Customer Reviews

La mujer que brillaba aún más que el sol / The Woman Who Outshone the Sun

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Unlike the usual simpering heroine, Lucia is strong, mysterious, natural, and good. Children who are different from others--foreign, language difficulty, intelligence higher or lower--will appreciate how this stranger bounced back from hurt.

This is a powerful and beautiful retelling of this story. This book is written in Spanish and in English and anyone interested in Latino storytelling will buy this book for their collection. I also highly recommend DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! by Cuban author, Mayra L. Dole, and TRINOS CHOICE, by Chicana author Diane Bertrand.

This retelling of the Legend of Lucia Zenteno is beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors and imagination. The text is given in English and Spanish. It is the story of Lucia who has the most beautiful long hair. It is so beautiful that the river that runs throught the town falls in love with her, and when the people of the town, because of their fear, drive her away, the river and all its inhabitants leave with her. The town has to learn humility and they try to get her to return. A wonderful book with a strong female hero.

I don't know how many copies of this book I've purchased over the years to give away as gifts for all the children I've encountered through family and friends. It's a wonderful story that breathes tolerance, humility, and respect and appreciation for one's differences. This is one of my favorite books! It's visually stimulating and speaks so much to the tradition of oral storytelling in Mexican culture. I also love the fact that the Lucia is gorgeous, and brown with deep black hair. It's empowering for little girls of color to see a strong protagonist of color---my students love her and connect with her character.

The legend of Lucia Zenteno is part of the oral history of the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. It tells the story of Lucia, a beautiful, yet strange and different woman. While the elder villagers believed she should be honored and treated with respect, the other villagers were afraid of Lucia. They treated her meanly and drove her out of the village. Lucia went to bathe one last time in the river, who loved her. The river, fishes, and otters flowed into her long hair, and would not be combed out. When Lucia left, the river, fishes and otters, left with her, leaving behind a barren land. The villagers realized that their cruelty was wrong, and the entire village went in search of Lucia. Lucia came back to the village and combed out her hair, releasing the river, fishes and otters. This is a moral story, teaching that despite our differences, everyone must be treated with honor and respect.

Wonderful story about people in a town who treated someone who seemed different poorly, but in the end realized their mistake and ask for her forgiveness. Traditional tale. Includes spanish and english narrative throughout. Great story, highly recommend.