Amiguito
Inspired by one of my son’s favorite picture books Play With Me by Mary Hall Ets, Amiguito is illustrated by Lauren Heath and available free in the preschool section of the Make Way for Books ap!
Neon Words: 10 Brilliant Ways to Light Up Your Writing
Order your copy of Neon Words from Magination Press, your local brick-and-mortar bookstore or online booksellers.
See how list poems from the book can be used to build groups and push collaborative thinking in this article in Multilingual Journal.
Listen to an interview by kids on Buttons & Figs!
Publishers Weekly reviewed Neon Words!
Other praise of Neon Words:
“Immersion in a creative activity is magical. Time seems to stop; something carefree in us is tapped, allowing experimentation and play. The exercises and projects in Neon Words include a degree of physicality, from the simple grace of moving a pencil across paper to the easily-mastered steps used to design a small book. The body, intellect and spirit are all engaged in these writing and art activities, and the membrane between “the real world” and our imaginations becomes ever more permeable. Pellegrino and Sather sound as though they’re sitting by your side, nudging you to honor your own abilities. The tone is straightforward, inclusive, and good-natured, perhaps exemplified by a quotation from a writer who says “I have no respect for people who only have one way to spell a word.” Whatever your ease with writing and creating, you can trust in the editors’ guidance as you draft a poem, make your own paper, or create an altered book. Succumb to their encouragement and discover accessible, repeatable and meaningful ways to practice your arts.” –Donna Steiner, writer, State University of New York at Oswego
“In a world where teens (and adults) are communicating more but writing less Pellegrino and Sather have provided the secrets, tricks and tips on how to not only become a better writer and communicator but how to become a better thinker and human. Whether you are teaching writing or writing yourself, you can’t pass this one up.” –Brice Menaugh, high school educator
“This bright, lively guide practices what it preaches by reminding us that good writing is specific, honest, and playful. It delivers its promises to “help you be more present in your life” and to “illuminate the writer in you.” Suitable for all ages!” –Meg Files, Writing What You Know
“What a wonderful resource for writing and for self-exploration! As a psychologist, I am struck by the inclusion of exercises with clear step by step instructions that promote self-awareness, and ways to use that awareness to move past the reader/writer’s internal obstacles. We know we learn best by doing and this gem of a book moves the reader into action!”
–Dr. Lucy Wilson, PhD, psychologist
The Sculpture Speaks: A Refugee’s Story of Survival, 2017, Mandorla Books
A powerful, imaginative, compassionate work that will touch the hearts and educate the minds of readers. The story of refugees fleeing civil war, violence, and persecution in Guatemala in the 1980s and 90s should have played an important role in political discourse in the US. It did not. Nor does it now. The story, instead, has been relegated to the back burner of history. We know what happens when history is ignored. In fact, large numbers of young Guatemalans as well as Hondurans and Salvadorans are still crossing the borders in the southwest US as they flee from danger and violence, just as the protagonist Juana did in the 1980s. The harrowing story of one individual’s experience can motivate serious discussion of the issues and lead to understanding and even action. Co-authors Marge Pellegrino and Marianna Neil have created an imaginative re-telling, a fictionalized version that is as true as any documentary. We identify with Juana as she sets off on a dangerous journey from what was once a happy life with her husband and children. We learn from the statue things that Juana cannot tell us. And the sculptor brings immediacy to the portrayal of Juana as she sits for him. The presentation of facts and depiction of emotions are beautifully written and haunting. Juanita Havill
The sale of the book supports the work of Owl & Panther.
Journey of Dreams
2009, Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd, London
2021, Lemur Press (teachers/librarians, contact sales@lemurpress.com fora discount for class copies)
This is the story of how one family survives the Guatemalan army’s ‘scorched earth’ campaign in the 1980s and how, in the midst of tragedy, suspicion and fear, their resilient love and loyalty – and Papa’s storytelling – keeps them going. On their harrowing journey as refugees to the United States, the dramatic ebb and flow of events are mirrored in the tapestries of one daughter’s dreams.
“An involving read, strong in the celebration of Mayan-inflected folklore and culture.” — Financial Times
Journey of Dreams won the Libraries Ltd 2009 Judy Goddard Award for young adult literature in December at a luncheon at the Arizona Library Association’s conference. It earned a stared review in Kirkus.
Journey of Dreams is also included in:
*Independent children’s booksellers 2009 “ABC Best Books for Children”
*Kirkus Magazine’s “Best Books of 2009″
* Southwest Books of the Year 2009
*Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2009
*CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center) Choices 2010
*US Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) honor list of international books for 2010
*Chicago Public Library: One Book, One Chicago Further Reading Recommended list posted March 2010
*Americas Award Commended List, June 2010
*Florida Department of Education’s Hispanic Heritage Recommended Reading list
*Featured on Vamos A Leer, a blog of the Latin American & Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico
Too Nice
(Also available in Polish, Korean, Chinese and Arabic)
2002
Magination Press
“You’re too nice,” says Amy’s best friend, Kate. Amy’s not sure what “too nice” means, but she sure knows how it feels: rotten. She’s tired of giving her things away, tired of getting stuck with the jobs nobody wants, and tired of feeling angry and sad. But with a little help and practice, she starts learning how to be friendly yet take care of herself at the same time. Soon she discovers that when she stops being “Too Nice Amy,” everyone is happier: including Amy!
Purchase from Magination Press
Curriculum ideas for Too Nice [pdf]
My Grandma’s the Mayor
1999
Magination Press
Annie’s grandmother used to be lots of fun, but things have changed. Now Grandma is the mayor, and she doesn’t have much time to spend with Annie anymore. With Grandma suddenly very busy and important, Annie feels left out. But late one night, after a terrible fire breaks out in a neighborhood apartment building, Annie comes to feel proud of her capable, caring grandmother—and of herself, too! Young readers will cheer for Annie as she discovers her own community spirit and the pride and pleasure that come from giving of oneself.
Purchase from Magination Press
Curriculum activities for My Grandma’s the Mayor [pdf]
View Catch the Spirit! on YouTube for the story behind the book!
I Don’t Have an Uncle Phil Anymore
1998
Magination Press
How does a child cope with loss and grief? In this moving story for children of all ages, a young boy gets the news that his adored Uncle Phil has died unexpectedly. Told through the eyes of a child, the story describes many traditions and social rituals associated with death, and addresses a wide range of feelings and questions. As his mother attempts to explain death to the boy, he finds his own uplifting way to grieve for Uncle Phil.
Purchase directly from Marge.
Curriculum activities for I Don’t Have an Uncle Phil Anymore [pdf]
The Folded Spiral in the Classroom: Circular Bookmaking Across the Curriculum
with Joan Daniels
1996
Folded Spiral Press
This engaging curriculum makes the perfect classroom companion. Purchase The Folded Spiral in the Classroom by contacting Marge or emailing independent bookseller: Antigone Books