Book details
Go and Come Back
Description
When the two old white ladies come to live in the Peruvian jungle village of Poincushmana, everyone makes a fuss--everyone but Alicia, who is baffled by the reaction of her tribe, the Isabo. But as the days pass, she too is drawn in--because the ladies (who are really in their twenties, and anthropologists) are stingy, stupid, and fun to watch. They don't understand the Isabo. Someone needs to set them straight. And that someone, surprisingly, is Alicia.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
177 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'Go and Come Back' offers readers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Isabo people of the Peruvian Amazon, providing a rich cultural perspective that is both educational and enlightening.
- Character Development: The story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Alicia, whose interactions with anthropologists from the United States challenge her worldview. Readers can witness her growth and the nuanced development of other characters throughout the narrative.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The book tackles complex themes such as cultural relativism, the impact of outsiders on indigenous communities, and the concept of progress, prompting readers to reflect on these important issues.
- Award-Winning Literature: Joan Abelove's 'Go and Come Back' has received critical acclaim, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Fiction, making it a distinguished and worthwhile read for those interested in high-quality literature.