This book is about a tradition called Las Posadas, which is a Christmas celebration that many Hispanic people participate in. I would consider this a multicultural book, but it is also a non-fiction or realistic fiction book. The book told all about the tradition, where it takes place, when and how it started, how people celebrate it, etc. In addition to just mentioning activities such as food and songs, recipes and lyrics were given as well. There were lots of pictures showing different parts of the celebration, including the preparation of food and decorations as well as the actual celebration. The book specifically followed the activities of an eleven-year-old girl named Kristen who lives in New Mexico. She played the part of Mary on one of the nine nights of the festival. The basic idea of the festival was that for nine nights before Christmas, people in the town reenacted the story of Mary and Joseph by having different people play Mary, Joseph, innkeepers, and pilgrims or peregrinos. They sing songs that tell the Christmas story as well. After the “innkeepers” finally invite Mary and Joseph inside, everyone goes into a house to eat, sing, and enjoy time with friends and family.
I would definitely use this book in classes that have Hispanic students because many of them may celebrate Las Posadas with their families. They will feel special when they see their culture represented in the class library. This book also allows non-Hispanic students to learn more about the Hispanic culture and to feel closer to their Hispanic peers. They can see the similarities in Las Posadas and their personal holiday celebrations, which both may include eating, singing, and fun! This would be a great book to read before Winter Break. Many teachers do units on “Christmas Around the World” or “Celebrations Around the World,” showing how people celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, etc., and this would be a great book to include! Perhaps the children can go home and make the biscochitos cookies, tamales, or other delicious food that they read about in the book! I love learning about how other people celebrate, and I think that third through fifth graders would as well!
I would definitely use this book in classes that have Hispanic students because many of them may celebrate Las Posadas with their families. They will feel special when they see their culture represented in the class library. This book also allows non-Hispanic students to learn more about the Hispanic culture and to feel closer to their Hispanic peers. They can see the similarities in Las Posadas and their personal holiday celebrations, which both may include eating, singing, and fun! This would be a great book to read before Winter Break. Many teachers do units on “Christmas Around the World” or “Celebrations Around the World,” showing how people celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, etc., and this would be a great book to include! Perhaps the children can go home and make the biscochitos cookies, tamales, or other delicious food that they read about in the book! I love learning about how other people celebrate, and I think that third through fifth graders would as well!
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