Claro de luna

By Elizabeth Santiago, McKenzie Mayle, Cecilia Molinari
Hardcover: $24.95

Taína, una joven de catorce años, acaba de enterarse que es descendiente de una larga línea de fuertes mujeres taínas. ¿Pero, le ayudará esto a traer paz y justicia a su familia y comunidad?

Fourteen-year-old Taína just learned that she is a descendant of a long line of strong Taíno women, but will knowing this help her bring peace and justice to her family and community?

Audiobook Edition

Front cover for The Moonlit Vine by Elizabeth Santiago and McKenzie Mayle
This book is also available in English
The Moonlit Vine
By Elizabeth Santiago, McKenzie Mayle

Description

A pesar de su nombre, Taína Pérez no sabe nada de su herencia taína, ni ha intentado nunca aprender. Al fin y al cabo, ¿cómo podría ayudar la historia antigua de Puerto Rico con todo lo que está pasando? Hay constantes problemas en la escuela y en su barrio, han echado a su hermano mayor de casa y, como su madre está trabajando, le toca a ella sola cuidar de su hermano pequeño y de su abuela anciana. Es mucho para una niña de catorce años.

Pero la vida da un giro radical cuando su abuela le dice que es descendiente directa de Anacaona, la bienamada líder taína, guerrera y poeta, que fue asesinada por los españoles en 1503. La abuela también le regala un amuleto y un cemí y le dice que ha llegado el momento de asumir su poder como las mujeres que la precedieron. ¿Pero es eso posible? La gente como ella apenas consigue salir de sus circunstancias, y los problemas de su hogar y de su comunidad son mucho más grandes de lo que Taína puede manejar. ¿O lo son?

Un relato moderno intercalado con capítulos históricos, Claro de luna ofrece a los lectores una poderosa historia de lucha, esperanza y liberación colectiva del pueblo puertorriqueño y taíno.

Despite her name, Taína Perez doesn’t know anything about her Taíno heritage, nor has she ever tried to learn. After all, how would ancient Puerto Rican history help with everything going on? There’s constant trouble at school and in her neighborhood, her older brother was kicked out of the house, and with her mom at work, she’s left alone to care for her little brother and aging grandmother. It’s a lot for a fourteen-year-old to manage.

But life takes a wild turn when her abuela tells her she is a direct descendant of Anacaona, the beloved Taíno leader, warrior, and poet, who was murdered by the Spanish in 1503. Abuela also gives her an amulet and a zemi and says that it’s time for her to step into her power like the women who came before her. But is that even possible? People like her hardly make it out of their circumstances, and the problems in her home and community are way bigger than Taína can manage. Or are they?

A modern tale with interstitial historical chapters, The Moonlit Vine brings readers a powerful story of the collective struggle, hope, and liberation of Puerto Rican and Taíno peoples.


Discover more from Lee & Low Books

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

About the Creators

Elizabeth Santiago

Elizabeth Santiago grew up in Boston, MA with parents who migrated from San Sebastián, Puerto Rico in the 1960s. The youngest of nine, Elizabeth was entranced by the stories her mother, father, aunts and uncles, and community elders told her. Later, she sought to capture and honor those narratives and share them with the world. She earned a BFA in creative writing from Emerson College, a master’s in education from Harvard University, and a PhD in education studies from Lesley University. She still lives in Boston with her husband Kevin and son Ezekiel, but travels to Puerto Rico as often as she can to feel even closer to her ancestors, culture, and heritage. Find her @liznarratives

McKenzie Mayle
McKenzie Mayle

McKenzie Mayle is a New York City based artist and illustrator with roots in Appalachia Ohio. She delights in creating relatable and eccentric characters, predominantly inspired by Tim Burton, Shel Silverstein, Jann Brett, and Roald Dahl imagery. Van Gogh and Monet influenced the scenery she would create for her characters. When not drawing or out and about people-watching for character inspiration, she can be found cuddled with her cats, Pretzel and Tarmac. Find her at mckenziemayle.com.

Cecilia Molinari
Cecilia Molinari
Cecilia Molinari was born in Los Angeles to Argentine parents. Growing up with stories from two cultures led Cecilia to become a successful editor at Houghton Mifflin, HarperCollins, and eventually Rayo, the HarperCollins Latino imprint. At Rayo, Cecilia spearheaded numerous celebrity books in English and Spanish, as well as the Esenciales collection of Spanish and Latin American contemporary classics. Today, she applies her wealth of experience to the print and digital media landscape through her translation and editorial services company. You can find her CeciliaMolinari.com.

Awards

  • Best Books 2023

    Kirkus Reviews

  • RISE: A Feminist Book Project Booklist Winner 2024

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Massachusetts Book Award Longlist 2024

    Massachusetts Center for the Book

  • Best Children's Books of the Year Winner 2024

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Maine Student Book Award Longlist 2024

    Maine Library Association

Reviews

  • * "A beautiful ode to Puerto Rican history...Santiago's writing sparkles, even as it draws upon hard realities that Puerto Ricans can face in their everyday lives and sense of cultural identity. Filled with arresting prose and historical stories, this novel brings Puerto Rican history into the present, mixing in realistic themes to which most readers will relate."

    - Booklist
  • * "Readers will cheer for the bold, resourceful protagonist as she uses her newfound power to bring everyone she cares about together. . .Mayle's evocative black-and-white art and interstitial chapters centering Ty's ancestors through the centuries round out the contemporary storyline . . . Deeply moving, beautifully written, and inspiring."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "Mayle's elegant b&w art appears throughout and historical interstitials center Ty's forebears as they endured harrowing events such as genocide and colonization. Via evocative third-person prose, Santiago proudly showcases Taíno culture in this empowering debut that is at once educational, realistic, and speculative."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "An engaging novel for younger teens that centers around a relatable heroine and a fascinating history."

    - School Library Journal

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643796512
  • Publication Date May 30, 2023
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 1.375 lbs
  • Page Count 384
  • Word Count 74663
  • Interests

  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAF / Social Themes / Assimilation
  • BISAC Category 2 YAF / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 YAF / Historical / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
  • Themes Biracial / Multiracial, Coping with Death, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Diversity, Dual Language, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Forgiveness, Grandparents, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Immigration, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Integrity / Honesty, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Leadership, Mothers, Neighbors, Overcoming Obstacles, Paranormal, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Protest, Responsibility, Siblings, Spanish, Teen Interest, Tolerance / Acceptance, United States History, Women's History, YA interest
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 13 - 18
  • Grade Range Grades 8 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z
  • Spanish Guided Reading Z
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 8 - 12
  • Lexile Level 730
  • Reading Level Grades 8 - 12
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 67
      Authentic Spanish List
      Collection of 67 books: $1,045.65

      Animal Poems of the Iguazú / Animalario del Iguazú

      let's listen to / the green voice / of the rainforest

      The animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves, creating a collection of poems that will resonate with readers of all ages.

      Martí's Song for Freedom

      A bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty-abolishment of slavery, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence from colonialism for all Latinos. Written in verse with excerpts from Martí's seminal work, Versos sencillos.

      Olor a perfume de viejita

      En esta clásica historia sobre la mayoría de edad, Chela enfrenta los desafíos del sexto grado luego de perder a su padre, su mujer amigo.

      In this classic coming-of-age story, Chela faces the challenges of sixth grade after losing her father, her very best friend.

      The Smell of Old Lady Perfume

      Chela faces the challenges of the sixth grade after losing her best friend: her dad.

      A Movie in My Pillow / Una película en mi almohada

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Young Jorgito has come to live in the Mission District of San Francisco, but he hasn't forgotten the unique beauty of El Salvador.

      Magic Dogs of the Volcanoes / Los perros mágicos de los volcanes

      Whenever Salvadoran people gather to tell stories, someone will have a story about the magic dogs called cadejos.

      Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué Rico! Brotes de las Américas

      A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.

      Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico! Americas' Sproutings

      A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.

      My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Five brothers, two parents, and a house full of visiting relatives make a young Mexican American girl feel crowded.

      It Doesn't Have To Be This Way / No tiene que ser así

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Monchi likes to write poems, hang out with his cousin Dreamer, and tell stories to his uncle, Tío Rogelio, until one day, a member of the local gang tells him it's time to join up.

      The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza

      Bilingual English/Spanish. The Upside Down Boy is award-winning poet Juan Felipe Herrera's engaging memoir of the year his migrant family settled down so that he could go to school for the first time.

      My Papa Diego and Me / Mi papá Diego y yo

      "When most people think of my father, Diego Rivera, they think of him as a famous painter... His hard work, dedication, and talent taught me that if you work hard at your passion, you can achieve your dreams."

      Guadalupe Rivera Marín had a very unusual childhood, growing up among world famous artwork. Her papá, Diego Rivera, was a larger-than-life figure who created unforgettable images of working people, of life in Mexico, of industrial machines and flowers. But Diego Rivera also loved to paint children, and you'll find them inside the pages of this book, along with lessons and wisdom he passed along to his eldest daughter.

      Guadalupe Rivera Marín shares some of her childhood memories of the world-renowned artist who also happened to be her papá. Her recollections are tender, humorous, and unexpected. This intimate artistic portrait will delight readers, from the youngest art lovers to Diego Rivera's biggest fans.

      The Turquoise Room / El cuarto turquesa

      Bestselling author Monica Brown takes us on a magical journey into the lives of generations of creative women in her family in this gorgeously illustrated bilingual picture book.

      Monica Brown, exitosa autora, nos lleva a un viaje mágico en la vida de generaciones de mujeres creativas en su familia en este libro bilingüe bellamente ilustrado.

      The Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A bilingual biography of Pura Belpré, New York City's first Latina librarian.

      My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá

      Bilingual English/Spanish. One night, young Amada overhears her parents whisper of moving from Mexico to the other side of the border- to Los Angeles, where greater opportunity awaits.

      Sharuko

      A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru's ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country's Indigenous history.

      Prietita and the Ghost Woman / Prietita y la llorona

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Gloria Anzaldúa uniquely reinterprets the famous Mexican legend of la Llorona.

      Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel

      A Pura Belpré Author Honor Award winner

      Una Pura Belpré Premio de Autor Infantil (Libro de Honor)

      Maximillian's summer vacation resembles one of his beloved lucha libre movies: grudge matches, fantastic villains and the Guardian Angel.

      Las vacaciones de verano de Maximillian se parece a una de sus queridas películas de lucha libre: partidos de rencor, villanos fantásticos y el Ángel Guardián.

      My Tata's Remedies

      A bilingual story of family and traditional wisdom: Tata teaches grandson Aaron natural remedies through healing neighbors and family.

      El Parlamento de Lechuzas

      Descubre una novela gráfica sin par: una brillante reinvención steampunk de Frankenstein ambientada en el México colonial.

      The Witch Owl Parliament

      Discover a graphic novel unlike any other--a brilliant steampunk reimagining of Frankenstein set in colonial Mexico.

      Claro de luna

      Taína, una joven de catorce años, acaba de enterarse que es descendiente de una larga línea de fuertes mujeres taínas. ¿Pero, le ayudará esto a traer paz y justicia a su familia y comunidad?

      Fourteen-year-old Taína just learned that she is a descendant of a long line of strong Taíno women, but will knowing this help her bring peace and justice to her family and community?

      Audiobook Edition

      The Moonlit Vine

      Fourteen-year-old Taína just learned that she is a descendant of a long line of strong Taíno women, but will knowing this help her bring peace and justice to her family and community?

      Audiobook Edition

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #4) / Maximilian & la maldición del Ángel Caído

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel is the fourth book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Fourteen-year-old Max struggles with the biggest heartbreak of his life--his hero just announced his last match ever as the king of lucha libre!

      Maximilian & la madición del Ángel Cáido es el cuarto libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max batalla con la peor tragedia de su vida: ¡su héroe acaba de anunciar su ultima pelea como el rey de la lucha libre!

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #3) / Maximilian y el Club de Lucha Libre

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club is the third book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Sixth-grader Max joins the Lucha Libre Club. Grab your masks and let the action begin! POW!

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club es el tercer libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max, estudiante de sexto grado, se une al Club de Lucha Libre. ¡Ponganse sus máscaras y que empiece la acción! ¡POW!

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #2) / Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch is the second book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Maximilian's old aunts battle for the Queen Bingo trophy while his sweetheart and the new girl war for Max's heart.

      Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería es el segundo libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Las tías viejitas de Maximilian pelean por el trofeo de Reina de la Lotería mientras su novia y la chica nueva luchan por el corazón de Max.

      Still Dreaming / Seguimos soñando

      A 2023 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor

      In the first children's book to describe the long-forgotten chapter of US history known as Mexican Repatriation, a boy and his family leave their beloved home to avoid being separated by the government.

      En el primer libro infantil que describe el capítulo olvidado de la historia de los Estados Unidos conocido como la Repatriación Mexicana, un niño y su familia dejan su amado hogar para evitar ser separados por el gobierno.

      A Perfect Season for Dreaming / Un tiempo perfecto para soñar

      In this stunning bilingual picture book from bestselling author Benjamin Alire Sáenz, an old man tells his granddaughter about the nine most beautiful dreams of his life.

      En este impactante libro ilustrado bilingüe del exitoso autor Benjamin Alire Sáenz, un anciano le cuenta a su nieta los nueve sueños más hermosos de su vida.

      Water Rolls, Water Rises / El agua rueda, el agua sube

      Now in paperback: In a series of poetic verses in both English and Spanish, readers learn about the movement and moods of water around the world and the ways in which water affects different landscapes and cultures.

      Lucha Libre

      Xavier Garza brings another action-packed bilingual picture book about traditional Mexican wrestling--lucha libre!

      Xavier Garza presenta otro libro ilustrado lleno de acción sobre un deporte tradicional de Mexico: ¡la lucha libre!

      El verano de las mariposas

      Now in Spanish, this award-winning title from Pura Belpré Award-winning author Guadalupe Garcia McCall's magical retelling of The Odyssey stars fifteen-year-old Odilia, the reluctant leader of her four younger sisters as they set off on a fantastical road trip.

      Summer of the Mariposas

      In this young adult retelling of The Odyssey, Odilia and her four sisters journey to Mexico to return a dead man to his family and encounter magical creatures along the way.

      En estas tierras mágicas

      Minerva esta encargada de sus hermanas después de la desaparición de su madre en estamágica historia argentina de medio grado que combina perfectamente con la historia de Peter Pan.

      Minerva must take care of her sisters after her mother's disappearance in this magical Argentinean middle grade story that pairs perfectly with Peter Pan.

      On These Magic Shores

      Minerva must take care of her sisters after her mother's disappearance in this magical middle grade story that pairs perfectly with Peter Pan.

      Audiobook Edition

      Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

      Mismatched and fabulous Marisol McDonald celebrates her Peruvian and Scottish heritage.
      Bilingual English/Spanish.

      The Great and Mighty Nikko! / ¡El gran y poderoso Nikko!

      It's bedtime! Join Nikko in this joyous bilingual lucha libre counting adventure by wrestling aficionado Xavier Garza.

      ¡Es la hora de dormir! Únete a Nikko en esta alegre aventura bilingüe de conteo de lucha libre del aficionado a la lucha libre Xavier Garza.

      Drum, Chavi, Drum! / ¡Toca, Chavi, Toca!

      Who says girls can't play drums? The beat of Chavi's congas livens up her entire neighborhood. When she's not picked to drum in Miami's Calle Ocho festival, she decides to do something about it!

      ¡Los Zombis no comen verduras! / Zombies Don't Eat Veggies

      En este encantador debut de una talentosa pareja, Mo Romero es un zombi con un secreto profundo y oscuro...

      Zombies Don't Eat Veggies

      In this delightful debut by a talented husband-and-wife team, Mo Romero is a zombie with a deep, dark secret...

      Super Cilantro Girl / La superniña del cilantro

      An empowering story by former US poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera about a young girl who uses her newfound superpowers to rescue her mamá from the United States-Mexico border.

      From North to South / Del Norte al Sur

      Bilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.

      Confeti

      In Spanish. The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Gracias • Thanks

      In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

      Finding the Music / En pos de la música

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this cheerful book, a determined Latina girl accidentally breaks her grandfather's vihuela and ventures into her community to find someone who can fix the instrument, leading her to discover his legacy as a mariachi player.

      Call Me Tree / Llámame árbol

      An imaginary bilingual English/Spanish tale of self-discovery told by a child who grows, learns about the natural world, embraces others, and is free to become who they are meant to be--a child as unique as a tree.

      Por todo nuestro alrededor

      Este hermoso libro ilustrado, ganador del Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor y del American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor, celebra los círculos que nos rodean, en el cielo, la tierra, nuestros vecindarios, nosotros mismos ... si nos atrevemos a buscarlos.

      All Around Us

      This gorgeous picture book -- winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor and American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor -- celebrates the circles that surround us, in the sky, the earth, our neighborhoods, ourselves... if we just dare to look for them.

      Jugo Fresco

      Qué contiene un jugo que mantiene a todos saludables? ¡Art y su papa descubren que necesitan zanahorias... col berza... chile de árbol... y una comunidad!

      What makes a great juice that keeps everyone healthy? Art and his dad discover it takes carrots... collards... cayenne... and community!

      Fresh Juice

      What makes a great juice that keeps everyone healthy? Art and his dad discover it takes carrots... collards... cayenne... and community!

      Featherless / Desplumado

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Award-winning children's book author and poet Juan Felipe Herrera offers a story of self-empowerment and friendship.

      Antonio's Card / La tarjeta de Antonio

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A tender story about a boy struggling to express his love for his mother and her partner in a nontraditional family.

      Quinito's Neighborhood / El Vecindario de Quinito

      Join Quinito as he introduces the people and places of his neighborhood.

      Family Poems for Every Day of the Week

      A bilingual poetry collection by the late Francisco X. Alarcón, acclaimed Chicano poet, celebrating the days of the week and everyday childhood experiences.

      Una colección bilingüe de poesía del difunto Francisco X. Alarcón, aclamado poeta chicano, que celebra los días de la semana y las experiencias cotidianas de la infancia.

      Grandma and Me at the Flea / Los Meros Meros Remateros

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Every Sunday, Juanito helps his grandmother sell old clothes beneath the rainbow-colored tents at the remate, the flea market.

      Xochitl and the Flowers / Xóchitl, la Niña de las Flores

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Miles away from their home in El Salvador, Xochitl (SOH-cheel) and her family make a new home in the United States, but nothing is the same.

      Mamá the Alien / Mamá la extraterrestre

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this lighthearted bilingual immigration story, a young girl sees the word alien on her mother's Resident Alien card and concludes that her mother is from another planet--until the girl finds out that the word has more than one meaning.

      Arrorró, mi niño

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A book of Latino lullabies and games, inspired by the author's own childhood in Puerto Rico.

      Calling the Doves / El canto de las palomas

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Calling the Doves is Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera's story of his migrant farmworker childhood.

      Where Wonder Grows

      A 2023 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner

      From the creators of the award-winning picture book All Around Us comes another lyrical intergenerational story exploring our connections to nature, family, and traditions.

      Donde las maravillas crecen (Where Wonder Grows)

      A 2023 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner

      De las creadoras del galardonado libro ilustrado All Around Us llega otra historia lírica intergeneracional que explora nuestra conexión con la naturaleza, la familia y las tradiciones.

      From the creators of the award-winning picture book All Around Us comes another lyrical intergenerational story exploring our connection to nature, family, and traditions.

      Mama and Papa Have a Store

      A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      La tienda de Mamá y Papá

      In Spanish. A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      Poems to Dream Together

      A bilingual collection of poetry by acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón celebrating family, community, nature, and the positive power of dreams to shape our future.

      Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this Pura Belpré Honor-winning book, Carmen Lomas Garza tells the story of her childhood growing up in Kingsville, TX.

      The Wild Ones

      From the creators of Zombies Don't Eat Veggies! comes a heartwarming and epic tale of four best friends who turn to the mythical monsters from their respective cultures to help them save the only home they've ever known.