Day of the Dead
El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico and the United States on November 1st and 2nd. Origins of the celebrations can be traced to indigenous peoples such as Aztec or Maya, nearly 3,000 years ago.
The common belief is that during the Day of the Dead it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People go to cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the dead. To encourage these visits people decorate their loved ones graves, and build private altars containing the favorite foods, beverages, photos and memorabilia of the departed. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.
A popular symbol of the holiday is the skull (calavera), which represents death and rebirth. For instance, people wear masks, called calacas (term for "skeleton"), and foods such as sugar or chocolate skulls inscribed with the name of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend.
Though celebrations vary depending on where you are, the Day of the Dead is colorful and happy celebration that embraces death instead of fearing it and honors those who have left us.
Taken from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead) and www.dayofthedead.com.
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
Day of the Dead
Carrie Gleason
Part of the “Celebrations in My World” series, this book focuses on a primarily Mexican holiday which takes place on November 1st and 2nd. It is a holiday to honor deceased relatives. It is not a scary holiday, but one that brings families together to remember and celebrate their loved ones. The origins go back many centuries to the Aztec. As Gleason explains, “[The] Aztec believed that death was another stage in a longer life.” These customs merged with the Christian teaching brought by the invading Spanish. The result was a blending of the Christian religious and native customs. Today, the Mexicans who celebrate believe that the sprits of the dead return to Earth for one day each year. Some families spend the better part of a year saving up and preparing for that day. The holiday includes flowers and foods, all of which can be set up at home along with photographs of the deceased. One of the favorite foods is pan di los muertos--bread for the dead. Other foods include tamales and mole. Graves are scrubbed and gifts are left. Often, in the evening, there may be long processions with people bearing lighted candles, music playing, and Bible readings. Skeletons are one of the symbols of the holiday. Bolded words are defined in the glossary and there is an index, but no other books or web sites are referenced. 2009, Crabtree Publishing, $19.95 and $8.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780778742975
ISBN: 0778742970
ISBN: 9780778742791
ISBN: 0778742792
Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life and Death
Amanda Doering
This book offers a good general introduction to Day of the Dead and its related celebrations. As part of the “First Fact” series, it is meant to supplement classroom studies for struggling readers. While the information presented is full, the target reader is evidenced by the controlled vocabulary, brevity of text, and simple sentence structure. Within these limitations, the author manages to make good correlations and contrasts between Christian and Aztec cultures, and between Halloween and the Day of the Dead. The photographs add depth to the exploration of this holiday and offer plenty of opportunity for discussion. A vocabulary, an arts activity, and an index complete the packaging of this as a classroom supplement. 2006, Capstone Press, $15.93. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Ilene S. Goldman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780736853880
ISBN: 073685388X
Day of the Dead Crafts: More Than 24 Projects That Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Kerry Arquette, Andrea Zocchi and Jerry Vigil
Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico and many American communities each year on November 1st and 2nd, is a traditional way to honor the departed and beloved members of the family. It is a folk art extravaganza of homemade altars, handmade jewelry, artwork for walls, and even edible art. Some people believe that just possessing items from Dia de los Muertos can bring good luck. This first chapter provides a succinct history of the holiday, with an accompanying sidebar glossary. The remainder of the book is a treasure trove of items you can make. The stunning photographs and the clear directions make the reader hopeful that their folk art will be welcomed and honored, too. Two dozen art projects are divided into five chapters. “Ofrendas: Altars to Welcome Returning Souls” explains how to prepare an ofrenda and build a unique memorial. “Calaveras: Skeletons with Personality” contains ten projects with lists of supplies and helpful tips for the beginner. There is even a sidebar on “Dealing with Disasters of the Calavera Kind.” The photos of finished Calaveras will make you laugh out loud! Then comes a nifty chapter about “Masks and Skulls: Decorative Pieces to Display or Wear.” After suggesting that readers imagine decorating their homes with skulls, the book shows how to make stunning masks to wear or display, using a wide variety of materials and techniques. Some are even edible! In the chapter describing “Jewelry: Necklaces, Earrings and Bracelets,” readers will be encouraged to try their hand at making jewelry that doesn’t take itself too seriously. These projects are appropriate for all ages, with a wide range of materials and skill levels clearly outlined in the photos, patterns and templates. The chapter addressing “Home Décor: Stunning Decorations for your Home” to honor departed ancestors includes quirky accessories like a Grateful Dead clock, Papel Picado decorative paper banners and lampshades, and even projects with metal and puff paints. The whole book is a terrific resource for both beginning artists and accomplished crafters; it would be a great addition to a library collection for all ages, not just kids. 2008, Cantata Books/Wiley Publishing, $19.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780470258293
ISBN: 0470258292
El barrio
Debbi Chocolate
Illustrated by David Diaz
