There are now more Spanish speakers in the United States than Spain, including 41 million native Spanish speakers. In recognition of this vibrant, growing population, this Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon title is all about La Noche Buena, or Christmas, Cuban style!
La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story by Antonio Sacre
When Nina visits her grandma in hot, humid Miami for Christmas, she doesn’t quite know what to think. Everything’s so different from cold, snowy New England, where she normally spends the holidays with her mother’s family. With the help of her abuela, Nina discovers the rich, colourful traditions of her father’s Cuban family. Food and family, music and dancing come together to create a Noche Buena that Nina will never forget, which helps her connect with her family and her heritage in a wonderful new way.
Author Antonio Sacre‘s father arrived in the United States from Cuba in the 1960s, and La Noche Buena is inspired by his own childhood memories of holidays celebrated both in Miami’s Little Havana and with his mother’s Irish-American family in New England. As the bicultural Nina discovers, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate a holiday, as long as you spend it with people you care about, and who care about you.
A handy glossary explains Spanish vocabulary, making this a great introduction to Cuban culture.
Colourful, fun and lively, La Noche Buena is a wonderful celebration of Cuban culture, intercultural families, and the importance of family.
Sounds like a lovely book! Thanks for sharing!