Abuelita's Secret

A boy is living with his family while his father is away. He dreads the first day at a new school because he has nothing special to share about himself. Each family member offers him an object that represents a memory from the summer, but the boy doesn't think any of these is interesting. Then his abuelita whispers a secret in his ear. When it's his turn to talk, all he needs to do is open his backpack. When the moment arrives, he dumps the backpack's contents onto the table. As his classmates pick up the objects, he retells the stories they represent. Suddenly, he is surprised that he has much to say. And when he returns home, his abuelita has an even bigger surprise.

Alma Flor Ada, author of numerous award-winning books, was born in Camaguey, Cuba. Her grandmother, Dolores Salvador, was a progressive educator who taught her to read and awakened her love of poetry. Following in her grandmother's footsteps, she has dedicated her life to cultivating transformational education and a love of reading.

Jacobo Muniz went to school with kids who came from other places. They had exotic accents, distinct customs, and different ways of playing the same games that he played. Jacobo brings this world perspective to his illustrations.