Gloriana, Presente: A First Day of School Story
Written by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Illustrated by Doris Rodríguez
Published by Christy Ottaviano Books
An affirming multicultural story that will help new students stand tall and discover the joys of community at school. This beautifully painted, imaginative picture book celebrates the transformative power of self- soothing.
On the first day of elementary school, Abuela soothes Gloriana’s nerves by telling her stories about their family home in la República Dominicana. But as soon as Gloriana enters the classroom, the tropical scenery crumbles and la música is replaced with English phrases she does not understand.
When other kids approach her to play, she freezes, uncertain about how to exist in both of her different homes and how to make new friends using her two languages. Abuela recognizes echoes of her own immigration journey on this challenging day at school, and she gently guides Gloriana toward newfound confidence.
Look for the Spanish version, Gloriana, Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx.
Primary ISBN: 9780316366618
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Dominican/Dominican American
Themes: Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Generation: 2nd, Identity: Multilingual, Multilingual: Spanish Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by School
Setting: United States (New York City NY)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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