The Making of Yolanda la Bruja
on Goodreads (441)
What’s inside...
Yolanda Alvarez is acclimating well at Julia De Burgos High in the Bronx, with her best friend Victory and a potential romance with senior Jose. Anticipating her initiation into her family's bruja tradition, her life takes a turn when a suspicious white boy, a politician's son, arrives at school. This event triggers a series of alarming visions about the violence he might bring. As Yolanda navigates these challenges, she draws on the strength, wisdom, and love of her family, friends, and the Brujas Diosas—her ancestral guides—to protect her community from looming threats. The Making of Yolanda La Bruja addresses urgent societal issues such as gun violence, race, justice, and spirituality, earning accolades and featuring in several 'best of the year' lists.
Age
12-18
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Yolanda Alvarez
Messiah
Discussion points
What do you think made Yolanda want to become a bruja?
How do you think Yolanda felt when she faced challenges in her journey?
What are some of the ways Yolanda helped her friends with her magic?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
If you had magic powers like Yolanda, what good deeds would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Yolanda's adventures and decisions.
Relate Yolanda’s experiences to your child’s own life by discussing similar challenges they might have faced.
Highlight the themes of friendship and perseverance by pointing out specific instances in the book where Yolanda supports her friends.
Ask your child how they think the story might continue after the book ends, or what they would do differently if they were in Yolanda's place.
Celebrate your child's responses and ideas to show that their thoughts are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Yolanda la Bruja teaches children about the beauty of cultural diversity through Yolanda's interactions with characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people who are different from them, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases Yolanda facing various challenges but she continuously strives to overcome them, emphasizing the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of not giving up when facing difficulties in tasks or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Yolanda exhibits kindness to all creatures, teaching children the impact of compassionate actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by being kind and helpful to their peers, which can improve their interpersonal relationships and create a positive classroom atmosphere.