This extraordinary book celebrates an experience familiar to the many who have left their original country to find a new life. Jorge Argueta's tender, clever prose is perfectly complemented by Luis Garay's rich, authentic illustrations.
Available in Spanish and English
Children’s Books
Five-year-old Luna isn't at all sure she wants to go school. For all she knows, there might be monsters there. An understanding teacher and a group of friendly kids make Luna very, very glad she made the right decision. But what about the monsters?
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Teacher's Guide Available
Teacher's Guide Available
A small, tired, and ill speckled hen flies in front of Natalia's window on a rainy morning. It arouses nostalgia in Natalia for her grandfather who stayed in El Salvador. She becomes determined to save the hen and moves heaven and earth to achieve it.
Bilingual: Spanish/English
The Fiesta of the Tortillas/ La Fiesta de Las Tortillas
The author remembers the day in which the Spirit of the Corn visited the restaurant that his family owned in El Salvador. The narration is full of suspense and impregnated with the delicious scents that surrounded the kitchen. Jorge Argueta shares heartfelt memories of his childhood with young readers.
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Tetl is different from the other children who taunt him. But Tetl’s grandmother knows the ancient teachings of their Aztec ancestors, and how they viewed the earth as alive with sacred meaning. Tetl learns to listen to the mountains, wind, corn, and stones from his grandmother. Tetl's journey of discovery is told in a series of beautiful poems. Read the El Paso Times review here. Read the Paper Tiger review here.
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Young Jorgito has come to live in the Mission District of San Francisco. However, he has not forgotten the unique beauty of El Salvador. In his first collection of poems for children, poet Jorge Argueta evokes the wonder of his childhood in rural El Salvador. This groundbreaking book is the first to address immigration during the Salvadoran civil war from a child's perspective.
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Lesson Plan for Drama Class Available
Lesson Plan for Drama Class Available
This lovely book is a magical realist poem about confronting nightmares and their frightening dreamscape imagery. The book's slumbering hero takes control of the situation by allowing his curiosity, not his fear, to explore the surreal world of sleep. This award winning book is available in English and Spanish language editions.
A coming of age story set in rural El Salvador. Inspired by the Pipil-Nahua legend, Zipitio is part trickster, part lothario. Young Rufina Pérez is old enough to walk to the river by herself and must learn from her wise mother to fend off the sweet-talking Zipitio in order to stay out of trouble. English and Spanish language editions.
Xochitl loves to accompany her mother, an immigrant street vendor, selling flowers along the San Francisco sidewalks. "I feel like a butterfly," Xochitl declares. Since retailing on foot takes its toll, the enterprising family decides that the next logical step is to open a nursery -- indeed a fulfillment of their American dream. But not everyone is happy with the family's decision to set up shop. Read a review here.
Bilingual: Spanish/English
Teacher's Guide Available
Teacher's Guide Available
For people who have left their homeland for a new country, comfort foods from home take on a huge emotional importance. This delightful poem teaches readers young and old how to make a heartwarming, tummy-filling black bean soup. Jorge Argueta’s vivid poetic voice and Rafael Yockteng’s vibrant illustrations make preparing this healthy and delicious Latino favorite an exciting, almost magical experience.