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From Another World
Rosario had no shadow. I remember noticing this very clearly and telling myself that I didn't need to have goose bumps. This wasn't important. Peter Pan didn't have a shadow, either, and he was a good guy. But I couldn't take my eyes off the wall, as if I were staring at a movie on a big screen. The light from the candle cast shadows from all four of us. But it went right through Rosario.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Ana Maria Machado
309 books98 followersAna Maria Machado was born in 1941 in Rio de Janeiro and is, alongside Lygia Bojunga Nunes and Ruth Rocha, one of the most significant children's book authors in Brazil. She started her career as a painter in Rio de Janeiro and New York City. After studying Romance languages she did a PhD with Roland Barthes at the 'École pratique des hautes études' in Paris. She worked as journalist for the magazine 'Elle' in Paris and the BBC in London. In 1979, she opened the first children’s literature bookshop in Brazil, 'Malasartes'.
In 1969, Ana Maria Machado started to write. "I belong to that generation of writers who began to write during the military dictatorship, as children’s literature, alongside poetry and song texts, were amongst the few literary forms with which, through the poetic and symbolic use of language, you could make the ideas of a joie de vivre, individual freedom and respect for human rights known." Her story 'Menina Bonita do laço de fita' (1986) about a white and a black rabbit who marry and have a whole hoard of black, white and black and white patterned children, is a charming book about the living together of diverse ethnic groups. In 'Era uma vez um tirano' (1982) three children defy a tyrant who has forbidden colour, thoughts and any happiness. Without pointing fingers, Ana Maria Machado always dresses up her messages in humorous stories and trusts the ability of her young readers to also read between the lines.
Similar to many Brazilian children’s book authors of her generation, Ana Maria Machado stands in the tradition of the first great children’s book author, Jose Bento Monteiro Lobato (1882–1948). Her writing is marked, in the style of "magical realism", by a subtle mix of social satire and fantastic elements as well as a conscious and playful use of language and narrative structures. In 'História meio ao contrario' (1978), Ana Maria Machado turns the classic narrative structure of the fairy tale on its head and lets her story begin with: "And if they didn’t die, then they are still alive today" and end with "once upon a time".
In 'Bisa Bia, Bisa Bel' (1982), one of her central works, Isabell’s internal dialogue with her dead great-grandmother, Bisa Bia, and her own great-grandchild from the future, Bisa Bel, becomes a magical journey to the invisible connections between the generations, which finally allow Isabell to find her own way. For the author, fantasy also means to expand the sense for space and time and to allow reality and fantasy to mix with each other.
Just as brilliantly in ‘Palavra de Honra’ (2005, Engl: Word of Honour) Machado tells the story of a Luso-Brazilian family which has become very wealthy since their arrival in the 19th century. The reader encounters Letícia, who tries to reconstruct her own story out of the dispersed remains of the family legacy.
Ana Maria Machado has written more than hundred books for children and adults in 17 countries for which she has received the most significant Brazilian awards and many international honours. In 2000, she was awarded the 'Hans Christian Andersen Award' for her life work, the most significant international prize for youth and children’s literature. Ana Maria Machado lives with her family in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1969, Ana Maria Machado started to write. "I belong to that generation of writers who began to write during the military dictatorship, as children’s literature, alongside poetry and song texts, were amongst the few literary forms with which, through the poetic and symbolic use of language, you could make the ideas of a joie de vivre, individual freedom and respect for human rights known." Her story 'Menina Bonita do laço de fita' (1986) about a white and a black rabbit who marry and have a whole hoard of black, white and black and white patterned children, is a charming book about the living together of diverse ethnic groups. In 'Era uma vez um tirano' (1982) three children defy a tyrant who has forbidden colour, thoughts and any happiness. Without pointing fingers, Ana Maria Machado always dresses up her messages in humorous stories and trusts the ability of her young readers to also read between the lines.
