Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba

This is a very charming book, appropriate for children, and fun for adults, too. The author had a very idyllic childhood growing up in Cuba. They had a large house on a property outside of town, rather rural. Her descriptions of the fruit trees made me hungry! This is an easy read and both enjoyable and relaxing.

The newest book of stories by Dr. Alma Flor Ada never ceases to amaze me with her wonderful way of relating her stories of how she grew up in Cuba. Having the privilege of studying with her at U.S.F. while studying for my doctorate, I eagerly awaited to read this latest collection of stories.It makes a huge difference when you actually know the author. I always marvel at her ability to relate her stories so others can relive them, too.Write on, Dr. Ada!

An easy read and it helped to set the stage for my 15 day trip through Cuba.

I've just started reading this book, but I already love it. There is a very useful glossary with Spanish/Cuban terms.

This thoughtful and inspiring collection of essays about the author growing up in Cuba was charming. It gave me a glimpse into a culture that, for too many years, had been cut off from America. I also enjoyed learning the Spanish words sprinkled throughout and appreciated the glossary in the back. Alma Flor Ada's voice is indeed a treasure.

Alma Flor Ada’s ISLAND TREASURES: GROWING UP IN CUBA is actually three collections of personal essays in one volume. These three collections consist of WHEN THE FLAME TREES BLOOM; UNDER THE ROYAL PALMS, which was a Pura Belpre Medal winner; and DAYS AT QUINTA SIMONI. Those who know of Ada’s work have probably already read the first two collections, but the third is new to this volume.The personal essays in this collection average about seven pages each, making them quite readable, even on-the-go. As the title of this volume indicates, each one of the twenty-six essays tells something about Ada’s childhood and youth in Cuba. Readers can also look at family photos and enjoy illustrations by Antonio Matorell. Readers who know little to no Spanish can look up words and phrases in a glossary in the back matter.I found this book particularly interesting because I began studying Spanish in second grade and continued studying it up to my undergraduate major. Two of my Spanish teachers in the middle grades (fifth and sixth grade, then eighth grade) were from Cuba, and this put some light into what their life in Cuba might have been like.This book is marketed for young readers – about ages eight to twelve – and would be quite appropriate for that age group. The style is simple and conversational, as if she is sitting with readers telling the story. However, just like Sandra Cisneros’s THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET, an older audience might appreciate this work more than youngsters would because the essays are very nostalgic.Who I am: I hold master’s degrees in library science and English and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.How I obtained my copy of this book: From a friend.