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.
