chicano writers. Anaya resides in Albuquerque. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the National Humanities Medal. He died at the age of 82 on June 28, 2020. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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