About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask deeper questions about their heritage or when they feel like they do not quite fit into a single cultural box. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it provides a gentle but profound entry point for discussing how family secrets and traditions shape who we are today. Luís and his mother leave Los Angeles for a small village in New Mexico, where he expects to find deep roots but instead finds a mystery. As he observes his family's peculiar traditions, like lighting candles in a hidden cellar, he realizes his identity is far more layered than he ever imagined. This story is ideal for children ages 10 to 14, offering a realistic look at how history, religion, and family loyalty intersect in the search for belonging.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with historical persecution related to religious practice. The resolution is realistic: Luís does not suddenly become a different person, but rather integrates this new knowledge into his existing Mexican American identity. It is a secular approach to a religious discovery, focusing on the weight of heritage.
