Anansesem Guest Post

 

In honor of the anniversary of José Martí’s death at Dos Ríos and Cuban Independence, I wrote an article for my friends at Anansesem, a website focused on Caribbean children’s literature. Here’s a short excerpt:

I knew from La edad de oro that the toughest themes can also be laced with magic and music. Los zapaticos de rosa is a story about poverty, but it is lovely in its rhythm and imagery. Its themes are challenging, but even the youngest child can access its simple language. I could never attempt to imitate Martí, but I know he would have wanted his biography to be told with similar bravery. He would have wanted it to include struggles and thorns without sacrificing beauty.  

Read the whole post at Anansesem!