El Color de Mis Palabras (Used Paperback) - Lynn Joseph

Ana Rosa’s beautiful poetry starts each chapter of this novel, as she dreams of becoming a writer in the Dominican Republic at the age of 12. Because only the president of the country writes, her dream is always challenged. She steals paper for her craft, recording everything she sees. This is a coming of age story as the heroine recounts events in her life, introducing her family, her close relationship with her older brother Guario, her first crush and the meringue filled days of her home.

When an official informs the villagers that a hotel will be built on the land where the families have lived for generations, Ana Rosa uses her skillful words to this important cause. Guario becomes the leader of the village to overthrow the government from taking the land. With Ana’s written words and Guario leadership they become a voice for their village. Though the hotel project is stopped, tragedy happens in the family. Ana Rosa realizes the importance of using her voice and the power of her words as her stories keep her family and village alive.

The protagonist’s vivid voice paints a colorful picture of the Dominican Republic and its people. I would use this Americas Award Book novel in grades 6-8 as a selection for literature circle.

0910BU