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Library for Juana, A

Publication Information

Author: Mora, Pat

Illustrator: Vidal, Beatriz

Title: Library for Juana, A

Date: 2002

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 0-375-80643-I

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL: Yes

Family:

Young Adult:

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): biography and autobiography

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

This beautifully illustrated imaginative biography (little is known) focuses on the early life of Juana Ramirez de Asbaje, who became the first and one of the greatest Mexican poets known as Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz. The author includes a glossary, further giographical information, and an English translation of one of her poems.

Teaching Ideas:

Readers can make a timeline using the events of the text and the author's note. Students might enjoy portraying Juana Inez's life with Readers' Theater. Her story may encourage students to remember first experiences with reading, with school or with libraries that they can share orally or in writing. Several questions encourage discussion and writing: How do the illustrations help the reader identify with a child from 17th Century Mexico? How did her gender impact her life? What people helped her accomplish her goals? Readers might want to keep a journal as Juana Inez. Search the Internet under Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz for additional information, portraits, and writings, especially on the role of women in A Response to Jealousy.

Teaching Strategies: