Synopses & Reviews
All the orangutans are ready for a nap in the sleepy depths of the afternoon . . . all except one. This little orangutan wants to dance! A hip-hop, cha-cha-cha dance full of somersaults and cartwheels. But who will dance with her? Written in bold poems in the tanka style, an ancient Japanese form of poetry that is often used as a travel diary, this exuberant orangutan celebration from acclaimed poet Margarita Engle will make readers want to dance, too!
Review
Praise for
The Firefly Letters:A Junior Library Guild Selection* "Like the firefly light, Engles poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage. Another fine volume by a master of the novel in verse." —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review Praise for
Tropical Secrets:Winner, Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish LibrariesNew York Public Library 2009 Title for Reading and Sharing* "This book is an outstanding choice for young people of all reading skills." —
School Library Journal, starred review Praise for
The Surrender Tree:
A Newbery Honor Book
Winner, Pura Belpré Author Award
Winner, Jane Addams Award
Winner, Claudia Lewis Award
An ALA Notable Book
A Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Children Honor Book
* "Readers will be caught by the compelling narrative voices." —Booklist, starred review Praise for The Poet Slave of Cuba:
Winner, Pura Belpré Author Award
Winner, Américas Award
Winner, IRA Childrens Book Award
An ALA Notable Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A Bank Street College of Education Best Book
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
A CCBC Choice
A Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
A Booklist Editors Choice
* "An absolutely lovely book . . . that should be read by young and old, black and white, Anglo and Latino." —School Library Journal, starred review
* "Readers will hear the stories--and never forget them." —Booklist, starred review
* "The moving poetry and finely crafted story will draw readers in and leave them in tears and in awe." —The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books, starred review
About the Author
Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. Her books include the critically acclaimed The Poet Slave of Cuba, winner of the Pura Belpré Award; The Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor book; Tropical Secrets; Summer Birds; When You Wander; and many other books for children. She lives with her husband in Northern California. Renée Kurilla has illustrated many books for children, none of which include this much fur. She, her husband, and their fluffy cat, Timmy, can be found in Boston, Massachusetts, approximately 9,410 miles from the Borneo rain forest.