© Copyright 2011 • American Immigration Council • All Rights Reserved | Contact Us
Author: Janet Costa Bates
This is the story of a relationship between a young girl and her grandmother, who emigrated from Cape Verde 40 years earlier. On the grandmother’s 70th birthday friends and family come from all over to celebrate, except for her sister Aura who remains in Cape Verde. Cora, the granddaughter, sees the longing in her grandmother’s face for her sister. The grandmother then tells Cora about a mantenha, or message, that might be received from someone far away. That night Cora has a dream about Aura that inspires her birthday gift to Grandma: a jar of shells, sand, and water that perhaps Aura may have touched on her side of the ocean. Cora’s gift inspires her grandmother contemplate flying to Cape Verde to visit her sister and her homeland. This story draws on the importance of family connection and giving from the heart.
Year Released: 2010
Grades K-3