Eight Mexican folk heroines come to vibrant life in this fascinating anthology illustrated by Pura Belpré Award-winning artist, educator and activist Maya Gonzalez. Drawing on centuries of Mexican traditions, Fiesta Feminina celebrates brave young girls, clever mythological characters and ambitious historic women leaders. With an illustrator’s note by Gonzalez and fully updated interiors, Fiesta Feminina joins Barefoot’s popular anthology collection as an engaging tool to weave a captivating storytime in the classroom or at home.
64 page paperback for readers ages 6-10
Awards include "2002 Amelia Bloomer Project List": The Feminist Task Force and the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association cited Fiesta Femenina as an excellent feminist book for children and teens, NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (2002), Winner, The Aesop Prize for 2001, given by the American Folklore Society for the most outstanding book incorporating folklore published in English for children and young adults, both fiction and non-fiction, Recommended Book Winner, Parents' Choice (2001), "Top Ten Children's Books on Women's History," Booklist (2001),
Review by Booklist: "Lushly illustrated with robust and colorful paintings by Maya Christina Gonzalez.... this collection will be a sparkling treasure in any folktale collection. Generous source notes, a pronunciation guide for Mexican cities and names, and a glossary for Spanish words and phrases add to the usefulness."
Review by Kirkus Reviews: "A celebration not only of the strength and complexity of Mexican women, but of the richness, vibrancy, and miraculous qualities of Mexican culture."