Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba

By Alma Flor Ada

Book Overview

The author of My Name Is Mar a Isabel offers an inspiring look at her childhood in Cuba in this collection that includes Where the Flame Trees Bloom , Under the Royal Palms , five new stories, and more. These true autobiographical tales from renowned Hispanic author and educator Alma Flor Ada are filled with family love and traditions, secrets and deep friendships, and a gorgeous, moving picture of the island of Cuba, where Alma Flor grew up. Told through the eyes of a child, a whole world comes to life in these pages: the blind great-grandmother who never went to school but whose wisdom and generosity overflowed to those around her; the hired hand Samon , whose love for music overcame all difficulties; the beloved dance teacher who helped sustain young Alma Flor through a miserable year in school; her dear and daring Uncle Medardo, who bravely flew airplanes; and more. Heartwarming, poignant, and often humorous, this wonderful collection encourages readers to discover the stories in their own lives--and to celebrate the joys and struggles we all share, no matter where or when we grew up. Featuring the classic and award-winning books Where the Flame Trees Bloom and Under the Royal Palms , Island Treasures also includes a new collection, Days at La Quinta Simoni , many new family photographs, and a Spanish-to-English glossary.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1481442457
• ISBN13: 9781481442459
• Release Date: August 2015
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7