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“During summer breaks, Clara and her parents take long trips to California, where her abuelos, tíos, tías, and cousins live. …Inspired by the author’s family history, the story portrays a Mexican American girl’s journey into connecting with her roots and finding her place within her family’s legacy and history. The vivid spread-length illustrations capture intergenerational warmth and love, family dynamics, and household environment and the beautiful field landscapes of the orange groves in California. The English version incorporates some words in Spanish into the text, and includes an author/illustrator’s note, as well as a glossary of the Spanish language words used. The Spanish version is sprinkled with some words in English.”

– School Library Journal

En Los Naranjales (In the Groves)

Written by Andrea Cruz Floren and Ariela Rudy Zaltzman (Translator)
Illustrated by Andrea Cruz Floren
Published by Penguin Workshop

Cada año, Clara visita a su abuelo y a sus muchísimos primos y primas en California. Y, cada año, su familia cuenta historias fantásticas sobre los naranjales del abuelo: ¡Hay magia! ¡Hay travesuras! ¡Hay monstruos! Pero Clara nunca ha visitado los naranjales y está determinada a que eso cambie.

Así que cuando sus primos están distraídos, Clara se escabulle a la pickup del abuelo y termina en los naranjales. Después de que Abuelo la cacha, él y Clara pasan un día maravilloso serenando a las naranjas, valientemente protegiendo a los naranjales de las tuzas y comiendo deliciosos tacos con —¡UY!— un poquito de picante.

De esa manera, Clara consigue sus propias historias fantásticas. Ya no es solamente una visita; ella les pertenece a los naranjales, y los naranjales le pertenecen a ella.

Look for the English version, In the Groves.

Primary ISBN: 9780593888452
Publication Date: September 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Unspecified), United States (California)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 3rd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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