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“This is a warm, nicely paced story about sharing and bartering that’s filled with sensory descriptions of the vibrant open market. The textured acrylics capture the hum and bustle of the stalls, but the colorful scenery doesn’t overwhelm the story. Sanchez paints the characters in sharp focus, so that they pop out against the blurred, evocative background scenes. A good starting point for classroom discussion across the curriculum.”

—Booklist

“O’Neill subtly weaves details of trades and bargaining into the fabric of her story to give readers a tangible taste of swaps or flea markets. Sanchez uses richly colored, bright acrylics to render the energy and bustle of a Swap Meet in his full-bleed illustrations The text is skillfully incorporated into the illustrations and the focus on each spread remains firmly on the plucky heroine. All in all, a wonderful bargain.”

—School Library Journal

“This is a well-crafted tale featuring a Mexican-American father and children will be wonderful for reading aloud to individuals or to groups.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Estela’s Swap

Written by Alexis O'Neill
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sánchez
Published by Lee & Low Books

A Mexican American girl learns to value the act of giving when she attends her first swap meet.

Estela is excited. This is her first time at Swap Meet, and she is looking forward to selling her music box to earn money for folk dancing lessons at the Ballet Folklórico.

As Estela waits for customers, a strong wind suddenly sends everything flying. Estela rushes to help a woman selling flowers across the way, but she is too late. All the flowers are gone! Estela decides on a simple act of compassion and generosity, which brings her the gift of friendship and a delightful surprise.

Estela’s Swap is sure to resonate with all children who have a special wish and work hard to make it come true. Readers will discover the joy of giving — and receiving, too.

También disponible en Español, Estela En El Mercado de Pulgas.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: June 2005
Available As: Paperback
Picture Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States (California)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

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Teacher’s Guide

Source: Lee & Low Books