Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba (Bind-up)

Publisher Marketing: The author of "My Name Is Maria 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 Samone, 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. Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2015 (EAN 9781481429009, Paperback) School Library Journal 06/01/2015 pg. 139 (EAN 9781481429009, Paperback) School Library Journal 06/01/2015 pg. 139 (EAN 9781481442459, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Ada, Alma Flor Alma Flor Ada, an authority on multicultural and bilingual education, is the recipient of the 2012 Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and in 2014 she was honored by the Mexican government with the prestigious OHTLI Award. She is the author of numerous award-winning books for young readers, including "Dancing Home "with Gabriel Zubizarreta, "My Name Is MarIa Isabel", "Under the Royal Palms "(Pura BelprE Medal), "Where the Flame Trees Bloom", and "The Gold Coin "(Christopher Award Medal). She lives in California, and you can visit her at AlmaFlorAda.com.