Rudolfo Anaya
One of the most influential authors in Chicano literature, Rudolfo Anaya has earned international acclaim for his skillful mingling of realism, fantasy and myth in novels exploring the experiences of Hispanics in the American Southwest. Novelist, poet, short story author, essayist, playwright and children's book writer-Mr. Anaya has been called "the godfather of Chicano literature in English," "one of the best writers in this country," "un hijo del pueblo," and "a son of New Mexico." His long list of national and international awards include the prestigious Premio Quinto Sol national Chicano Literary Award for his first novel, Bless Me, Ultima-a novel that has generated more critical review
analysis and interpretation than any other novel in contemporary Chicano literature-and the PEN Center West Award for fiction for his novel, Albuquerque.
Rudolfo Anaya was born in the village of Pasturas, south of the small town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where the family moved when Mr. Anaya was a small boy. Later they moved to Albuquerque. When he was a high school sophomore, Rudolfo suffered a serious spinal injury in a swimming accident. It is said that out of that difficult time, he forged the themes and the questions of his writing. The old storytellers, the myths of his Mexican-Indian ancestors, and the land itself, profoundly affected Mr. Anaya. The plains in which he was raised provide the setting for most of his novels and short stories. A 1956 graduate of Albuquerque High School, Mr. Anaya attended Browning Business School for two years before entering the University of New Mexico, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in literature and a master's degree in counseling. Mr. Anaya also has been awarded seven honorary Doctor of Literature degrees from university across the country, including UNM.
Mr. Anaya taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools from 1963 to 1970 and headed the University of Albuquerque Counseling Center from 1971 to 1973. He was a UNM professor in the department of English Language and Literature from 1974 until his retirement in 1993, teaching courses in creative writing and Chicano literature. He is a Professor Emeritus at UNM. In addition to writing seven novels-Bless Me, Ultima, Heart of Atzlan, Tortuga, The Legend of La Llorona, Alburquerque, Zia Summer and Rio Grande Fall-Mr. Anaya has edited books in Chicano literature, published poetry, plays and short stories, and contributed numerous articles to literary periodicals. Today, he is spending much of his time writing children's books and lecturing around the world.
His latest children's book is Elegy on the Death of César Chávez (Cinco Puntos Press, November 2000).
Reviews
Farolitos For Abuelo
Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrations by Edward Gonzales
A poignant sequel to The Farolitos of Christmas, this appealing picture book shows us how young Luz starts a new tradition of placing Christmas Farolitos on the graves of loved ones to honor her Abuelo (grandfather) who died after rescuing a drowning boy the previous spring. Lovely, glowing paintings emphasize the warmth of the close-knit northern New Mexico village and the enduring love between Luz and her Abuelo. An Author's Note and Glossary are included. 1998, Hyperion, Ages 5 to 10, $15.99. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-7868-0237-5
The Farolitos Of Christmas
Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrated by Edward Gonzales
Every Christmas in San Juan, New Mexico, the residents present a play about the coming of Jesus. However, this year things are different for Luz--father has gone to war and Abuelo (grandfather) is ill and not able to cut the wood to light the luminarias (small bonfires to light the path from the road to their home). With ingenuity, Luz finds an alternative to the luminarias, father returns home from war, Abuelo recovers, and the Christmas time becomes one of joy, love, and thanksgiving. Also included is a glossary of the Spanish words used throughout the story. 1995, Hyperion, Ages 5 to 9, $14.95 and $14.89 and $4.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-7868-0060-7
ISBN: 0-7868-2047-0
ISBN: 0-7868-1203-6
Maya's Children: The Story of La Llorona
Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrated by Maria Baca
In this colorful picture book, famous Chicano novelist, Rudolfo Anaya, has re-worked the spooky horrific legend of the Hispanic Southwest and Latin America. The tale has been traditionally used to scare children into coming home before dark, and Anaya version is a kinder, gentler tale, in which the mother, Maya, does not kill her children, but instead loses them to a tricky Senor Tiempo. Set in ancient Mexico, Anaya uses motifs from the natural world to bring out the mythic aspects of the tale. Vivid, child-like gouache paintings suit the mood of the story well. An author's note explains how the tale was adapted. 1997, Hyperion, Ages 5 to 11, $14.95 and $14.89. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-7868-0152-2
ISBN: 0-7868-2124-8
My Land Sings: Stories from the Rio Grande
Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrations by Amy Córdova
Within this collection of ten tales are five "cuentos" or traditional tales of New Mexico and five original stories steeped in the culture of the region. A full page pen and ink drawing introduces each story. Anaya briefly discusses each tale in the preface, and the importance of stories in nurturing the imagination, developing a sense of community and providing a "knowledge of its values." With his original stories based on legends and "everyday" tales he heard as a child, Anaya encourages readers to record tales they hear or rewrite old stories in contemporary settings. The strong Catholic background of the Spanish settlers brought symbols and religious figures to the tales. Here then, one finds a young woman dancing with the devil in disguise, and receiving visits from the Lord and the Virgin Mary. There are cautionary tales about what happens when we get too greedy, either for money or immortality. Some readers may need further explanation about the traditions of New Mexico. Others will find here a fine collection of gems. 1999, Morrow Junior Books, Ages 8 up, $17.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-688-15078-0
Added 2000
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