jassmine's review

3.0

I seem to be in a minority here, but I'm kind of disappointed. I learned about Sor Juana by a complete accident from a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wSOt3z_-YY) and I just fell in love. Prefeminist feminism, historical (especially mediaeval) woman writers and historical women creating their own spaces is something that deeply interests me. Feminism/Gender studies/... can be really depressing sometimes which is why I so much love to see women (or other minorities) to cross the limitation and find a space in which they can do what they previously couldn't. And Juana's story is such a model example of this (which isn't to say that her life was perfect). This book covers mostly her childhood and the time before she entered the convent - which is understandable considering it's a book for children, but at the same time it feels a bit lazy - the ending just feels very abrupt and strange... idk The message of this book is very heavy handed and a bit basic - be happy you can go to school a lot of girls can't even when they want to! ... I think that's it... And what was the whole rose symbolism about? It was so accented, but I don't think it had some purpose? Overall, this book is fine - if you are just looking for a children's book with feminist motives, this is a great pick. If you are looking for a book about Sor Juana then... I think you will be disappointed and you would do better to just watch the video. The illustrations are pretty, but I'm not a hard fan...
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another resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWbwlWls3is&t=222s
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lisavegan's review

5.0

The illustrations are stunning and I’m at risk of resorting to hyperbole if I say too much. I wasn’t surprised that in the illustrator bio section on the back inside cover of the book it’s revealed that the illustrations were created with watercolor and gouche, using small brushes for the paint and also making use of a magnifying glass. Amazing.

This is an excellent picture book biography for any child who understands the thirst for knowledge, or who might be inspired by a young person who cares so much about books and reading and learning. Sor Juana Inés de La Cruz didn’t live to see fifty but she’s one of Mexico’s most renowned writers and poets. The only quibble I thought I had was that in the middle of the book is one of her poems, in Spanish, and I wished for an English translation. Then, at the end of the book, a translation is in fact provided. I do have to wonder how her hunger for learning so easily led her away from family and home at such a young age, but Juana is very inspiring: learning to read (at her insistence) at age three and doing everything in her power, including seemingly becoming a nun, in order to have a vast library at her disposal, in an era when only men could attend university.

I do think kids will find this story impressive and interesting and the illustrations are just gorgeous.

happylilkt's review

4.0

My 4-year-old daughter and I loved this biography of a young child prodigy in seventeenth century Mexico (colonial Spain) with a love of learning and an innate knowledge that girls can thirst for, study, and learn as much as boys, she is just lovely. ❤️

Excellent text and illustrations
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lattelibrarian's review

4.0

Yes!!!  I love books about libraries and women!!!  Sor Juana Ines was a lover of books and knowledge, and in order to spend more time educating herself, she later became a nun.  But not after a counsel of tens of men quizzed her on everything they knew (which she knew, too), and not after almost being denied to go to school, and not after being a lady in waiting and having her own library.  This book tells the tale of Sor Juana Ines, who lived in 1600s Mexico, a woman with passions and a hunger for knowledge that couldn't be sated. 

The beautifully detailed illustrations go hand in hand with the complexities of Juana's life, and the intricacies her life required in order to satisfy her.  And satisfied, she was.  Great for girls who love learning, and who want or need role models.  Perfect for grades 1-4.

Review cross-listed here!

gimpyknee's review

4.0

A lovely story and beautiful illustrations.