The Wind Called My Name

Gr 4–6—Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this novel introduces Margarita Sandoval, whose family is facing both financial and social difficulties as they navigate life away from their home. Margarita's family has lived in New Mexico for centuries, but now they must leave and seek out new ways of making money. They head to Wyoming where her father has been working for a year as a railroad worker. Margarita is ecstatic at first to be reunited with her family and explore a new place, but is also cautious of how her people and her culture is treated. Between adjusting to life away from her abuela and her ancestral home, and facing racism, Margarita is overwhelmed and wondering if she can ever be her true self and what that even means. Peppered with Spanish vocabulary, rich imagery, and detailed historical references, this book will transport readers to another time and place.