Cocuyo Lights the Way succeeds by using an intimate diary format to center a vibrant Taíno perspective during a period of high historical tension. Readers follow Cocuyo as she navigates her changing world through sensory details and personal growth. Books in this family share a focus on indigenous voices, first person storytelling, and young protagonists facing significant cultural shifts.
This historical chapter book, presented as a diary, follows eleven-year-old Cocuyo in 1493 on the island of Quisqueya. It vividly portrays her life within the Taíno community and her efforts to find her identity. The narrative shifts dramatically with the arrival of Europeans, introducing themes of colonialism, cultural preservation, and the devastating impact of invasion, disease, and enslavement. It's a powerful story of resilience and bravery in the face of immense historical challenges, offering a crucial indigenous perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
