Regional focus: Guatemala
Author: Skila Browne
Genre: juvenile fiction/ prose
Travel to rural Guatemala in 1981 and meet young Carlos who asks the innocent questions about war and conflict as he strives to understand the underlying currents that are dividing his village and country.
What I love:
- Browne creates an approachable novel for juvenile readers and uses flowing prose to share her story.
- A coming of age story that teens can connect with.
Themes: responsibility, maturity, survival, loss, war
Discussion:
- What do you know about war? What does war look like to you?
- What animal represents Carlos’ nawhal (animal spirit)? What animal would you like to have as your nawhal?
- Have you ever wished that you were “grown up”? Why?
Connections:
- Investigate the country of Guatemala and the Maya culture.
- Write a poem about your own home as Carlos did in his poem “My home.”
- Santiago Luc is a storyteller in his village. Do you know someone in your life that has stories to tell? Interview the person and write down one of the stories you’re told.
Sail Away Story 