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The Secret Footprints
The Dominican legend of the ciguapas, creatures who lived in underwater caves and whose feet were on backward so that humans couldn't follow their footprints, is reinvented by renowned author Julia Alvarez. Although the ciguapas fear humans, Guapa, a bold and brave ciguapa, can't help but be curious--especially about a boy she sees on the nights when she goes on the land to hunt for food. When she gets too close to his family and is discovered, she learns that some humans are kind. Even though she escapes unharmed and promises never to get too close to a human again, Guapa still sneaks over to the boy's house some evenings, where she finds a warm pastelito in the pocket of his jacket on the clothesline.
40 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2000
16 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Julia Alvarez
89 books4,066 followersJulia Alvarez left the Dominican Republic for the United States in 1960 at the age of ten. She is the author of six novels, three books of nonfiction, three collections of poetry, and eleven books for children and young adults. She has taught and mentored writers in schools and communities across America and, until her retirement in 2016, was a writer-in-residence at Middlebury College. Her work has garnered wide recognition, including a Latina Leader Award in Literature from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Hispanic Heritage Award in Literature, the Woman of the Year by Latina magazine, and inclusion in the New York Public Library’s program “The Hand of the Poet: Original Manuscripts by 100 Masters, from John Donne to Julia Alvarez.” In the Time of the Butterflies, with over one million copies in print, was selected by the National Endowment for the Arts for its national Big Read program, and in 2013 President Obama awarded Alvarez the National Medal of Arts in recognition of her extraordinary storytelling.
Photo copyright by Brandon Cruz González
EL VOCERO DE PUERTO RICO
Photo copyright by Brandon Cruz González
EL VOCERO DE PUERTO RICO
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 28, 2023
What an engaging and also very much thought provoking folktale adaptation! I love both Julia Alvarez' text and Fabian Negrin's colourful and descriptive accompanying illustrations, although I do have to admit, that the depictions of the Ciguapas with their backwards facing feet took some getting used to for me, as at first glance, the Ciguapas definitely seemed (at least to and for my eyes) as though they were walking on strangely malformed legs, but nevertheless, the entire concept of the Ciguapas having backwards feet as a safety measure to avoid discovery is both enchanting and ingenious.
Now when I was reading The Secret Footprints for the very first time, I immediately thought that the legend of a group of hidden creatures, living in seclusion on Hispaniola (and very shy and fearful of humans) could be somewhat related to the displacement (and often resulting genocide) of the native populations of Hispaniola during the European conquest. And when I checked the author's note, it states that a sizable number of individuals actually do in fact and indeed believe this horrible and inhumane, evil time to be the origin of this tale, of The Secret Footprints. And truly, this does not only make perfect sense to me, I have actually always much tended to believe (at least as an adult) that many if not most folktales about hidden and secret peoples likely have at least part of their origin in historical and/or pre-historical conquests, incidents of one group or groups of people being overtaken and subjugated by other group(s).
But be that as it may, in my opinion, a further and interesting twist regarding the Secret Footprints is that Guapa's insatiable curiosity does not have negative consequences for either her or the Ciguapas as a group, as a whole. For Guapa not only makes friends with the little boy's family, but the queen of the Ciguapas is forced to admit that some humans can be kind (and it is amazing what sharing some delicious food can do for community spirit, communication and understanding). And when one then remembers what so often happens due to curiosity in many folk and fairy tales, one realises just how delightfully different, how much of a novelty the Secret Footprints truly and really is. Because let's face it, usually, curiosity ends in often horrible disasters for the curious (like the countless European folktales of individuals spying on fairies and being blinded for their audacity, or curiosity causing the previously helpful wee folk to disappear forever). And in many folktales, even if curiosity does not kill the proverbial cat, curiosity is nevertheless more often than not punished, and punished severely. Guapa's curiosity though, not only has no negative consequences, it actually seems to result in understanding between humans and ciguapas, it leads to increased harmony all around.
