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Starfields
An ancient calendar comes to an end in 2012— and many predict the world will end with it. Can one Mayan girl make a difference?
Rosalba is a nine-year-old Mayan girl living in rural Mexico. Like her mother and grandmother, she weaves stories of her people onto blouses, ensuring that the age-old traditions continue. But new influences are entering her life. A ladina girl from the city, visiting with her scientist father, passes on the astonishing news that the Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world in 2012. Rosalba knows nothing about that, but her village is faced with a bulldozer tearing through the forest, dying wildlife, and cornfields in danger. Rosalba’s new friend tells her she must do something to help, but what? As she ponders, she dreams of an ancient Mayan boy, eyes bound in a shamanistic ritual, who hints at a way she can make her voice heard. Interweaving a contemporary story with a mythical dream narrative, Carolyn Marsden spins a gripping tale of friendship, cultural identity, and urgent environmental themes.
Rosalba is a nine-year-old Mayan girl living in rural Mexico. Like her mother and grandmother, she weaves stories of her people onto blouses, ensuring that the age-old traditions continue. But new influences are entering her life. A ladina girl from the city, visiting with her scientist father, passes on the astonishing news that the Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world in 2012. Rosalba knows nothing about that, but her village is faced with a bulldozer tearing through the forest, dying wildlife, and cornfields in danger. Rosalba’s new friend tells her she must do something to help, but what? As she ponders, she dreams of an ancient Mayan boy, eyes bound in a shamanistic ritual, who hints at a way she can make her voice heard. Interweaving a contemporary story with a mythical dream narrative, Carolyn Marsden spins a gripping tale of friendship, cultural identity, and urgent environmental themes.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Marsden
31 books18 followersCarolyn Marsden was born in Mexico City to missionary parents. She has been a writer all her life, but THE GOLD-THREADED DRESS is her first book. About THE GOLD-THREADED DRESS she says, "I wrote this story when my half-Thai daughter was being teased at school. As a parent and elementary school teacher, I watched her struggle to establish a cultural identity. I became fascinated with a conflict that is common to many children in our increasingly diverse United States." Carolyn Marsden has an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College. After spending the last twenty-five years in Tucson, Arizona, Carolyn Marsden now lives by the ocean with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 11, 2016
What I enjoyed most about this book was its unique setting--the part of rural Mexico still inhabited by the descendants of the Mayans. The description of Mayan culture today was fascinating. I didn't know that they had forgotten so much of their ancient history and culture. I was also disgusted at the thought of all the knowledge lost when the Spanish destroyed their codices.
The story revolves around Rosalba, a Mayan girl who befriends a "ladina" named Alicia, whose father is a scientist studying the local environment, specifically the frogs. When the girls discover that the government is building a road through their village, and in the process destroying habitat, they resolve to try to stop it. For Rosalba, this means in part defying the traditional role of women in her culture, and also in part gathering up the courage and self-confidence to be different. I liked the way her character developed.
The only parts of the story that didn't really work for me were Rosalba's dreams about the ancient Mayan boy. I wasn't clear on what was happening with him, and how he fit into the story. The whole idea of the Mayan end of the world prophecy for 2012 being tied to the destruction of the environment made a kind of sense. Rosalba and her people were still tied to a world of gods and magic, so it made more sense to them. Nevertheless, I'm giving this book 4 stars for its characters and the unique and interesting setting.
The story revolves around Rosalba, a Mayan girl who befriends a "ladina" named Alicia, whose father is a scientist studying the local environment, specifically the frogs. When the girls discover that the government is building a road through their village, and in the process destroying habitat, they resolve to try to stop it. For Rosalba, this means in part defying the traditional role of women in her culture, and also in part gathering up the courage and self-confidence to be different. I liked the way her character developed.
The only parts of the story that didn't really work for me were Rosalba's dreams about the ancient Mayan boy. I wasn't clear on what was happening with him, and how he fit into the story. The whole idea of the Mayan end of the world prophecy for 2012 being tied to the destruction of the environment made a kind of sense. Rosalba and her people were still tied to a world of gods and magic, so it made more sense to them. Nevertheless, I'm giving this book 4 stars for its characters and the unique and interesting setting.