Similar to many Brazilian children’s book authors of her generation, Ana Maria Machado stands in the tradition of the first great children’s book author, Jose Bento Monteiro Lobato (1882–1948). Her writing is marked, in the style of "magical realism", by a subtle mix of social satire and fantastic elements as well as a conscious and playful use of language and narrative structures. In 'História meio ao contrario' (1978), Ana Maria Machado turns the classic narrative structure of the fairy tale on its head and lets her story begin with: "And if they didn’t die, then they are still alive today" and end with "once upon a time".
In 'Bisa Bia, Bisa Bel' (1982), one of her central works, Isabell’s internal dialogue with her dead great-grandmother, Bisa Bia, and her own great-grandchild from the future, Bisa Bel, becomes a magical journey to the invisible connections between the generations, which finally allow Isabell to find her own way. For the author, fantasy also means to expand the sense for space and time and to allow reality and fantasy to mix with each other.
Just as brilliantly in ‘Palavra de Honra’ (2005, Engl: Word of Honour) Machado tells the story of a Luso-Brazilian family which has become very wealthy since their arrival in the 19th century. The reader encounters Letícia, who tries to reconstruct her own story out of the dispersed remains of the family legacy.
Ana Maria Machado has written more than hundred books for children and adults in 17 countries for which she has received the most significant Brazilian awards and many international honours. In 2000, she was awarded the 'Hans Christian Andersen Award' for her life work, the most significant international prize for youth and children’s literature. Ana Maria Machado lives with her family in Rio de Janeiro.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 26, 2012
This was a book for the Goodreads international children's book group. It was well-written for children wanting to know about the issue of slavery in Brazil in the 1800s. The character that speaks to this issue is a ghost which would also interest children and give them a reason to listen to her story. This was a new subject for me and I learned a lot as to why the Portuguese came to Brazil and why this is the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. I did enjoy the way the book was presented: a child was writing about the experiences he had with the ghost Rosario and her telling about slavery.
December 17, 2019
Originally published as Do outro mundo, this slender volume from acclaimed children's author Ana Maria Machado, who won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2000 for her life's work, is both an engrossing ghost-story, and a sensitive, and intensely poignant examination of the legacy of slavery in the author's native Brazil. Featuring Mariano, a young boy with more time for sport and video games, than for reading and writing stories, his best friend Leo, Leo's elder sister Elisa, and Tere (Teresa), the granddaughter of neighboring farmers, From Another World is the story of an incredible series of visits from Rosario - the ghost of a slave-girl who lived in Brazil in the 19th century, in the very senzala (slave quarters) that their parents are working to turn into an annex for the small country hotel that they are opening - and offers a heart-breaking depiction of the barbaric inhumanity of Brazilian slavery, even in its waning days, and a fascinating discussion of race, racial memory, and racial responsibility, in modern-day Brazil - all wrapped up in an engaging story for young readers.
Although I agree with those reviewers who found the opening of From Another World rather slow, and who grew a little tired of Mariano's incessant disclaimers, with regard to his skills as a writer - having promised to tell Rosario's story, he is the narrator of the tale - once I entered fully into the story, I was completely involved in it, alternately horrified by the atrocities being related, and moved by the friendship and compassion displayed by the main characters. The details of Rosario's murder are quite disturbing - parents and educators take note - but necessary, I think, to give young readers a realistic idea of the depravity of slavery. I appreciated the children's frank discussions of race - the reality of having darker skin, the responsibility of having lighter skin, the mixing of all races, in most of Brazil's people - as I think this is something that is often missing in American children's literature. I also greatly appreciated the opportunity offered, through this story, to American children, to see the legacy of slavery in another part of the world - the commonalities and differences with our own history in that area.
All in all, despite some initial difficulties with the narrative - difficulties I've decided to ascribe to issues of translation, given my appreciation for almost everything else about the book - I thought From Another World was an outstanding children's novel, and would recommend it highly to all young readers who enjoy ghost stories, or works of historical fiction.