And finally, but importantly for me personally, with The Secret Footprints it was and remains wonderful and yes very special to see Guapa (a curious and inquisitive little girl Ciguapa) not being punished for this, and actually even receiving ample praise; laudably and fortunately, the pursuit of knowledge by a girl is actually seen as something inherently positive. Because once again, when one thinks of the many folktales where curiosity is punished, the curious are more often than not women or girls. And I have also read quite a large number of novels, especially 18th and 19th century social satires, where curiosity is often described not only as negative, but as a particularly and vile female vice. And if one then equates female curiosity to and with a striving for knowledge and education, basically it is unfortunately rather sadly true that very many traditional folktales do continuously and constantly negate and punish women who seek knowledge. And fact that this does not occur in The Secret Footprints, it makes this shining little gem of a picture book folktale adaptation not only a perennial personal favourite for me, but a folktale to be shared with and appreciated by women and girls in particular (although this is also truly a tale for everyone).
Now when I was reading The Secret Footprints for the very first time, I immediately thought that the legend of a group of hidden creatures, living in seclusion on Hispaniola (and very shy and fearful of humans) could be somewhat related to the displacement (and often resulting genocide) of the native populations of Hispaniola during the European conquest. And when I checked the author's note, it states that a sizable number of individuals actually do in fact and indeed believe this horrible and inhumane, evil time to be the origin of this tale, of The Secret Footprints. And truly, this does not only make perfect sense to me, I have actually always much tended to believe (at least as an adult) that many if not most folktales about hidden and secret peoples likely have at least part of their origin in historical and/or pre-historical conquests, incidents of one group or groups of people being overtaken and subjugated by other group(s).
But be that as it may, in my opinion, a further and interesting twist regarding the Secret Footprints is that Guapa's insatiable curiosity does not have negative consequences for either her or the Ciguapas as a group, as a whole. For Guapa not only makes friends with the little boy's family, but the queen of the Ciguapas is forced to admit that some humans can be kind (and it is amazing what sharing some delicious food can do for community spirit, communication and understanding). And when one then remembers what so often happens due to curiosity in many folk and fairy tales, one realises just how delightfully different, how much of a novelty the Secret Footprints truly and really is. Because let's face it, usually, curiosity ends in often horrible disasters for the curious (like the countless European folktales of individuals spying on fairies and being blinded for their audacity, or curiosity causing the previously helpful wee folk to disappear forever). And in many folktales, even if curiosity does not kill the proverbial cat, curiosity is nevertheless more often than not punished, and punished severely. Guapa's curiosity though, not only has no negative consequences, it actually seems to result in understanding between humans and ciguapas, it leads to increased harmony all around.
And finally, but importantly for me personally, with The Secret Footprints it was and remains wonderful and yes very special to see Guapa (a curious and inquisitive little girl Ciguapa) not being punished for this, and actually even receiving ample praise; laudably and fortunately, the pursuit of knowledge by a girl is actually seen as something inherently positive. Because once again, when one thinks of the many folktales where curiosity is punished, the curious are more often than not women or girls. And I have also read quite a large number of novels, especially 18th and 19th century social satires, where curiosity is often described not only as negative, but as a particularly and vile female vice. And if one then equates female curiosity to and with a striving for knowledge and education, basically it is unfortunately rather sadly true that very many traditional folktales do continuously and constantly negate and punish women who seek knowledge. And fact that this does not occur in The Secret Footprints, it makes this shining little gem of a picture book folktale adaptation not only a perennial personal favourite for me, but a folktale to be shared with and appreciated by women and girls in particular (although this is also truly a tale for everyone).
May 1, 2010
I read this for the May Picture Books Club at the Children's Books group. I wasn’t really in the mood for folktales, but I loved this story and its illustrations.
The illustrations are lovely, really special. Both the colors and the art style are very appealing.
The story completely engaged me. I enjoyed it much more than similar other stories I’ve read. I actually cared about the characters, both ciguapas and humans. There are some amusing parts, such as when what’s so feared about humans is specified. Things such they make you wash your hands before meals are included.