Our young narrator introduces us to el barrio, his home in the city. In Spanish Harlem, the Latino culture celebrates Cinco de Mayo, the Day of the Dead, and the holiday of the Nativity. On his sister’s 15th birthday, there will also be a quinceañeras party, complete with piñata. His cousins come from Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, but all go to la iglesia to pray on Sundays. He rejoices in all aspects of el barrio: the streets, the shops, the houses, the gardens, the music his grandfather plays on his guitar, the summer, the food, the quinceañeras with their music and joyful celebration, and finally his sister’s love. The mixed media, crowded, double-page visuals of the caption-like text have a warmth that infuses all the images with a comfortable glow. Diaz uses heavy black outlines, simple anatomy, and intense colors with luminescence suggesting stained glass windows. Ornate borders of photographed fragments add solidity to this homage to a hometown. There is a glossary of the many included Spanish words. 2009, Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780805074574
ISBN: 0805074570
Mexio: The People
Bobbie Kalman
Historic glimpses are given on pertinent topics such as ancient civilizations, Independence, Revolution, and the current political climate. The ancestral origins of today’s population are explored as are religious beliefs, family life, changes in women’s roles, types of employment, and the issues of unemployment, poverty, educational opportunities, ”heroes and icons,” and immigration. Lifestyles among those living on farms, in cities, and in villages are compared and contrasted. The information is well organized and summarized with many insightful details, including helpful illustrations and photographs. Their captions often provide extra points of interest. Students can relate to daily life by reading “Juanita’s Day,” a day in the life of a modern city girl their age. The author does not just create an ideal picture, but rather tries to present issues as well, such as the unhealthy working conditions in factories. Students will be left with a basic understanding of people and life in Mexico along with the country’s strengths and challenges, explained to a degree appropriate to their maturity level. Two other books about Mexico are part of this series entitled “The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures Series.” 2009, Crabtree Publishing Company, $19.95 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Victoria Ryles (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780778796626
ISBN: 0778796620
ISBN: 9780778792949
ISBN: 0778792943
P is for Piñata: A Mexico Alphabet
Tony Johnston
Illustrated by John Parra.
Many aspects of Mexican culture and history are included in this beautifully illustrated book. Artistic entries include Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo, folk art, and weaving. Mexico is praised as the birthplace of cacao and all things chocolate. Maize is so important to Mexicans that they call themselves the “People of Corn.” Geographic landmarks include the Independence Day Monument, the hot spot of Juchitan, and the Usumacinta River. Gods and saints also appear--the Lady of Guadalupe, Netzahualcoyotl, and the Rain God. The “S is for Skeleton” spread is especially active and charming, demonstrating that Mexicans do not hide from death but rather accept it as a part of life. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced with a short verse for young children. A wide sidebar contains additional factual information for older readers. Colorful paintings contribute to the cultural authenticity of the book. 2008, Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781585361441
ISBN: 1585361445
Paper Crafts for Day of the Dead
Randel McGee
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead “is somewhat like the United States’s holidays of Halloween and Memorial Day rolled into one,” begins McGee in this book from the series “Paper Craft Fun for Holidays.” Readers are introduced to the holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 that honors loved ones who have died. The paper marigold, skeleton candy basket, skull mask, and Aztec animal decoration projects use paper and other everyday supplies such as crayons, scissors, and glue to complete. The skeleton pets project requires air dry modeling compound and pipe cleaners, in addition to other supplies to complete. Completing the modeling portion of this project will require a little patience, but can be completed by younger children with help. The final two projects require more help from an adult. The paper clothes for the skeletons demand fine motor dexterity in gluing the clothes on the skeletons to look like seams on real clothes. The paper cortado window banners are made with tissue paper, and require detailed cutting, so this will be a challenge for younger readers. Each project includes a detailed list of materials and supplies needed, along with step-by-step instructions, photographs, and a summary of how this design is used or originated. The one confusing part of the book is that each project requires the reader to trace a pattern from the pattern section, yet each pattern must be enlarged before using. The book does not instruct readers on how to enlarge the patterns, and readers may not know to do so since there are no grids to enable hand enlarging, and each one needs a different enlargement percentage, making this a shortcoming of the book. A table of contents, index, and book and website resources complete the additional sections of the book. 2008, Enslow Elementary/Enslow Publishers, $23.93. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Barbara Wheatley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780766029514
ISBN: 0766029514
Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead
Judy Goldman
Illustrated by Rene King Moreno
The monarch butterflies have returned, and Lupita excitedly calls her Uncle Urbano out to watch. He reminds her never to capture or hurt one because they are the souls of those they love returning for the celebration of the Día de los Muertos. The family prepares for the holiday, but Tío Urbano is too ill to help. He dies before the day arrives, and Lupita mourns. Still, on the first of November, the family and neighbors carry out their traditions. That night, they go to the cemetery to clean their relatives’ gravestones. In the morning, as the family prepares to return home, Lupita watches a lone butterfly fly away. To her, it is the soul of her beloved uncle. Saying she will see him again next year, she leaves with a lighter heart. Moreno creates texture through the use of colored pencils in low-key double-page scenes that detail the preparations for the annual celebration that involve lots of flowers, particularly yellow marigolds, candy skeletons, and traditional bread. Lupita and her family are depicted performing the necessary tasks in contemporary settings. The several pages devoted to the annual arrival of the butterflies suggest the masses that eventually fill the trees. Includes background notes about the holiday and a glossary of the Spanish words that appear in the text. 2008, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781590784259
ISBN: 1590784251
Updated 10/27/2009
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.