May 5, 2022
This book will surely grab a lot of interest due to its timely topic about the Mayan calendar that ends in 2012. Many people think it signals the end of the world. The book centers around a nine-year-old Mayan girl named Rosalba, and her new friend from Mexico City named Alicia. Alicia is in a rural part of Mexico where the Mayans have a village, along with her father and his team of scientists who are studying frogs. Rosalba is told not to trust the "ladinos", but she disobeys her father and secretly meets with Alicia in the forest. It is from Alicia that Rosalba hears the myth about the Mayan calendar, but she has never heard it before. Since she weaves the traditional stories onto blouses to sell in the market, she should know it. When she asks her mother and other villagers about the story, they are not familiar with it either. If their ancestors told this story, then it has somehow been lost over the ages. When bulldozers start tearing down everything in their path to build a road, the scientists discover that frogs are dying. The Mayans have mixed opinions about the building of the road and Alicia challenges Rosalba to do something to stop the destruction. The story alternates with another storyline involving a young shaman from 600 A.D. His eyes were bound at birth so he could not see. A man provides mushrooms and other hallucinagins to help him see visions and predict the future. In one vision, the shaman and Rosalba meet, which helps lead to her decision that goes against the traditional Mayan ways. This is an environmental story appropriate for readers in grades 4-6. Those who enjoyed the book "Hoot" would find this has a similar message. It will also appeal to those who enjoy multicultural stories since the reader is given a glimpse into the traditional Mayan culture. I found it thought-provoking and especially liked Alicia's explanation about a sun burst that happens on a regular basis as the Earth approaches the center of the universe. When this happens, all life on the planet is killed and begins again. Rosalba recognizes this as the Noah story. It seemed a plausible explanation as to how the Mayans might have calculated the next time this would happen to upset life on Earth. This is excellent to listen to on audio as well since the accents of the two girls are depicted and difficult Spanish words are pronounced.
July 13, 2017
This book was very interesting and unique compared to my latest reads!
It is about Rosalba Nicho a mayan girl living in a small village called San Martin in Mexico.
Rosalba lives with her extended family and weaves stories and myths into brightly-colored huipils that are supposed to bring prosperous rains and corn by pleasing the most important Earthlord. Her life is divergent to her new friend Alicia's life.
Alicia comes from Mexico City. She goes to a fancy school, can read, and has hot pink nails. She has arrived at San Martin to study why frogs' population are decreasing dramatically. Her father is a scientist who is alarmed by this drastic environmental change.
Their worlds combine as they try to decipher what the 2012 prophesy may mean for the world as the earth enters the heart of the milky way galaxy: the starfields. They work together to stop a road from being built that may cause harm to the Earthlord and frogs/toads.
Even after Alicia leaves, Rosalba is still confused as to what she can do to make a statement about the danger that's to come. Rosalba dreams of a mayan, shaman boy named Xunko, who tells her how to make her voice heard.
I liked this book, and would recommend it to kids ages 9-13. Some parts regarding Xunko maybe more for ages 11-13, because of sacrifice, and blood as well as other more mature topics. I hope anyone who picks up this book finds a special place for it in their hearts. They should remember this for years to come as it was a uniquely satisfying read.
It is about Rosalba Nicho a mayan girl living in a small village called San Martin in Mexico.
Rosalba lives with her extended family and weaves stories and myths into brightly-colored huipils that are supposed to bring prosperous rains and corn by pleasing the most important Earthlord. Her life is divergent to her new friend Alicia's life.
Alicia comes from Mexico City. She goes to a fancy school, can read, and has hot pink nails. She has arrived at San Martin to study why frogs' population are decreasing dramatically. Her father is a scientist who is alarmed by this drastic environmental change.