I really appreciated the author’s section About the Story that comes at the end of the book. She gives some background on the origins of the folktale and her belief in the ciguapas. It’s very cute.
I thought that both illustrations and story were outstanding.
The illustrations are lovely, really special. Both the colors and the art style are very appealing.
The story completely engaged me. I enjoyed it much more than similar other stories I’ve read. I actually cared about the characters, both ciguapas and humans. There are some amusing parts, such as when what’s so feared about humans is specified. Things such they make you wash your hands before meals are included.
I really appreciated the author’s section About the Story that comes at the end of the book. She gives some background on the origins of the folktale and her belief in the ciguapas. It’s very cute.
I thought that both illustrations and story were outstanding.
January 20, 2019
A lovely retelling of a legend concerning the ciguapa, a tribe of beautiful people said to live in secret underwater caves in the Dominican Republic, The Secret Footprints follows the story of Guapa, a young ciguapa whose curiosity about humans endangers her people.
Tales of the "other" people - be they fairies, mer-folk, dwarves, or selkies - abound in world folklore, and an example can be found in almost every culture. This picture-book by the author of adult novels such as How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies was my first exposure to this particular race of mythological creatures, and I was charmed. The backward feet of the ciguapa is a clever innovation, and Fabian Negrin's luminous illustrations really emphasize the mystery and wonder of the tale.
Alvarez' afterword, in which she speculates that the legend might come from the displacement of the indigenous Taino people of Hispaniola, forced to live in caves to hide from European invaders, makes perfect sense. I know that scholars have likewise speculated that the fairy-folk of western European tradition come out of folk-memories about the meeting of Iron-Age and Bronze-Age people in that area of the world. One wonders if all of these "other" peoples were originally just other people - memorialized in the memory of those who supplanted them.
Tales of the "other" people - be they fairies, mer-folk, dwarves, or selkies - abound in world folklore, and an example can be found in almost every culture. This picture-book by the author of adult novels such as How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies was my first exposure to this particular race of mythological creatures, and I was charmed. The backward feet of the ciguapa is a clever innovation, and Fabian Negrin's luminous illustrations really emphasize the mystery and wonder of the tale.
Alvarez' afterword, in which she speculates that the legend might come from the displacement of the indigenous Taino people of Hispaniola, forced to live in caves to hide from European invaders, makes perfect sense. I know that scholars have likewise speculated that the fairy-folk of western European tradition come out of folk-memories about the meeting of Iron-Age and Bronze-Age people in that area of the world. One wonders if all of these "other" peoples were originally just other people - memorialized in the memory of those who supplanted them.
December 12, 2019
Illustrations by Fabian Negrin
5*****
This children’s picture book tells the Dominican Republic legend of the ciguapas – a race of extraordinarily beautiful people who live in caves beneath the sea and come onto land only at night. As a further way of ensuring they won’t be found their feet are on backwards, so anyone following their footprints will be led away from them rather than toward them.
I found this charming and entertaining. I liked the kindness displayed by both Guapa and the human boy and his family. Could not help but recall The Little Mermaid. The illustrations by Fabian Negrin are gloriously rich in color and bring me right to the tropics.
5*****
This children’s picture book tells the Dominican Republic legend of the ciguapas – a race of extraordinarily beautiful people who live in caves beneath the sea and come onto land only at night. As a further way of ensuring they won’t be found their feet are on backwards, so anyone following their footprints will be led away from them rather than toward them.
I found this charming and entertaining. I liked the kindness displayed by both Guapa and the human boy and his family. Could not help but recall The Little Mermaid. The illustrations by Fabian Negrin are gloriously rich in color and bring me right to the tropics.
Read
June 22, 2024Hm. I agree with the reviewers who loved it on such details as: humans would make us wash our hands before meals, and curiosity is praiseworthy (and mistakes are not punished), and the realization that some humans can be kind, etc. I appreciate the careful & interesting author's note. The illustrations are fine. But somehow I wasn't crazy about it; therefore I won't rate.
