Claro de luna

Gr 7 Up–Full of Puerto Rican history and folklore, this novel captures the magic of the Caribbean while presenting an unforgettable heroine teens will root for. Readers follow Taína Perez, a Puerto Rican teenager who has always been curious about her name and family’s history. She gets a lead from her grandmother, who confesses that her name means more than she thought. The 14-year-old’s abuela reveals that she might be a direct descendant of Anacaona, a strong Taíno cacica who fought as a warrior until she was murdered in 1503. Taína’s life completely changes as she realizes that her identity is more tied to her island’s history than she ever would’ve thought. As the story progresses, readers will get deep insight into Puerto Rico, the island’s ancestors, and how learning about the past will shape the present and future. This genre-bending book is perfect for those seeking a coming-of-age novel with threads of the historical.