A multi-award winning and bestselling novel, blending science fiction and Mexican folklore to explore acceptance, resistance and the power of storytelling.
Donna Barba Higuera grew up in Central California and now lives in
the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her entire life blending
folklore with her experiences into stories that fill her
imagination. Now she weaves them to write picture books and novels.
Donna's first book, Lupe Wong Won't Dance, won a Sid
Fleischman Award for Humor and a Pura Belpre Honor.
Her second novel, The Last Cuentista, received the John
Newbery Medal and the Pura Belpre Award. It was named one of the
Best Books of the Year by the Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star
Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and TIME.
Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes -
truly a beautiful cuento * New York Times *
Clever and compelling . . . wonderfully subversive * The
Wall Street Journal *
This tale packs a wallop. Exquisite * Kirkus Reviews *
The Last Storyteller is about the stories that create the universe,
the tales that weave us together across light-years and
generations, and courage that sings in the darkness. It's an
incredibly memorable story with a masterful twist. I absolutely
loved it! * Sinead O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North *
The Last Storyteller took risks as an MG sci-fi novel and I'm very
grateful it did. Some believe you must water certain themes down
for younger readers because they're unable to handle it, but, in
this case, I don't agree. At the heart of it, the book is about
the power of storytelling, human connection and family. What a
spectacular book! * Rachel Faturoti, author of Sade and Her Shadow
Beasts *
An extraordinary, outstanding blend of science fiction, Mexican
folklore and dystopian fantasy. In turns beautiful and chilling,
always enthralling, and ultimately hopeful with a vital and timely
message of the power of memories and stories to connect us all. It
pushes the boundaries of what Middle Grade can be. Totally
unmissable and unforgettable. * Sophie Anderson, author of The
House with Chicken Legs *
Space exploration, cryogenics, evolution, ethics, botany, folklore
and family ties, all wrapped up in a stunning adventure that
tugs at the heartstrings. Don't miss this! * Nicola Penfold,
author of Where the World Turns Wild *
A sweeping and epic vista of a novel that blends history,
science, traditional Mexican tales and philosophy, this
middle-grade novel is a tour de force for 9-12 year olds. The
thought-provoking premise will fire children's imaginations and is
a perfect starting point for book club discussions. And for English
teachers, if you need a good example of a novel first-person
narrated in the present tense, this is a compelling choice. * The
School Reading List *
I particularly enjoyed the way in which the gift of
storytelling and the ancient Mexican myths were interwoven
throughout this futuristic story. -- Ann Cowling * Just Imagine
*
Higera skillfully combines science fiction, folklore, and
mythology to create a pacy middle grade novel which advanced
readers from Year 5 upwards will love. A must buy for all
upper key stage 2 or key stage 3 libraries. * Jane Broadis, The
School Librarian *
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