June 17, 2010
Apparently this story originates in the Dominican Republic, and I cannot say enough how beautifully written it really is. No matter how well the book is written however, it is the pictures that go along with this story that really make it shine! The ciguapas are said to have their feet on backward, and Negrin really made this stand out with his rich illustrations. The kids were enamored with these mythical creatures from page one.
Guapa is the main character in this story, and she is a young girl in her tribe. What I really loved about Guapa as a main character was that she was so easy for the kids to identify with. It is evident that her decisions in the story are based on her age and lack of experience. She is a young girl, and a curious one at that! Since the kids were so easily able to identify with her, they were able to appreciate the story that much more.
Underneath this story is a message of acceptance and of ignoring stereotypes. Of taking a chance with a new friend, or a new adventure. This book is a very sweet way for kids to be introduced to this old folktale, and perhaps learn a little bit about themselves in the process.
Guapa is the main character in this story, and she is a young girl in her tribe. What I really loved about Guapa as a main character was that she was so easy for the kids to identify with. It is evident that her decisions in the story are based on her age and lack of experience. She is a young girl, and a curious one at that! Since the kids were so easily able to identify with her, they were able to appreciate the story that much more.
Underneath this story is a message of acceptance and of ignoring stereotypes. Of taking a chance with a new friend, or a new adventure. This book is a very sweet way for kids to be introduced to this old folktale, and perhaps learn a little bit about themselves in the process.
May 16, 2010
Very interesting tale about the legend of the Ciguapas. Apparently, the legend originates in the Dominican Republic and up until I read this picture book, I was totally unfamiliar with it. Basically, the Ciguapas are a mythical, underwater tribe of human-like beings who only come out at night (because they are afraid of people). The book tells the story of one very brave young Ciguapa girl who stumbles on to a friendship of sorts with a similarly-aged human boy. The story was intriguing and the illustrations were well done - but I have to say that pictures of humans with their feet on backwards (that's the characteristic trait of a Ciguapa) kind of turned my stomach! I had to admire how the illustrator made it look somewhat natural, though.
September 17, 2020
This was absolutely charming. The story was perfectly told, it was easy to understand and drew me in immediately. The ciguapas in this story are never threatening, they are shy creatures who are afraid of humans ... except for young Guapa, who is beautiful, brave, and bold.
The art complemented the story perfectly, it was beautiful, colorful, simple, and just a little bit mysterious. Young children will delight in finding the backwards feet on the ciguapas.
The art complemented the story perfectly, it was beautiful, colorful, simple, and just a little bit mysterious. Young children will delight in finding the backwards feet on the ciguapas.
June 21, 2010
I can truly say I've never read anything like this folktale from the Dominican Republic. People with their feet on backwards--quite a challenge for the illustrator! The existence of secret people, hidden from the everyday world, has always been intriguing, and this story is no exception. If Julia Alvarez has any other folktales or stories like this one, I'd love to hear them.
April 11, 2011
I like the mysteriousness of the footprints. That's my favourite part. And there's a little boy which meets the Ciguapa but she keeps it a secret. He didn't see the feet which are on backwards. And they live under water and they also can breathe underwater. They live in caves but no one knows about the secret of Ciguapas, their feet are on backwards in the story.
Want to read
July 1, 2012This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2010 - Latino reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
November 10, 2013
I enjoyed this story about the Ciguapas of the Dominican Republic. It's a nice story of trust, friendship, respecting differences, and being kind to one's neighbors. This is a good read for teaching community and family values to young readers.
May 2, 2010
Mmmmm, cupcakes.
December 1, 2019
Acclaimed writer Julia Alvarez retells the legend of the ciguapas, as she first heard it during her childhood in the Dominican Republic, beautifully illustrated by Fabian Negrin.
Ciguapas live in caves under the water, coming out only at night to hunt for food. This tribe look just like humans on the island, with golden skin and long black hair, except they are exceptionally beautiful and their feet are on backwards. Humans have not discovered them because their footsteps can't be followed. The story tells about a young ciguapas so intrigued by humans that she meets a little boy and tastes pastelitos, a local stuffed pastry, before escaping back to her home underwater.
