Mango, Abuela, and Me - Meg Medina Illustrated By: Angela Dominguez

 

Mango, Abuela, and Me - Meg Medina Illustrated By: Angela Dominguez

Bibliography: 

Medina, M. (2015). Mango, Abuela, and me. Candlewick Press.

Plot Summary: 

Mia's Abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can't read the words inside.

Critical Analysis:

Family and diversity is a common theme in children's literature, but for me, Mango, Abuela, and Me, is a WOW book because it broaches a subject I haven't often seen depicted, the subject of language differences within families. This is a common phenomenon in today's world, in my own family too. I appreciate the way it gives children a way of sharing that experience. The text itself is perfect for EL students, as it provides depth of theme and context, but with words choices that will be more familiar to them. This combination is a great way to inspire confidence in older students to select longer, more complex texts. Additionally, the generous white space surrounding the words makes the text clear and easy to discern. Finally, the beautifully vibrant illustrations makes this book a visual adventure for elementary students of all ages.

For younger readers, this is a great Read Aloud text with the simple text descriptions and colorful illustrations. For EL students (English Learners and ESPANOL Learners) teachers could use this text to present a language activity where students label objects in the classroom. It would be fun to label objects not only in English, but also in Spanish. If there are native Spanish speakers in the class, this is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their knowledge and build their confidence by teaching their peers how to say the names of classroom objects in Spanish, while simultaneously learning the English words.

Review Excerpt: 

The New York Times

Medina artfully weaves a few Spanish words and phrases into her mainly English sentences in a way young Latinos take for granted, and most English speakers should understand...

Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

With its emotional nuance and understated, observant narration—especially where Abuela’s inner state is concerned—Medina’s (Tia Isa Wants a Car) lovely story has the feel of a novella.

Kirkus Reviews

Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree.

Connections:

Family Life - Grandmothers - Multigenerational

Interpersonal Relations

Animals - Birds