Although I agree with those reviewers who found the opening of From Another World rather slow, and who grew a little tired of Mariano's incessant disclaimers, with regard to his skills as a writer - having promised to tell Rosario's story, he is the narrator of the tale - once I entered fully into the story, I was completely involved in it, alternately horrified by the atrocities being related, and moved by the friendship and compassion displayed by the main characters. The details of Rosario's murder are quite disturbing - parents and educators take note - but necessary, I think, to give young readers a realistic idea of the depravity of slavery. I appreciated the children's frank discussions of race - the reality of having darker skin, the responsibility of having lighter skin, the mixing of all races, in most of Brazil's people - as I think this is something that is often missing in American children's literature. I also greatly appreciated the opportunity offered, through this story, to American children, to see the legacy of slavery in another part of the world - the commonalities and differences with our own history in that area.
All in all, despite some initial difficulties with the narrative - difficulties I've decided to ascribe to issues of translation, given my appreciation for almost everything else about the book - I thought From Another World was an outstanding children's novel, and would recommend it highly to all young readers who enjoy ghost stories, or works of historical fiction.
April 24, 2024
Agreed with my first review, though in retrospect I also think it's difficult to convey the intended tone and tenor via translation.
I also don't know that I would have structured the book this way if I were writing it, but that's another personal and minor thing. Personally, I would have had Dona Carlota tell her story first and then Rosario. It would have given away the ending of Rosario's story, yes, but (1) you can kind of guess at it anyway and (2) it would have provided the bones of the story and then fleshed it out. It could even have provided the dynamic of the kids having a lack of interest until they are forced to confront the human element.
Lastly, it may not be as common as I feel it is, but I am quite tired of the only thing being "extreme" enough for people to care these days is . But that's more a commentary on humanity than anything.
First review
Although the peek into Brazilian slave history was interesting to me (after all, at least in America, you rarely think about slavery existing anywhere else), there are a few bothersome parts to this book that keep me from rating it any higher. For one thing, I understand the need to provide a narrator/protagonist with whom the reader can relate, so the fact that a young, modern boy is our lens for Rosario's tragedy is fine with me. The problem is when he says he doesn't even like books or reading within the first couple of pages; this is obviously a minor qualm, but readers relate to readers. It's hard to attach yourself to someone who immediately expresses a disinterest and dislike for something you so clearly enjoy, so clearly that you're reading one right now. His narration in itself was very distracting, with commentary on his own word choices and a constant expression of uncertainty - I really don't care that you're insecure about your writing, just tell me the story.
On the less minor side, the idea of his being tasked with writing the book in the first place wouldn't have bothered me, either. Except when you add on the possibility that it's a punishment, because he's white. I'm a firm believer that we should not be paying for our ancestors' mistakes; we can't help what we were born into. When we speak out for minorities and try to repair the damage of the past, it shouldn't be because we feel guilty (unless you are a modern racist, and then you should feel very bad), but because we want to help. Basically, how is it any better for us to help if it's only because we feel obligated?
In any case, those are my only real complaints. The book really is worth a read, especially as an introduction to the subject of slavery in other countries.
I also don't know that I would have structured the book this way if I were writing it, but that's another personal and minor thing. Personally, I would have had Dona Carlota tell her story first and then Rosario. It would have given away the ending of Rosario's story, yes, but (1) you can kind of guess at it anyway and (2) it would have provided the bones of the story and then fleshed it out. It could even have provided the dynamic of the kids having a lack of interest until they are forced to confront the human element.
Lastly, it may not be as common as I feel it is, but I am quite tired of the only thing being "extreme" enough for people to care these days is . But that's more a commentary on humanity than anything.
First review
Although the peek into Brazilian slave history was interesting to me (after all, at least in America, you rarely think about slavery existing anywhere else), there are a few bothersome parts to this book that keep me from rating it any higher. For one thing, I understand the need to provide a narrator/protagonist with whom the reader can relate, so the fact that a young, modern boy is our lens for Rosario's tragedy is fine with me. The problem is when he says he doesn't even like books or reading within the first couple of pages; this is obviously a minor qualm, but readers relate to readers. It's hard to attach yourself to someone who immediately expresses a disinterest and dislike for something you so clearly enjoy, so clearly that you're reading one right now. His narration in itself was very distracting, with commentary on his own word choices and a constant expression of uncertainty - I really don't care that you're insecure about your writing, just tell me the story.
