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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

In the Groves

Written by Andrea Cruz Floren
Illustrated by Andrea Cruz Floren
Published by Penguin Workshop

Clara visits her abuelo and many, many cousins in California every year. And every year, her family tells tall tales about her abuelo’s orange groves: There’s magic! There’s mischief! There’s monstruos! But Clara’s never been to the orange groves. And she’s determined to change that.

So when her cousins aren’t looking, Clara sneaks into her abuelo’s truck and makes her way to the orange groves. Once Abuelo spots her, he and Clara have a wondrous time serenading oranges, bravely defending the groves against gophers, and eating some delicious tacos with—WHEW—just a little bit of spice.

Soon, Clara has magical tall tales to tell of her own. For she’s no longer just a visitor: She belongs to the groves, and the groves belong to her.

Look for the Spanish version, En Los Naranjales.

Primary ISBN: 9780593662618
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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