Book details
The Queen of Water
Description
An ALA Amelia Bloomer SelectionAn ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults BookBorn in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her large family in a small, earthen-walled dwelling. In her village of indgenas, it is not uncommon to work in the fields all day, even as a child, or to be called a longa tontastupid Indianby members of the ruling class of mestizos, or Spanish descendants. When seven-year-old Virginia is taken from her village to be a servant to a mestizo couple, she has no idea what the future holds.In this poignant novel based on a true story, acclaimed author Laura Resau has collaborated with Mara Virginia Farinango to recount one girl's unforgettable journey to self-discovery. Virginia's story will speak to anyone who has ever struggled to find his or her place in the world. It will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'The Queen of Water' offers readers a deep and personal look into the life of an indigenous girl in Ecuador, providing a rich understanding of the culture, struggles, and resilience of indigenous communities.
- Inspiring True Story: The book is based on the true story of Maria Virginia Farinango, co-authored by Laura Resau, which makes it an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and finding one's identity in a world that tries to define it for you.
- Educational Value: Readers can learn about the issues of class, race, and cultural identity in Latin America, making it an educational read that raises awareness and empathy towards these social issues.
- Engaging Narrative: Laura Resau's storytelling is compelling and emotionally engaging, drawing readers into the world of the protagonist and making 'The Queen of Water' a page-turner that is hard to put down.