Cartas a mi mamá. (Letters to My Mom)

Reviewed by Gisela Norat, Agnes Scott Coll., Decatur, GA -- Críticas, 1/15/2007

Gr 7+–Originally published in Cuba, this poignant story of racism and hope holds valuable lessons for all readers. A young orphan comes of age within the bosom of the poor blood kin who take her in. In a series of letters written to her beloved dead mother, the narrator/protagonist unburdens her heart and speaks of the loneliness of her existence. In the beginning, she is a powerless black girl belittled and taunted for her blackness. She senses that it’s wrong to feel shame for her skin color and racial features. When she starts questioning her community’s popular belief that blacks should whiten their race, the roots of a healthy identity begin to sprout. As witness to the struggles of single mothers and abused women, the girl learns compassion not just for her race but also for her gender. An essential read for young and old. Ideal for all libraries with Hispanic patrons.