Their worlds combine as they try to decipher what the 2012 prophesy may mean for the world as the earth enters the heart of the milky way galaxy: the starfields. They work together to stop a road from being built that may cause harm to the Earthlord and frogs/toads.
Even after Alicia leaves, Rosalba is still confused as to what she can do to make a statement about the danger that's to come. Rosalba dreams of a mayan, shaman boy named Xunko, who tells her how to make her voice heard.
I liked this book, and would recommend it to kids ages 9-13. Some parts regarding Xunko maybe more for ages 11-13, because of sacrifice, and blood as well as other more mature topics. I hope anyone who picks up this book finds a special place for it in their hearts. They should remember this for years to come as it was a uniquely satisfying read.
June 15, 2025
This is not the indigenous representation we want for our young people. Marsden creates an interesting premise, connecting the end of the Mayan calendar to our mistreatment of the planet, but lacks genuine indigenous vision. She credits "those who have spent time with modern mayans" instead of consulting indigenous people herself. There are definitely aspects that seem stereotyped, which is unsurprising given how white the perspective is. Don't recommend. Let's actually learn from indigenous folks instead.
September 1, 2025
Maybe I should have read this earlier in life. My teenage self would have been fascinated and would have probably been into the Mayans just as how I was into the Greeks and Egyptians.
October 9, 2018
Featuring the Mayans, this book is really something. Although it is a kids book, the adult are sure to learn a lot from this book including new language. Especially the new language because the Mayans used in this book are legit Mayans.
January 7, 2012
I had mixed feelings about this book while reading it, for many reasons. There were things that I liked and others that I didn't like so much.
I think the premise about a mayan girl saving her village from destruction and the end of the world was interesting, especially since we're in the famous 2012 already.
Let start with what I didn't like so much. The conflict was solved too quick or too easy in my opinion. The obstacles the author presented were too important for the resolutions she offered in the end. Talking about the end, it didn't feel satisfying to me either.
Another thing was how the knowledge about the end of the world was introduced to the main character. I can't tell you without spoilers, but I can say it wasn't subtle enough.
Now onto what I liked.
The authenticity of the cultural aspects of the story and the characters and the world (real one too). I knew very little about mayans (except what media tells me) going into this book and I came out a bit more smarter about their past and their ways. You could tell the author did her research. The characters were authentic (the mayans).
There were two povs in the book. One being the main character Rosa and the other a young boy, a shaman from the past. I wanted to see more of his pov, get to know him a bit further, because there wasn't enough. It almost seemed like he was introduced to serve a purpose and that was it. I loved his voice and wished there were more chapters about him.
This book is great for introducing a different culture to young readers. However I should warn readers to read with an adult. There are quite some disturbing (but true) violent/death scenes that could use some explaining to young readers.
I think the premise about a mayan girl saving her village from destruction and the end of the world was interesting, especially since we're in the famous 2012 already.
Let start with what I didn't like so much. The conflict was solved too quick or too easy in my opinion. The obstacles the author presented were too important for the resolutions she offered in the end. Talking about the end, it didn't feel satisfying to me either.
Another thing was how the knowledge about the end of the world was introduced to the main character. I can't tell you without spoilers, but I can say it wasn't subtle enough.
Now onto what I liked.
The authenticity of the cultural aspects of the story and the characters and the world (real one too). I knew very little about mayans (except what media tells me) going into this book and I came out a bit more smarter about their past and their ways. You could tell the author did her research. The characters were authentic (the mayans).
There were two povs in the book. One being the main character Rosa and the other a young boy, a shaman from the past. I wanted to see more of his pov, get to know him a bit further, because there wasn't enough. It almost seemed like he was introduced to serve a purpose and that was it. I loved his voice and wished there were more chapters about him.
This book is great for introducing a different culture to young readers. However I should warn readers to read with an adult. There are quite some disturbing (but true) violent/death scenes that could use some explaining to young readers.
