Stories That Must Not Die

by Juan Sauvageau

Folk tales help illuminate the history and spirit of the Mexican-US border. In hopes of saving this tradition for future generations, professor Juan Sauvageau sought out informants up and down the Rio Grande, recording and then chronicling the mysterious legends recounted by people who lived in the towns where the stories were first told. A classic of border lore, this wildly popular bilingual tome is great for kids and adults alike.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

171 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of Hispanic urban legends and myths.
The stories are short and to-the-point but entertaining enough to keep the reader enthralled, with just the right amount of laughs, drama, thrills and/or scares to make the morals stick.
It's a book to be read repeatedly, and one that future generations will surely find equally engaging.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any teacher or parent of Hispanic kids, especially struggling readers looking for high-interest texts, should get a copy of this book. Though it is out-of-print, Overlooked Books has the reprint rights and can get you as many as you need. Great myths and legends!

[offbeatbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traditions and folklore are part of the human experience.  Stories passed down by firesides, told to us by our parents and grandparents keep our cultural memories alive.  Myths and monsters teach us lessons on morality, warn us of dangers, and are largely meant to keep us on a safe path throughout childhood and the rest of our lives.  Stories also teach us about cultures, sometimes our own, helping us connect to our heritage, sometimes the cultures of others, helping us learn the histories and traditions of other societies, enriching our experiences as human beings. 
 
🗡️Juan Sauvageau Stories That Must Not Die is a collection of tales rich in the traditions of Northern Mexico and the Southwest United States.  In this fascinating book, readers will find recounts of dances with the devil, shape shifting owls, Comanche abductions, and more.  These stories help us understand history, societies, belief systems, and link us to the generations that came before us.  Stories That Must Not Die faithfully retells folktales from the borderlands.  With both English and Spanish text, the book is accessible to readers from different backgrounds.  Stories That Must Not Die is a great book for adults and YA readers alike.  Plenty of ghosts and spookiness to make it to your October reading list.

My favorite story was La llorona , she’s said to haunt waterways, like canals, rivers and streams , wailing loudly in search of her children…and if you cross her way by the river bed , she’ll take you instead…..

[B]

Impressive collection of folk tales, ghost stories, and local history vignettes from South Texas. Too often these stories really do die; the author achieved something great in writing them all down. I echo Joe Galvan’s excellent Texas Monthly review:

https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-cult...

[Blurplenightmares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of Hispanic urban legends and myths. The stories are short and to-the-point but entertaining enough to keep the reader enthralled, with just the right amount of laughs, drama, thrills and/or scares to make the morals stick. It's a book to be read repeatedly, and one that future generations will surely find equally engaging.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in my elementary library back in the 90s. I already knew some of the stories but this book is a must for the Mexican Folklore fan. I bought the book and keep it in my library for anyone I know who wants to read it. My daughter received

[Lisa Dimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much.

[Sammy Thompson]

good book too read

[Noemi Gamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection as a child growing up along the border of south Texas and Mexico. The stories were scary and sent shivers down my spine. I am so disappointed it is out of print.

[Linda]

I read this as a child. Loved the stories especially because my Aunt told us these stories late at night..scared me so much!!!