The Fiesta Dress: A Quinceanera Tale
What’s inside...
It's the day of Lolo's big sister's quinceañera party, and suddenly everyone is too busy to play with Lolo. But when she lets her dog Gobi run free, everyone notices. Vivid illustrations in acrylics and watercolor by Martha Avilés skillfully portray Lolo using her fast feet and wits to outsmart Gobi and save her big sister's special day!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-13
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about Estela's feelings as her Quinceanera approaches? Have you ever felt similar?
Why is the Quinceanera important in Estela’s culture? What traditions do we have that are important to us?
How did the characters in the story show support and love for each other?
What did you learn about friendship and family from this story?
If you were Estela, how would you have handled the situation with the dress?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to think about the importance of cultural traditions and how they shape our identities. Highlight the value of empathy by discussing the characters' actions and reactions throughout the book. Use this opportunity to educate about different cultures and the significance of rites of passage in various communities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story revolves around a young girl's preparation for her Quinceanera, a significant cultural celebration in Latin communities. It provides rich details about the customs and significance of the event.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate cultural traditions different from their own, fostering a sense of global awareness and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the book, family members come together to help the protagonist prepare for her Quinceanera, depicting strong family support and unity.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of family support and togetherness in achieving personal goals and celebrating important milestones.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist is tasked with various responsibilities to ensure her Quinceanera is successful, showing her growth and maturity throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, and the personal growth that comes from fulfilling responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes her self-doubt and nerves about being the center of attention at her Quinceanera, ultimately enjoying the celebration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace challenges and step out of their comfort zones, boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.