Definitely reminiscent of the Little Mermaid!
Ciguapas live in caves under the water, coming out only at night to hunt for food. This tribe look just like humans on the island, with golden skin and long black hair, except they are exceptionally beautiful and their feet are on backwards. Humans have not discovered them because their footsteps can't be followed. The story tells about a young ciguapas so intrigued by humans that she meets a little boy and tastes pastelitos, a local stuffed pastry, before escaping back to her home underwater.
Definitely reminiscent of the Little Mermaid!
December 29, 2019
The Secret Footprints - Alvarez
4 stars
Beautiful illustrations of a Dominican legend. I’d never heard of the mythical ciguapas before. Guapa, the bold and beautiful, is an antidote to Andersen’s little mermaid. She doesn’t allow her curious fascination with humans to lure her away from life she is meant to live. It’s a good read aloud story made better by the illustrations.
4 stars
Beautiful illustrations of a Dominican legend. I’d never heard of the mythical ciguapas before. Guapa, the bold and beautiful, is an antidote to Andersen’s little mermaid. She doesn’t allow her curious fascination with humans to lure her away from life she is meant to live. It’s a good read aloud story made better by the illustrations.
February 24, 2012
Guapa is a member of the ciguapas tribe. They live in the Dominican Republic and make their homes underwater. At night they come out to hunt for food and they are very fearful of humans. What sets the ciguapas apart from others is that although they are human, their feet are on backwards. This makes it difficult for anyone to track them. No one knew of this special characteristic. One day it was almost revealed. Guapa (her name means brave, bold and beautiful), went looking for food one evening before it was completely dark. She wandered too close to a house where a family was still woke and she tried on their clothes that were hanging outside on the lawn. A boy who lived inside, saw her and tried to befriend her but Guapa hurried away. The other ciguapas were concerned that Guapa's wandering would cause for their secret to be discovered so they asked the queen to speak with her. After a scolding, Guapa promised not to venture close to the humans again. But she was curious "what is it like to be a human?". One day she came up out of the water during the day and stumbled upon the boy and his family having a picnic. They invited her to lunch and in her effort to run back to the ocean, she stumbled and fell and twisted her ankle. The boy and his family care for her and when nightfall comes, the other ciguapas come in search for her. She leaves the blanket where she was laying and leaves a sea shell as a thank you for the boy and his family. From then on the ciguapas did not steal food from this family as Guapa told them how nice they were to her.
This is Dominican folklore written in such a lovely way. The illustrations add to the beauty of the story. I had to stop and study the way Fabian Negrin drew the backward feet. Very convincing!! Guapa, I would put at age 11-13 so students in that age range would be able to identify with her. She is young, beautiful, inquisitive and forgetful. Although she is different because of where she lives and her backward feet, she still shares the same emotions as a real human.
This is Dominican folklore written in such a lovely way. The illustrations add to the beauty of the story. I had to stop and study the way Fabian Negrin drew the backward feet. Very convincing!! Guapa, I would put at age 11-13 so students in that age range would be able to identify with her. She is young, beautiful, inquisitive and forgetful. Although she is different because of where she lives and her backward feet, she still shares the same emotions as a real human.
February 10, 2011
The cigualpas are a secret tribe of beautiful human-like creatures, with their feet turned the wrong way. They live in the water and only come on land at night to find food. They hide from humans to protect their species. One night Guapa ventured out to hunt and is seen by a boy. Guapa is chastised and she promises to be more careful. However, Guapa is intrigued by this boy and continued to go by his house to see if she could catch a glimpse of him. One day she comes across his family having a picnic. She wants to taste their food so while they are away from the picnic blanket playing Guapa sneaks to the blanket to grab some foot. She falls and the family rushes over to see if she is okay. Seeing that Guapa's feet are turned the wrong way, they think she has broken her ankles. The boy stays with Guapa while the rest of the family goes to find a doctor. The boy suggests Guapa may want water so Guapa tells him to please get her some. He runs off to do so and Guapa runs off to hide, leaving behind a seashell. The boy often looks for Guapa but never sees her again. However, in thanks for the boy and his family's kindness Guapa often folds their laundry hanging on the line.
