The Remembering Stone (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Commended (Awards)) - Hardcover

Russell, Barbara Timberlake

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374362424 ISBN 13: 9780374362423

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2004

Synopsis

A surprising journey of self-discovery

In early fall, the blackbirds creak like rusty wheels behind our apartment . . . "One day I will return like you," my mother tells the birds. "But for now, you go. Que les vaya bien. Safe journey."

Ana doesn't understand the pull of this faraway place until one night she puts her favorite thing -- a stone spit from the volcanoes of Costa Rica - underneath her pillow. She imagines herself a blackbird flying to this country her mother longs to see again, with "mountains [that] stretch over steamy cedar and ebony forests, noisy with bright birds . . . [her] grandfather and uncles gathering cacao pods from the trees." And as Ana imagines what she would see, she develops her own emotional link to this place and people, who, while far away, are part of her.

This evocative picture book with its striking, bold art celebrates the importance of hope, dreams, and cultural roots -- and will have special resonance for all thos who find themselves at the crossroads of two cultures.

About this title

About the Author

Barbara Timberlake Russell lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Claire B. Cotts lives in Berkeley, California.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Young Ana is surrounded by people with dreams-her friend Sophia wants to be an actress, her neighbor wants to buy the apartment building she lives in, a local restaurant owner wants to bring his family to America. Ana doesn't realize her own heart's desire until a volcanic stone from her ancestral home inspires a dream in which she and her mother travel to Costa Rica to be reunited with Ana's grandparents. Despite the lyrical language, the plot falters in places, only becoming cohesive in the second half of the story. The illustrations, however, never fail to delight. The lush, richly patterned pictures beautifully complement the tale, the soft earth tones imbuing each page with a warm golden hue. The images of Ana and her mother are particularly soulful. The text is sprinkled with phrases in Spanish, and a brief glossary is included.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0374362424
• ISBN 13: 9780374362423
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Cotts Claire B.