On the less minor side, the idea of his being tasked with writing the book in the first place wouldn't have bothered me, either. Except when you add on the possibility that it's a punishment, because he's white. I'm a firm believer that we should not be paying for our ancestors' mistakes; we can't help what we were born into. When we speak out for minorities and try to repair the damage of the past, it shouldn't be because we feel guilty (unless you are a modern racist, and then you should feel very bad), but because we want to help. Basically, how is it any better for us to help if it's only because we feel obligated?
In any case, those are my only real complaints. The book really is worth a read, especially as an introduction to the subject of slavery in other countries.
April 3, 2019
Bonita historia
July 20, 2010
From Another World tells the story of four friends who encounter a ghost on an old coffee plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast type of hotel in Brazil, owned by Leo and Elisa's grandmother. The ghost comes first in the form of a whimper in the night, but gradually reveals herself to the children. Rosario was a girl who worked as a slave on the coffee plantation some hundred-plus years ago. As the kids learn how to summon Rosario, who has been dying to talk to someone, they learn how to help her come to rest peacefully, and the story they tell, Rosario's story, serves as a reminder of the inhumanity that took place just a few generations ago.
This is an excellent book for kids in grades 4-7, definitely a page-turner. I have not seen any non-print format available for this book.
This is an excellent book for kids in grades 4-7, definitely a page-turner. I have not seen any non-print format available for this book.
May 23, 2013
I would estimate the reading level of this book to be at about 4th grade. Although this book could be called a "ghost story," I feel that would be an over-simplistic label. Yes, the story centers around a ghost, but there are much larger issues going on.
If the reader is familiar with ghost stories then he knows that the ghost's spirit is trapped in this world because of some unresolved issue from his or her life. The ghost in this book is named Rosario. During her life she was forced to be a slave despite being born free. Although this is bad enough, it is not the reason her spirit is trapped in this world. The four young people she makes contact with in the story figure out how to summon Rosario and throughout the course of the book she reveals her story and the unspeakable circumstances surrounding her death. Interestingly, even though her problem is a result of the system of slavery in Brazil's past, it has a current connection to today.
This has been the book I like the most from the multicultural lit class I am taking. In addition to a good ghost story, the reader will learn a bit of Brazilian history, and consider its connection to a troubling present day global problem.
If the reader is familiar with ghost stories then he knows that the ghost's spirit is trapped in this world because of some unresolved issue from his or her life. The ghost in this book is named Rosario. During her life she was forced to be a slave despite being born free. Although this is bad enough, it is not the reason her spirit is trapped in this world. The four young people she makes contact with in the story figure out how to summon Rosario and throughout the course of the book she reveals her story and the unspeakable circumstances surrounding her death. Interestingly, even though her problem is a result of the system of slavery in Brazil's past, it has a current connection to today.
This has been the book I like the most from the multicultural lit class I am taking. In addition to a good ghost story, the reader will learn a bit of Brazilian history, and consider its connection to a troubling present day global problem.
March 5, 2011
This story was slow to grab me at the beginning. There were some awkward translations and dialogue, which distracted me from the story. However, once I got about a third of the way in, the story picked up and I began to enjoy it. A group of children in Brazil encounter the ghost of a former slave who tells them her story. In the process the children learn about the past history of the land on which they live, and about the history of slavery in Brazil. I was surprised to learn that slavery didn't legally end in Brazil until 1888. I guess I've tended to assume that, when the Civil War ended slavery in the U.S., it ended everywhere else too. Wrong! An author's note at the end elaborated on some of the laws and historical incidents mentioned in the book. It's not the best-written story--some of the dialogue seemed much too sophisticated for young kids--but very interesting for the history it reveals. Recommended.
March 7, 2019
Esse livro é perfeito. Amo os livros da Ana Maria Machado e me lembro muito bem de quando li “Bisa Bia, Bisa Bel”, um dos meus livros favoritos de quando eu era pequeno.