Alvarez includes an explanation of the origins of the story (Dominican Republic). Very enchanting.
Recommended 5+.
Alvarez includes an explanation of the origins of the story (Dominican Republic). Very enchanting.
Recommended 5+.
June 22, 2011
Illustrator: Fabian Negrin
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2000
Interest Level: K-5
Reading level: 2-4
Julia Alvarez shares folklore of her Domincan ancestors in this beautifully illustrated text. The illustrations by the Argentine Negrin add a surreal quality to the story about the Ciguapas, beings that live secretly in the water. Their feet are reversed, so humans have not been able to discover the existence of the Ciguapas. One Ciguapa, Guapa, is very adventurous and her exploration of the humans' world could lead to the discovery of the Ciguapas. This tale looks at the fear of the known, the innocence of an adolescent and a hint of mystery.
I think it could be incorporated in a study of folklore or cultural traditions. I don't see a content connection possibility outside of a literary focus or maybe a social studies link with the Dominican Republic. THe note in the back of the book says that there are many different versions of this legend, which could connect to a literary study of the characteristics of legends/folklore. One of the hypotheses for the tale's origin is linked to the Taino Indians hiding from the Spanish explorers of Columbus.
To use it as a mentor text for writing and understand/appreciate its complexity, I would recommend it for older students of grades 5-8.
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2000
Interest Level: K-5
Reading level: 2-4
Julia Alvarez shares folklore of her Domincan ancestors in this beautifully illustrated text. The illustrations by the Argentine Negrin add a surreal quality to the story about the Ciguapas, beings that live secretly in the water. Their feet are reversed, so humans have not been able to discover the existence of the Ciguapas. One Ciguapa, Guapa, is very adventurous and her exploration of the humans' world could lead to the discovery of the Ciguapas. This tale looks at the fear of the known, the innocence of an adolescent and a hint of mystery.
I think it could be incorporated in a study of folklore or cultural traditions. I don't see a content connection possibility outside of a literary focus or maybe a social studies link with the Dominican Republic. THe note in the back of the book says that there are many different versions of this legend, which could connect to a literary study of the characteristics of legends/folklore. One of the hypotheses for the tale's origin is linked to the Taino Indians hiding from the Spanish explorers of Columbus.
To use it as a mentor text for writing and understand/appreciate its complexity, I would recommend it for older students of grades 5-8.
March 24, 2017
I picked this up out of curiosity. What would a children's book written by Julia Alvarez read like? Well, after listening to a few of her talks I can hear her voice coming across loud and clear. There's a commonality in The Secret Footprints that comes across in How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!. The Secret Footprints is a very quick read though, 10 minutes if that. I've not come across the folk tale of the Ciguapas before so that was interesting. The story's main protagonist, Guapa, is curious, bold, and brave which are qualities I enjoy seeing in stories with little girls. The illustrations are beautiful, I enjoyed the vibrancy of the colour the illustrator, Fabian Negrin, used to portray the island, the people, their clothes, the flora and the fauna.
December 13, 2013
The Dominican legend of the ciguapas, creatures who lived in underwater caves and whose feet were on backward so that humans couldn't follow their footprints, is reinvented by renowned author Julia Alvarez. Although the ciguapas fear humans, Guapa, a bold and brave ciguapa, can't help but be curious--especially about a boy she sees on the nights when she goes on the land to hunt for food. When she gets too close to his family and is discovered, she learns that some humans are kind. Even though she escapes unharmed and promises never to get too close to a human again, Guapa still sneaks over to the boy's house some evenings, where she finds a warm pastelito in the pocket of his jacket on the clothesline.
From the Hardcover Library Binding edition.
A story based on Dominican folklore, about the ciguapas, a tribe of beautiful underwater people whose feet are attached backwards, with their toes pointing in the direction from which they have come.
