Big Moon Tortilla

There are just so many things to love about this book. The watercolor illustrations are beautifully done and the Arizona setting creates an attractive and unique backdrop. Additionally, the incorporation of contemporary Native American characters is refreshing to discover in a children’s book. I think it’s so important for students to see people from all different cultures and backgrounds represented in natural, relatable ways. It is hard to find Native American characters that are not shown in a stereotypical or antiquated light.The story is that of a little girl, Marta, who has “disaster” strike when she accidentally ruins her homework and goes to her grandmother for comfort. Young readers will easily sympathize with her definition of disaster and appreciate the security/wisdom the grandmother provides. The enduring advice given by the grandmother to choose how you respond to problems is a wonderful lesson for children. Knowing that some problems require reflection, some action, and some perspective - is an idea most adults still struggle with. The strongest image is the analogy of soaring above conflict like an eagle to see ‘how small the problem is.” What a lovely life lesson! I plan to use the book in my classroom as we discuss self-control (& understanding what is within our power to control and what is not) and conflict-resolution.

I teach a lot of ELL students and like to build on my multicultural books, especially ones that are folk tales.This is a great addition to my collection. When I read it to my class i got a lot of ELL kids who are usually quiet to speak up. They wanted to tell their stories of how this related to their customs. It was a very interesting discussion starter.

I had read this book before I bought my own copy and two others to give as gifts! A very nice way to look at problems! I plan to use it as a counseling lesson at the school I work at.

Sweet story to read to the little ones in my family.

I love this book! And my grandkids do too.

I'm afraid Anglo children too often learn a part of our culture that says 'Do something, even if it's wrong.' Of course, we too often do the wrong thing.For many Southwestern Indians, chldren are taught patience as a prime virtue, even as a way of solving problems. Big Moon Tortilla illustrates in an exemplary way for non-Indian children this alternate way to face a problem.My five year old granddaughter asked qustions after I helped her read it that assured me she understood the message. (ernestschusky.com)

I read this book to 3 kids in a children's literacy program (kindergarten to 3rd grade). It is a short, easy book. The kids enjoyed the book and the illustrations. Marta's grandmother talks to Marta about ways to handle a difficult situation. She lets Marta choose what is the best way to work through her problem (lost homework and broken glasses). During our reading of the book, I asked the kids about Grandmother's suggestions, and asked them how they would handle the problem. It gave us a good opportunity to talk about choices and handling problems. This would be good for a 2nd grader's book report.

What do you do when a problem comes to you and takes away something important? Marta finds out from Grandmother just what to do. Great story. Big Moon Tortilla