Não consigo me lembrar se eu já tinha lido esse livro, lembro-me de ter começado a ler mas não lembro se na época eu cheguei até o fim, por isso resolvi lê-lo agora e posso afirmar que foi uma ótima decisão! Esse livro é incrível e me emocionou demais, Ana Maria fala sobre escravidão e racismo de uma maneira tão didática, precisa e responsável em um livro infantojuvenil que eu simplesmente passei a admira-lá cem vezes mais!
Todos, crianças e adultos, deveriam ler esse livro que conta uma história tristíssima e verosímil, que resume com excelência vários temas envolvendo escravidão e racismo e que nos dá forças para continuar na luta pela liberdade, pela igualdade e pelo fim de todo tipo de preconceito.
Não consigo me lembrar se eu já tinha lido esse livro, lembro-me de ter começado a ler mas não lembro se na época eu cheguei até o fim, por isso resolvi lê-lo agora e posso afirmar que foi uma ótima decisão! Esse livro é incrível e me emocionou demais, Ana Maria fala sobre escravidão e racismo de uma maneira tão didática, precisa e responsável em um livro infantojuvenil que eu simplesmente passei a admira-lá cem vezes mais!
Todos, crianças e adultos, deveriam ler esse livro que conta uma história tristíssima e verosímil, que resume com excelência vários temas envolvendo escravidão e racismo e que nos dá forças para continuar na luta pela liberdade, pela igualdade e pelo fim de todo tipo de preconceito.
April 23, 2020
While helping their parents convert an old Brazilian coffee plantation into an inn, four youngsters meet the ghost of a young slave seeking her brother’s fate. Hans Christian Andersen Award.
February 22, 2023
DIS BOOK SUCKS ASS CHEEKS
ESTE LIBRO CHUPAS
ESTE LIBRO CHUPAS
April 3, 2024
A story to try to explain slavery and it’s wider social implications in Brazil. A children’s book from City Lights bookshop.
October 5, 2025
El primer libro nunca se olvida, 12 años tenía la primera vez que lo leí y aún lo llevo en mi corazón.
September 28, 2024
English:
"From Another World" is a novel for both young and older readers. It’s a story set in both the present and in 1888, when slavery was abolished in Brazil. Rosario is the ghost of a slave girl whose soul cannot rest in peace until she is helped by four kids of different ethnicities in present-day Brazil.
I use it in my class about the colonial period in South America. The fact that it’s a ghost story fascinates my students, and, as a teacher, I appreciate how they learn about slavery through it. This is a story that I also enjoy on a personal level, even though I am not part of the target audience, as the plot is neatly presented and features interesting twists and turns with clearly defined characters.
My only complaint is about chapter one, which goes back and forth about how hard it is for the narrator to write because he doesn’t like books. Not only is it hard to follow his train of thought, but it also makes you wonder if the whole book will be narrated in such an unengaging way. I guess the author’s intention was to capture the attention of children who don’t like books, but, unfortunately, it does the opposite. However, from chapter two on, the book is a page-turner.
"From Another World" somehow reminds me of Edgar Mittelholzer's "My Bones and My Flute." First, both include a narrator who is not a writer and has assumed the task of telling a story about a tormented soul who needs help in order to rest. Additionally, both stories feature four clearly defined characters, who add different points of view to the narrative. Finally, both deal with slavery and social classes, although from different angles and to varying degrees. I wonder if the author, who is from Brazil, has ever read this title by the Guyanese writer.
All in all, it's a great novella that I always look forward to reading with my students each school year.
Spanish:
"Desde Otro Mundo" es una novela tanto para lectores jóvenes como para mayores. Es una historia ambientada tanto en el presente como en 1888, cuando se abolió la esclavitud en Brasil. Rosario es el fantasma de una niña esclava cuya alma no puede descansar en paz hasta que cuatro niños de diferentes etnias en el Brasil actual la ayuden.
La utilizo en mi clase sobre el período colonial en América del Sur. El hecho de que sea una historia de fantasmas fascina a mis estudiantes, y, como profesor, aprecio cómo aprenden sobre la esclavitud a través de ella. Esta es una historia que también disfruto a nivel personal, aunque no pertenezco al público objetivo, ya que la trama está bien presentada y tiene giros e interacciones interesantes con personajes claramente definidos.