Teaching Ideas: Beautiful illustrations for a read aloud, especially with a document camera. A wonderful folktale from the Dominican Republic that readers of all ages could enjoy.
From the Hardcover Library Binding edition.
A story based on Dominican folklore, about the ciguapas, a tribe of beautiful underwater people whose feet are attached backwards, with their toes pointing in the direction from which they have come.
Teaching Ideas: Beautiful illustrations for a read aloud, especially with a document camera. A wonderful folktale from the Dominican Republic that readers of all ages could enjoy.
April 13, 2015
-Personal Reaction- I really enjoyed this book and I think students would too because the legend of backwards feet is clever.
-Read aloud - This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and you could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also shows cultural diversity the students can use this knowledge to relate it back to their own culture and see what the differences are between the two. So this is great for learning more about cultures and where children in the many cultures.
-Independent reading- This would probably be best for first or second graders to read. There were some challenging words that were culturally specific but if they confuse them they could either use context, or you could discuss with them what the word means and what certain words mean to the people in this culture.
-Literary elements- This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict between the tribe and the humans. You could have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
-Read aloud - This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and you could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also shows cultural diversity the students can use this knowledge to relate it back to their own culture and see what the differences are between the two. So this is great for learning more about cultures and where children in the many cultures.
-Independent reading- This would probably be best for first or second graders to read. There were some challenging words that were culturally specific but if they confuse them they could either use context, or you could discuss with them what the word means and what certain words mean to the people in this culture.
-Literary elements- This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict between the tribe and the humans. You could have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
June 19, 2015
A story based on folklore from the Dominican Republic, this tale of the people who live underwater and only come on land at night to gather food was somehow reminiscent of The Little Mermaid in that it revolves around a girl that longs to know more about the people that live on land while the rest of her people fear them. This isn't a mermaid tale though. These people are ciguapas, people with backward feet that makes tracing their footprint trails back to them impossible. Curiously, Eva Ibbotson's final book, The Abominables, uses the backward feet thing in much the same way with her yetis. I don't know if she was aware of the legendary ciguapas foot flip, but I wouldn't put it past her as clever as she was. Anyway, this is a beautiful book and children would be very pleased. The illustrations and the writing are both engaging, and this is fairly interesting folklore.
April 12, 2015
Personal Reaction- I enjoyed reading this and I think students would too because the legend of backwards feet is clever.
Read aloud to make curriculum connection- This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and you could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also is good to show cultural diversity and students can see a different perspective than their own.
Independent reading- This would probably be best for first or second graders to read. There are some challenging words that are culturally specific but if they confuse them, you could discuss with them what the words mean and what they mean to those in that culture.
Literary elements that could be taught using this book- This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict within the main character but also between the tribe and the humans. You could also have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
Read aloud to make curriculum connection- This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and you could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also is good to show cultural diversity and students can see a different perspective than their own.
Independent reading- This would probably be best for first or second graders to read. There are some challenging words that are culturally specific but if they confuse them, you could discuss with them what the words mean and what they mean to those in that culture.
Literary elements that could be taught using this book- This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict within the main character but also between the tribe and the humans. You could also have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
April 13, 2015
Reaction: I thought this story was very good. I really enjoyed the legend that came from the Caribbean. I really enjoyed how unique the story line was and it wasn't something that I really have not heard of before.My favorite thing about the book was the illustrations. They were different yet really added to enhance the story.
Read Aloud: I think this story has a lot to say. I feel like students in first or second grade would enjoy listening to this unique tale. I feel like it has a great message about acceptance of everyone. I think it could create a class discussion on different cultures. It is important for children to be aware and accepting of everyone. This can be displayed through the friendship of the characters in this books.
Curriculum: I would use this book to introduce other cultures in the classroom. Students can use this to learn about other culture tales. They could use these to relate to their own cultures and other stories they have heard. Students can use this to learn diverse perspectives and create great discussion.
