My Abuela Is a Bruja by Lorena Alvarez Gomez, Mayra Cuevas
ISBN: 0593480635
Genres: Cultural / Latin America, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

An homage to the Native Peoples of Puerto Rico; My Abuela is a Bruja paints a beautiful portrait of what it’s like to be connected to a line of women who practice the art of being a “bruja.” The qualities of being an Island bruja include walks along the island and getting to know the lush flora and fauna, dancing, gardening, cooking, and feeling the magic of her ancestors inside her. The magic of abuela is illustrated beautifully and vibrantly on each page by Lorena Alvarez Gómez who’s known for books such as The Magical Yet, and The Curious Why. The back pages explain in an Author’s Note that the book is based on the author’s own experiences with her abuela and the history of her people, the Borikén. There’s also a Glossary of Abuela’s Spanish Words included in the book and recipes to make Abuela’s Sofrito and Flan. Children of all backgrounds will enjoy getting to know Puerto Rico’s culture a bit better after exploring this book.  It’s published simultaneously in Spanish. Recommended for ages 4-9.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath