Published by Harry N. Abrams

Summary:  Growing up in Mexico, Luz Jiménez learned the language and culture of her people, the Nahua.  Although she dreamed of reading and becoming a teacher, this proved to be difficult. When she was young, indigenous children weren’t allowed to go to school; later the law changed, and they were required to go to Spanish-speaking schools, forbidden from speaking their native languages.  When the Mexican Revolution came to her home, most of the men in Luz’s community were killed, including her father.  She and her mother and sister moved to Mexico City, where Luz became an artist’s model.  20th-century artists were interested in portraying native people instead of the traditional light-skinned Spanish subjects.  Through her work as a model, Luz also became a teacher, sharing her language and culture with others and becoming known as “the spirit of Mexico”.  Includes notes from the author and artist, including a photograph and a list of illustrations that were inspired by other artists’ work who had painted Luz.  Also a timeline, glossary, notes, and a bibliography.  48 pages; grades 1-5.

Pros:  Another excellent addition to the growing list of 2021 books about indigenous people.  Despite Luz’s many difficulties, she maintained a positive spirit and contributed in many ways to Mexico’s history.  Sure to receive some Pura Belpré consideration.

Cons:  The illustrations that were inspired by other artists’ work were listed with page numbers; since there were no page numbers in the book, I wasn’t sure which page was being referenced.