“This magical home turns a normal Sunday into domingo: the best day of the week.” Warm memories wash over a first-generation Latinx American girl as she experiences a typical Sunday night dinner at her Abuelita’s house. Readers are immersed in the rich ways love is expressed within this home: the delicious smells of Ecuadorian home cooking, dancing, hugging and playing games with aunts, uncles and cousins. As Alejandra thinks about all the good times her family has had there, she decides that she wants to be brave and try speaking Spanish with Abuelita so that they can deepen their bond. Based on the author’s own life, this timely tale reflects the experience of many families.
- BASED ON THE AUTHOR’S LIFE: An author’s note with photographs reveals that the story is based on debut author Alexandra Katona’s own family experience.
- CULTURAL AWARENESS: Celebrates the warm traditions of an American immigrant family and highlights the common phenomenon of a language barrier between generations.
- SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Depicts the powerful role of family in the life of a child, as well as providing a vivid view of her memories and wishes.
- AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR: Claudia Navarro’s lush, saturated illustrations imbue the book with tangible emotion.
