I would love to use this story in my classroom in late October, early November. It offers a cultural perspective on a holiday that many Americans do not fully understand or know about. It would be great to present this right after halloween and it is presented bilingually so it is perfect for a classroom.

I really loved that this book was bilingual. I think that it is very important for all classrooms ( )

Great for children who has lost a loved one.

“The Remembering Day” is a book about a young girl, Bella, and her grandmother, Mama Alma. There is lots of information about Hispanic culture, such as the food they grow, like squash and tomatoes. Family is coveted in Hispanic culture, and it is shown extensively in this book. Bella’s grandmother is active, yet very old. She knows she will not be around much longer, and so does Bella. The “Remembering Day” is a family tradition where family and friends get together, eat food, and reminisce about the past and discuss the future. Unfortunately, Mama Alma will not be able to attend this upcoming Remembering Day (she will die soon). This book is translated in Spanish so English and Spanish speakers can both enjoy the book. It is illustrated in a very realistic fashion, stressing the sentimentality and serious nature of the book. This is a story of family and how much they mean to each other, and it is very well-written and illustrated. I would recommend it for 3rd-5th grade because there is a large amount to read on each page, but the vocabulary is simple.