Read Aloud: I think this story has a lot to say. I feel like students in first or second grade would enjoy listening to this unique tale. I feel like it has a great message about acceptance of everyone. I think it could create a class discussion on different cultures. It is important for children to be aware and accepting of everyone. This can be displayed through the friendship of the characters in this books.
Curriculum: I would use this book to introduce other cultures in the classroom. Students can use this to learn about other culture tales. They could use these to relate to their own cultures and other stories they have heard. Students can use this to learn diverse perspectives and create great discussion.
April 13, 2015
* Personal Reaction: I enjoyed reading this and I think students would too because the clever legend of backwards feet.
* Purpose(s):
* Read aloud: This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and teachers could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also is good to show cultural diversity and students can see a different perspective than their own.
* Independent reading: This would probably be best for 1st or 2nd graders. There are some challenging words that are culturally specific but if they confuse the students, we could discuss with them what the words mean and what they mean to those in that culture.
*Literary elements: This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict within the main character but also between the tribe and the humans. Teachers could also have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
* Purpose(s):
* Read aloud: This is good to introduce the topic of myths and legends. This book is a legend and teachers could use it to have students brainstorm what makes it a legend. This book also is good to show cultural diversity and students can see a different perspective than their own.
* Independent reading: This would probably be best for 1st or 2nd graders. There are some challenging words that are culturally specific but if they confuse the students, we could discuss with them what the words mean and what they mean to those in that culture.
*Literary elements: This would be good to show conflict. There is a conflict within the main character but also between the tribe and the humans. Teachers could also have students discuss how important setting is in this story and discus why to the Caribbean people, location and setting is important.
September 6, 2019
I got this from the library in Spanish - a new and different take on the mermaid story. Read it to my grand-daughters (with translation on my part) and they liked it. The illustrations are lovely. Coming of age in community, rules and rule-breaking, keeping the trust of secrets and valuing one's own ways of life while curiously exploring others' ways are all explored in this story of young people testing boundaries.
March 16, 2010
I really liked this book. This is the story of the Ciguapas (sea people with backwards feet). When one young see person sets out to discover the world she finds her self being discovered by humans. One human boy especially treats her kindly and she tries to tell her tribe that humans can be kind too.
I placed this story on my Native American shelf because Julia Alvarez said that this story has been told in the Dominican Republic, but she believes to have originated from Native Americans. It's a very unique story and well illustrated. I like the way Alvarez writes, it always has a comforting yet mystical vibe to it. This story is great for young kids who want to explore fantasy, folklore, and creature of the seas.
I placed this story on my Native American shelf because Julia Alvarez said that this story has been told in the Dominican Republic, but she believes to have originated from Native Americans. It's a very unique story and well illustrated. I like the way Alvarez writes, it always has a comforting yet mystical vibe to it. This story is great for young kids who want to explore fantasy, folklore, and creature of the seas.
April 15, 2015
The book was a beautiful story that children of all ages would enjoy. The vivid illustrations and the text went well together to create a sweet story about ciguapas and humans. The book would make a great read aloud to incorporate into a legend unit. The teacher could also focus on the culture of the Caribbean Dominican Republic and how it is different from American culture. Second grade would be an appropriate grade because the vocabulary is not difficult but there are some Spanish words in the book which would be fun to discuss. There are some elementary schools that require students take Spanish so this book could help children learn another language as well. Setting would be a great literary element that could be taught because the water was an important part of the story.
August 4, 2015
Beautifully told and illustrated folk tale from the Dominican Republic about the secret race of Ciguapas who live in the water and hide their presence from humans (which they are able to do because their feet are backward, so their footprints always appear to be pointing in the opposite direction!). I love the young protagonist Guapa who is "brave and bold" and very curious about humans... and appreciated that this didn't lead to tragedy for anyone.
August 24, 2012
A legend of Dominican Republic. The author has masterfully crafted the story about ciguapas tribe who live underwater and only come to the shore at night to hunt. They have feet facing backwards and so they remain undetected as they live footprints that go in the opposite directions... A good story for kids
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