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“This compilation of stories provides excellent insight into a variety of Latin American cultures and traditions. Characters come from places as diverse as Argentina, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico in this entertaining reverie of family traditions and the good old days.”

—Críticas Magazine, Starred Review

“Cleverly conceived, the vignettes in this collection of evocative, often touching Latin American short stories connect with a larger fictional narrative and feature a culinary delight (recipes included).”

—Kirkus Reviews

“…Delacre’s narrative shapes an appealing portrait of several generations from all over the globe, uniting in a close-knit family…”

—Publisher’s Weekly

“…an outstanding book….The most consistent themes through all of the stories in Salsa Stories are community, family, and a truly touching respect and affection for the elderly.”

—The Internet Writing Journal

Salsa Stories

Written by Lulu Delacre
Illustrated by Lulu Delacre
Published by Scholastic Press

Carmen Teresa’s house rocks to the beat of Salsa music as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors from all over Latin America arrive in their Silver Spring, Maryland home. Together they cook, gossip, play dominos, dance, and enjoy the warmth of this special New Year’s Day celebration.

When Doña Josefa gives Carmen Teresa a blank notebook as a present, the guests suggest that she fill it with stories that they remember from their own childhoods. And from there, everyone from this charming cast of characters has a unique story to tell. When everyone is finished, Carmen Teresa has her own idea of how she will fill her book. She has enjoyed everyone’s stories. But since she loves to cook, and each storyteller has mentioned foods associated with the particular occasion in their stories, she decides to create a cook book and write down all of their recipes. And, of course, recipes are included at the end of the book.

The stories and recipes represent five Latin American countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Guatamala, and Peru.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: September 2012
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 07 or older

Community Represented: , , , ,

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

Setting: United States (Maryland)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Various, Unknown Arrival

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

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Teacher’s Guide

Source: www.luludelacre.com/