Enchanted Air: Two cultures, two wings – Margarita Engle

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• Age Range: 12 and up
• Grade Level: 7 and up
• Lexile Measure: 1120
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (August 2, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 148143523X
• ISBN-13: 978-1481435239

EXCERPT from Enchanted Air:

FLIGHT

The first time my parents

take me soaring through magical sky

to meet my mother’s family in Cuba,

I am so little that I can hardly speak

to my island relatives—

my abuelita, my old grandma,

who still loves to dance,

and her ancient mamá, my great-grandma,

who still loves to garden, working

just as hard as any strong

young man.

Already, this island is beginning to seem

like a fairy-tale kingdom,

where ordinary people

do impossible

things.

Rationale for Inclusion:
This book is an excellent addition to any school or public library. It details the author’s multi-cultural childhood during a tumultuous time in history. Written in prose form, this Pura Belpre award winner will engage and enthrall readers of all ages.

Bonus: A classroom curriculum written by the author!