Farolitos for Abuelo

Farolitos for Abuelo

Written by Rudolfo Anaya

Illustrated by Edward Gonzales

Genre: Multicultural

Suggested Grade Level: Kindergarten through 2

            Farolitos for Abuelo is about the bond of a grandfather and granddaughter. Luz and her abuelo are very close until he grew extremely ill. Luz finds away to keep her memories of Abuelo alive and start a new tradition in her village.

            Luz lives in the village of San Juan with her family as springtime is approaching. Abuelbo and Luz discussed planting their own garden and going fishing. On the first warm of spring, Luz and Abuelo go fishing at their favorite spot along the river. A few village boys were also at the river fooling around and Abuelo warned them to be careful but it was too late. One of the village boys fell into the cold water and Abuelo quickly jumped in and saved him. Abuelo became sick with pneumonia from the chilling river. Luz was hysterical and begged Abuelo not to die. Abuelo whispered to her, “ Mi hija, once I was young and strong as a tree. Now it is time for me to rest. Just remember I will always be with you.” Luz hugged Abuelo and he peacefully passed on. Luz continued to tend to her and Abuelo’s garden until the winter frost came. Luz wanted to do something special for Abuelo for Christmas. She wanted to place farolitos around Abuelo’s grave. Farolitos are bags with lit candles inside. That afternoon Luz and her family put farolitos around her grandparents’ graves and prayed for her Abuelo and thought of all the things they had done together. Villagers thought the farolitos looked beautiful and Luz offered her extra bags and candles. The whole cemetery was covered in farolitos glowing brightly. Luz had then started a new tradition.

            I thought Farolitos for Abuelo was very touching. I loved the close bond between Luz and Abuelo. I think children could make a connection to this if they are very close with a grandparent or another family member. Although the story was very sad when Abuelo passed away, the book ended happily. 

            The cultural aspects were portrayed accurately. Each of the characters looked different from one another and had different articles of clothing; they were each unique. Some Spanish words were used and they were used correctly. The last page of the book has a glossary of the Spanish words used throughout the story. In the Author’s Note, Rudolfo Anaya states, “In Farolitos for Abuelo, the idea of remembering the dead occurs on Christmas Eve. This tradition has grown in my hometown, and hundreds of people place farolitos at the cemetery. By nightfall thousands of these simple lanterns glow in the cold night as a celebration of joy and remembrance.” Rudolfo Anaya is from New Mexico and is qualified to write about his culture. He portrays his characters respectfully. He incorporated the Spanish words subtly and created a good setting.