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roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
This book was pretty boring and reminded me a lot of Magic Maize. It was short, though, with short chapters, so it moved quickly.
The illustrations deserve notice, however. They strike me as a style particular to Latin America from the time period this book was published.
The illustrations deserve notice, however. They strike me as a style particular to Latin America from the time period this book was published.
beatniksafari's review against another edition
3.0
I've been revisiting Newbery books as an adult, and enjoyed reading this one while traveling in Mexico where the story is set. A young boy grows in maturity after his father is injured and he has to take on more responsibilities. The story may have been more effective if told by someone from the culture it was describing.
claudine2's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
A short chapter book about a 12 year old Mayan boy who had to take over preparing and planting his family's milpa (cornfield) after his father is injured.
A quick peek into Mayan culture sometime after "the old times" when the large temples were built, but before all or most of the old ways and beliefs were gone. Also after the introduction of Christianity (mentions of saints).
A mixture of Maya, Mexican and Spanish words are used throughout. The glossary in the back is useful.
A quick peek into Mayan culture sometime after "the old times" when the large temples were built, but before all or most of the old ways and beliefs were gone. Also after the introduction of Christianity (mentions of saints).
A mixture of Maya, Mexican and Spanish words are used throughout. The glossary in the back is useful.
mrswenrich's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story but difficult to read due to the writing style.
djahatimisor's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
danyell919's review against another edition
3.0
This is the perfect book to go along with the 5th grade Mayan unit in CKLA. I learned so much about the Mayan culture, weather, and corn farming. I think students would really enjoy Tigre and his story.
theblessedeveryday's review against another edition
4.0
This short, simple story is a quick, engaging read about Mayan culture.
tamarayork's review against another edition
1.0
Newbery challenge 112/412. Probably my least favorite on the Newbery list so far. The only redeeming element is the attempt to present Mayan culture. But the story doesn’t feel authentic. It ends up being generic, over simplified, and boring.
tealmango's review against another edition
3.0
Read the full review here: http://newberyandbeyond.com/newbery-roundup-march-edition/
lcalleros's review against another edition
2.0
This little children’s book was published in 1956 and has been sitting on my shelf forever! I finally decided to give it a chance since I was in between novels. This story of a Mayan boy and his family does seem dated and was just ok. If you read this in a classroom on a unit studying different cultures, it would probably be ok. Definitely as a read aloud or with discussion as I think the kids would need some help understanding the Spanish words used and the culture of the time the book is set in.