Mi única queja es sobre el primer capítulo, que va y viene sobre lo difícil que es para el narrador escribir porque no le gustan los libros. No solo es difícil seguir su línea de pensamiento, sino que también te hace preguntarte si todo el libro será narrado de esa manera tan poco atractiva. Supongo que la intención del autor era captar la atención de los niños que no les gustan los libros, pero, desafortunadamente, hace lo contrario. Sin embargo, a partir del segundo capítulo, el libro se convierte en un verdadero atrapa-páginas.
"Desde Otro Mundo" de alguna manera me recuerda a "Mis Huesos y Mi Flauta" de Edgar Mittelholzer. Primero, ambos incluyen un narrador que no es escritor y ha asumido la tarea de contar una historia sobre un alma atormentada que necesita ayuda para poder descansar. Además, ambas historias presentan cuatro personajes claramente definidos que aportan diferentes puntos de vista a la narrativa. Finalmente, ambas tratan sobre la esclavitud y las clases sociales, aunque desde diferentes ángulos y en distintos grados. Me pregunto si el autor, que es de Brasil, ha leído alguna vez este título de este escritor guyanés.
En resumen, es una gran novela corta que siempre espero leer con mis estudiantes cada año escolar.
"From Another World" is a novel for both young and older readers. It’s a story set in both the present and in 1888, when slavery was abolished in Brazil. Rosario is the ghost of a slave girl whose soul cannot rest in peace until she is helped by four kids of different ethnicities in present-day Brazil.
I use it in my class about the colonial period in South America. The fact that it’s a ghost story fascinates my students, and, as a teacher, I appreciate how they learn about slavery through it. This is a story that I also enjoy on a personal level, even though I am not part of the target audience, as the plot is neatly presented and features interesting twists and turns with clearly defined characters.
My only complaint is about chapter one, which goes back and forth about how hard it is for the narrator to write because he doesn’t like books. Not only is it hard to follow his train of thought, but it also makes you wonder if the whole book will be narrated in such an unengaging way. I guess the author’s intention was to capture the attention of children who don’t like books, but, unfortunately, it does the opposite. However, from chapter two on, the book is a page-turner.
"From Another World" somehow reminds me of Edgar Mittelholzer's "My Bones and My Flute." First, both include a narrator who is not a writer and has assumed the task of telling a story about a tormented soul who needs help in order to rest. Additionally, both stories feature four clearly defined characters, who add different points of view to the narrative. Finally, both deal with slavery and social classes, although from different angles and to varying degrees. I wonder if the author, who is from Brazil, has ever read this title by the Guyanese writer.
All in all, it's a great novella that I always look forward to reading with my students each school year.
Spanish:
"Desde Otro Mundo" es una novela tanto para lectores jóvenes como para mayores. Es una historia ambientada tanto en el presente como en 1888, cuando se abolió la esclavitud en Brasil. Rosario es el fantasma de una niña esclava cuya alma no puede descansar en paz hasta que cuatro niños de diferentes etnias en el Brasil actual la ayuden.
La utilizo en mi clase sobre el período colonial en América del Sur. El hecho de que sea una historia de fantasmas fascina a mis estudiantes, y, como profesor, aprecio cómo aprenden sobre la esclavitud a través de ella. Esta es una historia que también disfruto a nivel personal, aunque no pertenezco al público objetivo, ya que la trama está bien presentada y tiene giros e interacciones interesantes con personajes claramente definidos.
Mi única queja es sobre el primer capítulo, que va y viene sobre lo difícil que es para el narrador escribir porque no le gustan los libros. No solo es difícil seguir su línea de pensamiento, sino que también te hace preguntarte si todo el libro será narrado de esa manera tan poco atractiva. Supongo que la intención del autor era captar la atención de los niños que no les gustan los libros, pero, desafortunadamente, hace lo contrario. Sin embargo, a partir del segundo capítulo, el libro se convierte en un verdadero atrapa-páginas.
"Desde Otro Mundo" de alguna manera me recuerda a "Mis Huesos y Mi Flauta" de Edgar Mittelholzer. Primero, ambos incluyen un narrador que no es escritor y ha asumido la tarea de contar una historia sobre un alma atormentada que necesita ayuda para poder descansar. Además, ambas historias presentan cuatro personajes claramente definidos que aportan diferentes puntos de vista a la narrativa. Finalmente, ambas tratan sobre la esclavitud y las clases sociales, aunque desde diferentes ángulos y en distintos grados. Me pregunto si el autor, que es de Brasil, ha leído alguna vez este título de este escritor guyanés.
En resumen, es una gran novela corta que siempre espero leer con mis estudiantes cada año escolar.
April 28, 2014
In From Another World tells the story of four friends who encounter a ghost on an old coffee plantation that was turned into a bed and breakfast that was owned by Leo and Elisa's grandmother.Rosario the ghost, was a lady who worked as a slave on the coffee plantation a long time ago.As all four of the friends learn how to deal with Rosario they are not scared of her they know she just wants to talk to someone, they learn how to help her come to rest peacefully, and the story of Rosario serves as a reminder of the hardships that slaves and the people had to through back then.Overall I enjoyed the book it was good, I like how the author was very descriptive about the characters which helped me connect more to them.This book was simple but a very nice Brazilian tale of slavery, freedom, friendship and family.I honestly liked it a lot, I have nothing bad to say about it.I would read it all over again if i had to.I'm very happy with it and I'm glad a random book that I picked up turned out to be a great one.
October 25, 2013
Genre: International
Award: Hans Christian Anderson Award
Grade Level: 5-6
This book can be useful in my classroom because it discusses the issues of slavery that existed in the country of Brazil in the late 1800's. Students will be able to understand that slavery was once a worldwide issue; it was not just in the United States. They will also be exposed to this knowledge from an author who is a native to Brazil. This will enliven their reading experience because of the author's credibility. For a follow up activity, I would assign my students a different country and they will be asked to research the history of slavery in that country. I would of course make sure that the countries I assign have a rich history in slavery. This assignment will extend their knowledge on slavery and its history and impact outside of the United States.
Award: Hans Christian Anderson Award
Grade Level: 5-6
This book can be useful in my classroom because it discusses the issues of slavery that existed in the country of Brazil in the late 1800's. Students will be able to understand that slavery was once a worldwide issue; it was not just in the United States. They will also be exposed to this knowledge from an author who is a native to Brazil. This will enliven their reading experience because of the author's credibility. For a follow up activity, I would assign my students a different country and they will be asked to research the history of slavery in that country. I would of course make sure that the countries I assign have a rich history in slavery. This assignment will extend their knowledge on slavery and its history and impact outside of the United States.
April 30, 2013
This Is the first book that I read for our class that I thought was just okay. It was definitely authentic and written by an insider. The author did a good job of weaving together a ghost story with history on the evils of slavery. However I found the narration by one of the characters to distract from the storyline. I also felt it moved too slowly and I wanted more historical info and less side commentary from the narrator who continued to reexplain that he had never written before and he was just trying his best to explain what happened. Perhaps this would be good for a younger audience. I just wasn't "grabbed" by it the way I was with all if the other books in this class.
February 8, 2012
upper elementary. This is a short ghost story about slavery in Brazil. It is a quick read...but does show the evils of slavery and gives a glimpse into the process that Brazil took to end slavery. I liked how the story was tied together in the end.
January 12, 2008
Brazilian tale of slavery, freedom, and family. Quick read; simple yet fulfilling.
July 20, 2010
Read in hardcover, good for 4th-8th grade.
I would also recommend Me in the Middle by Ana Maria Machado and Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan.
I would also recommend Me in the Middle by Ana Maria Machado and Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan.
Read
June 7, 2012it's good
April 27, 2017
While it starts out as a cookie-cutter ghost story for kids, the book half way turns into an exploration of race and justice, giving a heartbreaking story about slavery in 19th century Brazil. Eye-opening and insightful.
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