Richly-colored illustrations depict a lush Caribbean countryside as a grandmother and her grandson dance and sway to the secret of the plátanos, complemented by rhythmic language. Both author and illustrator draw upon their Dominican heritage to evoke a strong sense of place. Also available in Spanish, El secreto del plátanos (opens in a new window).
The Secret of the Plátano
Manu and her best friend, Josefina, live at a magical school for girls, where Manu is always getting into trouble. Drawing from her own Dominican experience, the author weaves together religion, and lore and creates a world where magical powers bestowed by saints and evil eye necklaces work hand in hand. This fast-paced, funny adventure is about friendship, defying expectations, and finding your place.
Manu: A Graphic Novel
It’s hard for a princesa to leave a beautiful island filled with “glassy, blue waves; spicy hot heat — and sandy, snug hugs” and to go into the belly of a dragon. But with her parents and brothers, Anita becomes a fearless dragon herself, flying to a new life in another country. Soft illustrations combine with a touching narration in this gentle but powerful story of immigrations