The Marching Ant: A Novel Inspired By True Events

by Allyson Chapa

 "A poetic and unforgettable tale crafted with insight, wisdom, and compassion. One of the best books for discussion I've read in years." - Ashley Walsh, author of Breakthrough and Cottonwood Creek "An inspirational story of aspirations for education and self-reliance." - A. Nikki Hempe, M.Ed. Multicultural Special Education Professional "A realistic, captivating portrayal of complex and all-encompassing women's friendships, the historical novel The Marching Ant follows a young woman as she gets to know her hero-her grandmother-from the inside out." - Mari Carlson , Foreward Reviews "Chapa succeeds in honoring her grandmother's legacy through a story that also sheds light on the stigmas associated with learning disabilities and menial labor ... This is a moving inter-generational story of a woman who overcomes challenging circumstances." - BlueInk Reviews "Chapa's wrenching yet heartening debut, based on her grandmother's life, will shock, horrify, and ultimately inspire ...This heartbreaking yet ultimately inspirational story personifies tenacity and the will to survive." - Publisher's Weekly BookLife Bound by her father's gambling debts, Antonia "Annie" has spent her youth picking cotton in Big Spring, Texas. When a worksite welfare check takes the workers by surprise, the truth of Annie's repression is unveiled and changes her perspective forever. In her desperation to experience a free life and create a foundation for her future children, Annie fiercely sets her eyes on dreaming big and daring to learn. With hopes to one day become a writer, Annie's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Nostalgic and inspiring by turns, The Marching Ant is an empowering acknowledgment of the burden of intergenerational trauma and a celebration of those who have the grit and good fortune to overcome it. Chapa reminds us that life's biggest learnings come from outside of the classroom.

360 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Ellen Deckinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapa, I am honored that you chose to share your grandmothers story with us, the reader. This is a story that needed to be told. It is an honor to her memory and to the people she influenced.
Stylistically, there are some places I probably would have made other choices for clarity. There are a lot of adjectives in places. Honest review, I would have given it 3 stars, but the plot elevated things. Annie’s story needed to be told. Please keep writing. I know this is your first book, and a tribute to your grandmother. You have the potential to tell other significant stories.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of a grandmothers love and determination to give her family a better life. She was very brave and fantastic woman. Allyson told her story beautifully. We would all be so lucky to have someone in our life!