November 28, 2011
Additional - Middle readers, grades 4 and up
Marsden writes well, but I liked this less than some of her others. "Starfields" is the story of nine-year-old Rosalba who lives in rural Mexico and whose community is still immersed in their Mayan heritage. Rosalba's meeting with the young daughter of a scientist who is researching the puzzling death of local frogs changes her life and that of her community. This standard clash of cultures with a strong environmental message would have made for a fine book on its own. However, Marsden throws in alternating chapters in the voice of an ancient Mayan boy shaman whose visions predict Rosalba's time and troubles and incorporates the Mayan calendar prediction that the world will end in 2012. These brief chapters told through the bound eyes of the young shaman are confusing and quite scary if the reader knows nothing of the ancient Mayan culture of ritual and human sacrifice. For an easy middle reader, this seems like heavy stuff and Rosalba's story would work just fine without her saving the community through a vision from the past. It's all a bit forced.
Amy Gavalis
Lincoln Public Library
Marsden writes well, but I liked this less than some of her others. "Starfields" is the story of nine-year-old Rosalba who lives in rural Mexico and whose community is still immersed in their Mayan heritage. Rosalba's meeting with the young daughter of a scientist who is researching the puzzling death of local frogs changes her life and that of her community. This standard clash of cultures with a strong environmental message would have made for a fine book on its own. However, Marsden throws in alternating chapters in the voice of an ancient Mayan boy shaman whose visions predict Rosalba's time and troubles and incorporates the Mayan calendar prediction that the world will end in 2012. These brief chapters told through the bound eyes of the young shaman are confusing and quite scary if the reader knows nothing of the ancient Mayan culture of ritual and human sacrifice. For an easy middle reader, this seems like heavy stuff and Rosalba's story would work just fine without her saving the community through a vision from the past. It's all a bit forced.
Amy Gavalis
Lincoln Public Library
February 4, 2016
Narrated by Adriana Sannanes, Sanjiv Jhaveri. Rosalba and her family have always followed the Mayan ways, maintaining their connection to the earth and doing what is required to please the earth lord. Rosalba meets Alicia, a ladina, who is camping in the area with her father and his fellow scientists. They are studying the die-off of frogs and toads in the area. Alicia encourages Rosalba to do something “big†to help save the frogs and the planet, but what can a Mayan village girl do? A special ancestor reaches Rosalba in a dream and inspires her to take action.
Sananes has an authentic-sounding accent for Rosalba’s story, which helps especially when Spanish is used. She reads in a gentle voice that suggests Rosalba’s innocence and lack of awareness of what is going on outside her Mayan village and ways.
Jhaveri reads the young shaman’s parts with a deep solemnity reflecting the serious and severe nature of the shamans’ sacrifices and rituals
Sananes has an authentic-sounding accent for Rosalba’s story, which helps especially when Spanish is used. She reads in a gentle voice that suggests Rosalba’s innocence and lack of awareness of what is going on outside her Mayan village and ways.
Jhaveri reads the young shaman’s parts with a deep solemnity reflecting the serious and severe nature of the shamans’ sacrifices and rituals
February 17, 2014
On one side there is a great story about Rosalba, a nine year old girl in Mexico, living and following Mayan traditions. When she meets a new friend from the city she learns about the Mayan calendar and its prediction for the end of the world in 2012. She struggles to believe this will happen, but when a bulldozer begins tearing through the forest to make way for a new road she is gripped with fear. The second part is a mythical dream sequence for more sophisticated readers. I liked both stories but would recommend two age groups. Rosalba’s story for ages 8 to ten, and the dream segment for ten to twelve.
May 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this MG story of a young Mayan girl who wants to take a stand against those trying to build a road close to her village.
YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
April 23, 2015
Good, quick read that touches on standing up for your beliefs and taking care of the planet and community.
Probably best for 4th-5th grade and up.
However, there are some disturbing violent/death/sacrifice (but true) scenes that could use some explaining to young readers.
Probably best for 4th-5th grade and up.
However, there are some disturbing violent/death/sacrifice (but true) scenes that could use some explaining to young readers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews