Sharuko

Review
By Booklist

Vibrant illustrations and a detailed bilingual text come together to tell the inspiring story of Julio C. Tello, the first Indigenous archaeologist of the Americas and an important figure of Peruvian history. Following Julio—known as Sharuko, which means “brave” in his native Quechua language—from his roots as he explored caves near his home, through his studies in Lima, where he attended medical school, and on to Harvard and Europe, where he studied archaeology, readers will be turning pages with fascination at Tello’s many accomplishments. As Tello returned to Peru once more, he made amazing archaeological discoveries and ultimately became the director of the Museum of Anthropology, which helped him accomplish his greatest wish: to preserve Peruvian culture along with the rich heritage and history of the Indigenous peoples who created it. Chavarri’s gorgeous watercolor-and-gouache illustrations bring to life Tello’s family, his ancestors, moments—both beautiful and dark—from the history of Peru, and the inspiring events of his own life. The bilingual Spanish/English text, neatly laid out in parallel, provides detailed information that will have young readers yearning to learn more, and it’s sure to inspire young archaeologists-to-be. A detailed afterword, illustrator’s note, and author’s sources provide additional information.