Customer Reviews

Growing Up with Tamales / Los Tamales de Ana (Hardcover w/CD)

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Excellent! I read this book to more than 70 elementary students (preschool through 6th grade - many with language and reading weaknesses. My students were glued to the story and beautiful illustrations! Written in both English and Spanish, this book is a great way to bring culture to the classroom. It also serves as a learning tool to help children think about their own goals and desires.

I have been following Gwendolyn Zepeda's writing for quite a number of years and ordered her new book, Growing Up with Tamales, as soon as it became available on Amazon. The five month wait was worth it!

I ordered a second copy for my niece who teaches a dual language kindergarten classroom because finding such wonderful books to teach with is difficult. I'm sure Growing Up with Tamales will become a favorite at Sheldon ISD as it has in my home.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill picture book. Gwen gives the character, Ana, an inspiring personality that kids can look up to.

We all know of the story of a younger sibling who wants to be just like their older brother/sister. This tale of Ana following in her older sister's footsteps, as she learns more about making tamales, gives the reader a sense of ambition that makes it a joy to read.

I recently saw Gwen at an event, reading this book to a group of elementary students and their reactions were very delightful. I witnessed the kids connecting with the character and being able to relate to, "wishing they were older," in order to experience something more grown up.

The illustrations have a unique personality about them that doesn't immediately scream out "kids book," but has an artistic quality that makes you want to find out what happens next.

This book would be great for any child, as the story is so relatable.

"Growing up with Tamales," Gwendolyn Zepeda's first children's book is a joy to read and to look at. I've read it to my seven year old daughter twice and my son has heard it once. The only reason he didn't hear it the first time was because he was already asleep. They both love it! So much so, that my daughter asked to hear it again the next night.

The illustrations by April Ward are beautifully done and they really capture the feeling of Gwen's (and Ana's) words. As an adult, it made me feel nostalgic for simpler times when our life was ahead of us like a big easel waiting for us to throw our paint on it. Gwendolyn Zepeda makes her hometown of Houston proud. www.shoegirlcorner.blogspot.com

Very good book. My children grew up making tamales with their grandmother Kika. Sadly she is no longer with us. This book helps my grandchildren learn more about their culture and their family.