''Mango, Abuela, and Me'' is a 2015 children's book written by

Meg Medina Meg Medina is an American children’s book author of Cuban descent whose books celebrate Latino culture and the lives of young people. She is the 2023 – 2024 National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature. Medina is the recipient of the 2 ...

and illustrated by Angela Dominguez. It was first published on August 25, 2015 through

Candlewick Press Candlewick Press, established in 1992 and located in Somerville, Massachusetts, is part of the Walker Books group. The logo depicting a bear carrying a candle is based on Walker Books's original logo. Sebastian Walker launched Walker Books from ...

and was a 2016 Belpré Honor Book. While writing the book Medina drew upon her experiences growing up with her grandmother Abuela Bena.

Synopsis

Mia's grandmother (Abuela) has come to the city to live with Mia and her family. Her arrival is met with a language barrier between Mia and Abuela, as Abuela does not speak English and Mia has only a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish. Initially the two are unable to really connect, however as time progresses the two begin to learn each other's language by labeling each item in the house in their respective languages. Eventually Mia purchases a colorful parrot for her grandmother, which helps the two form an even stronger bond.

Reception

Critical reception for the book has been positive. The ''New York Times'' wrote a favorable review for ''Mango, Abuela, and Me'', praising Dominquez's illustrations.

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

and

Booklist ''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is av ...

also praised the work, with Booklist comparing it to Matt de la Peña’s ''Last Stop on Market Street''.

Awards

* Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book (2016, Meg Medina) * Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor Book (2016, Angela Dominguez) * ALSC Notable Children’s Book (2016) * Booklist Top 10 Multicultural Fiction for Youth: 2016

References

External links

* {{Meg Medina American picture books 2015 children's books