Primas

by Elisa Amado, Luis Garay (Illustrations)

The little girl at the heart of this story lives between two worlds. On one hand is her house, where she lives with her Latin American father and North American grandmother. Her mother is dead. Here there are many beautiful things, lots of books and plenty of money. On the other hand is her other grandmother’s house, where her cousin lives with her own mother and many others. This is a Catholic household, where material possessions aren’t especially important. Here the house is always full of people – those who live in the house as well as those who come by for a generous afternoon feast and a good gossip.

Despite the child’s many possessions at home, she loves the Catholic world in which her cousin lives. She is especially fond of the icon of the baby Jesus and a moonstone rosary. She is also envious of her cousin’s forthcoming First Communion.

All these feelings come to a head when she steals the rosary and, while she must confront her awful feelings of guilt, she realizes that she is a very lucky child to be able to move between two such wonderful worlds.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Elisa Amado is a native of Guatemala who now lives and works in eastern Canada. In addition to writing stories for the early grades based upon her own multicultural experiences, she has also served as a translator for both Spanish and Zapotec authors who craft tales for young children. In her dual roles as writer and translator, Amado has expanded the number of Central American folk tales available to an English-speaking audience.

Reviews

[Gladys Sosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being born in Mexico, I think this book represents well traditions, customs, and values in the small towns; however, I think there are stereotypes in the different concepts thorughout the book. I feel that this book represents a conservative Mexico with old ideas. I totally believe that we can teach traditions and values in a more contemporary scenario. When reading this book with my students, most of them felt identified with certain events in the story even though I sensed they got somehow tired with the amount of details in the text.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This children's book is filled with events and emotions that a lot of children can relate too. A lot of people have that cousin or relative member growing up that they wish they could do the things they did. The illustrations in this book are really realistic, especially the faces. I think children who are a little older can enjoy this book, I would say 4+. I enjoyed the book, but thought some of it was stereotypical.

[Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Title does not really match the story.

[Kelly Shiverdecker]

Published: 2004

This realistic fiction children's book is about a girl who lives with her grandmother, but also visits her Catholic grandmother, whom one day the girl steals the rosary from and becomes very guilty and turns herself in.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unfortunately titled.

A good story, both complex (in feeling and conflict for the main character) and simple (in language and storyline).

Although the narrator compares herself to her cousin, the book is NOT about cousins. It is more a comparison of two extended families, two lives and sets of religious values, both part of this unnamed child's life.

Themes: religion, family, stealing, jealousy.