Among the Volcanoes [Paperback]

Omar Castaneda (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Isabel Pascay longs to go to school and become a teacher, but her dream just doesn't seem possible in the small Guatemalan village where she lives. The villagers expect Isabel to follow tradition and marry her boyfriend, handsome Lucas Choy. And her mother is ill, but resists Western medicine, relying on a local healer. As the eldest daughter, all the family burdens seem to fall on Isabel. Can she hold on to her dreams for the future and achieve her goal?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Guatemala, life is both simpler and harder for teenagers than in the U.S. Isabel Pacay wants to go to school and become a teacher, but not only is her family very poor, no one in the village, not even her boyfriend, seems to see beyond tradition. When her mother becomes ill, Isabel is expected to stay home, take care of the family and give up her dreams. With the help of an American medical researcher, however, Isabel finds the courage within herself to do what she believes is right. More than anything, the novel offers a quietly realistic portrait of life in Central America: the poverty, ever-present political unrest and proud cultural background make Isabel's dilemma compelling. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-12-- The story of Isabel Pacay and of Guatemala, a country torn by internal conflicts. As Mayan Indians living in this rapidly changing and often dangerous society, the Pacays attempt to reconcile ancient beliefs and social values with modern Christianity, education, and evolving attitudes about women. Isabel, the oldest child, wants to be a teacher as well as a wife and mother, a combination that is unheard of in her village. Other events emphasize the conflict between the old and new ways of life. Due to the unstable political conditions, some local men have "disappeared," been killed, or been taken prisoner. Isabel's father tells his family the safest course is to say nothing to any stranger. When the folk healer cannot cure her mother's illness, however, Isabel longs to talk to a young American who has come to the village offering medical assistance. Castaneda does not sensationalize the dangers the Parays face daily; instead, their fear is depicted as just another part of their lives. Isabel is a multifaceted character, a smart girl who respects and cares for her family, but also one who wants more for herself. Although her culture is different from the typical American's, readers will readily relate to the universal feeling of not fitting in. An excellent introduction to the Guatamalan/Mayan lifestyle, especially if used with nonfiction titles such as Ashabranner's Children of the Maya (Dodd, 1986), and Jenness and Kroeber's A Life of Their Own: An Indian Family in Latin America (Crowell, 1975). --Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, County of Henrico Public Library--Fairfield Area Library, Richmond, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (December 2, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044040746X
• ISBN-13: 978-0440407461
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,054,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book, June 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Among the Volcanoes (Paperback)

Omar Castaneda's Among The Volcanoes is a wonderful read for grades 5-7. I have used it in my 7th grade language arts class for several years. The heroine Isabel Pacay finds herself torn between her aspirations to become a teacher and "fly" above the "volcanoes" surrounding her (both figuratively and literally) and her family's expectations that she fulfill her role of caretaker for her critically ill mother. Isabel's pain is evident throughout the novel, as is her strength. I found that several students could relate to her need for independence, as well as her struggle to please those she loves. I also found that my girls enjoyed this novel much more than my boys. I feel it would be a great selection for small group or book club reading. It is also ideal for learning more about the amazing traditions, geography, and culture of Guatemala. Enjoy!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A 6th grade teacher in Rhode Island, July 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Among the Volcanoes (Paperback)

This is a book with a good, believable story that helps give the reader an inside look at life in a Guatemalan village. However, the author spends a good deal of time and a good deal of figurative language attending to the setting and feelings of the character. Since it is set in a place that is unfamiliar to many U.S. readers, this may be necessary, but for my younger readers, it meant the story moved along a bit too slowly. For many of them, reading the book became a painful process.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Can you say Soap Opera?, March 12, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Among the Volcanoes (Paperback)

Oh my god, this book was exactly like a soap opera. I mean, Isabel loves Lucas, but she's talking to Allen Waters, a doctor, and Lucas thinks she likes him. Isabel's "best friend" Teresa, still likes Lucas, they used to date so she tells Lucas a pack of lies, and at the end...guess what??? .... I highly reccomend it for people who like sappy love stories. The plot's ok, Isabel wants to be a teacher, but her mom, Manuela, is dying so she can't go to school. You figure it out.