Abuela's Weave/ El Tapiz de Abuela by Omar S. Castaneda; Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez

This book would be a wonderful addition to your classroom! Leaving Guatemala inspired the author, Omar S. Castaneda to write this book. Apparently, Castaneda wanted to give his own children an idea of what Guatemala is like through his writing.

Suggested Grade Level: 3-5

Summary: A Guatemalan girl learns about family tradition through her grandmother. Esperanza's Abuela is a very skillful weaver of traditional Mayan tapestries. This skill is something she has decided to share with her granddaughter and together they want to sell their tapestries at the market. However, Esperanza needs to sell the tapestries alone in the city. Not only does Esperanza become more independent but learns more about her family's traditions.  

Connections: Omar states that this book portrays the importance of family, responsibility and other aspects of life in the Mayan culture. This website may help you include this book in your classroom by integrating it in a lesson about family, traditions, Guatemala, accomplishing something, Mayan culture, selling goods or literacy concepts. 

Available in  English and Spanish 

Click here to find this book on Amazon!

Click here for more information on how to include this book in your classroom at Leeandlow.com This website not only includes example questions to ask before, during and after the reading but ideas for ESL students and how to integrate this book in different subject areas.