  | Nina del pueblo de floricanto : Luz Jimenez, hija de los Nahuas Author: Amescua, Gloria | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
A fictionalized account of a Nahua woman who grew up in Mexico during the early 1900s, became a model for artists, worked with scholars to preserve the Nahuatl language and stories, and was known as the "soul of Mexico." In Spanish.
| Illustrator: | Tonatiuh, Duncan |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (+) (11/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 11/01/2025 K-Gr 3—This Spanish-language picture book biography brings to light the inspirational life of Luz Jiménez and the impact she made. As a young girl in Milpa Alta, Mexico, Jiménez learned how to weave with her mother and loved stories that were passed down about Nahua culture. When the government required her to attend school, she enjoyed learning how to read, even though some of the rules, such as wearing European-style dresses and baking bread instead of making tortillas, were meant to isolate her from her culture. The Mexican Revolution began, and her family fled to Mexico City, where they had to find ways to survive. She modeled for artists who wanted to portray and honor Indigenous peoples through paintings and photographs. Through her work, Jiménez was able to provide firsthand accounts and teachings of the Nahua culture and language and have a profound effect on art. The stunning artwork brings the subject to life, depicting her love for her culture as well as struggles and disappointments. The text reflects her bright spirit, along with the reality of the discrimination ndigenous peoples face and the harsh changes brought by the Mexican Revolution. Notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline, glossary, and bibliography accompany the text. VERDICT This Spanish-language biography brings to light the incredible life and contributions of Luz Jiménez and is highly recommended for all Spanish children's collections, especially where there are gaps in Mexican artist representation.—Selenia Paz - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
