Book Review of Mango, Abuela, and Me
The Children’s Book Review
Mango, Abuela, and Me
Written by Meg Medina
Illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Ages 5+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2015) | ISBN-13: 9780763669003
What to Expect: Animals, Family, and Culture
Meg Medina, a writer who proudly embraces her Latin heritage, finds inspiration for her stories from her cultural roots. The richness of her Latin heritage is vividly embedded in her writing, bringing to life a beautiful tapestry of storytelling. One of her compelling works is the book Mango, Abuela, and Me, a moving testament to the power of perseverance and the joy of acquiring new knowledge.
Mia’s abuela (grandmother) has come to stay. Abuela left her house to move in with Mia and her parents in the city. When Mia decides to share her favorite book with Abuela, she learns that Abuela cannot read the words. Mia sets about teaching Abuela to speak English, and along the way, Mia also learns some Spanish. It’s not easy learning a new language, so when Mia spots a parrot in a pet-shop window, she buys it to keep Abuela company. The parrot learns English and Spanish, and Mia and Abuela’s bond begins to speak louder than words.
The story depicts how difficult it is to learn a new language (and read a book), but Mia takes on the challenge. As they embark on this journey of learning new things, they find their relationship growing stronger. The exceptional and vibrant illustrations by Angela Dominguez give life to this delightful tale, which reminds us that there is beauty in learning and that the challenges we surpass can draw us closer to our loved ones.
Mango, Abuela, and Me won the 2016 Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book and the 2016 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor Book. This heartwarming story inspires readers to embrace the journey of learning something new.
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About the Author
Meg Medina is the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears, which was also a 2018 Kirkus Prize finalist. Her young adult novels include Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which won the 2014 Pura Belpré Author Award; Burn Baby Burn, which was long-listed for the National Book Award; and The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind. She is also the author of picture books Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book, and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she grew up in Queens, New York, and now lives in Richmond, Virginia.
About the Illustrator
Angela Dominguez has created many picture books, including Maria Had a Little Llama, for which she received a Pura Belpre Honor for illustration. She also teaches art at the Academy of Art University. She lives in San Francisco.
What to Read Next if You Love Mango, Abuela, and Me
- Tía Isa Wants a Car, by Meg Medina
- The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred, by Rafael López
- Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors, by Rosanna Thong
- Nana in the City, by Lauren Castillo
Bianca Schulze reviewed Mango, Abuela, and Me. Discover more books like Mango, Abuela, and Me by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Family and Culture.
