George L. Crespo

How The Sea Began: A Taino Myth by George L. Crespo, is a West Indies legend about a magical wooden gourd that breaks and floods the land to become the world's ocean. It is said that in the beginning of time, the people of Zuania lived on mountains, worshipped deities, and hunted for food with bows and arrows. Paired with colorful illustrations, the tale of how the sea began is great for second graders. The author includes a brief explanation of the story's geography and origin in the back of the book, which could be used to teach a History lesson on native Indians. Students might also be encouraged to read similar books about myths and legends in an activity where they compare different types of literature.… (meer)

A tale of a young boy, Tavio who would wake at dawn to watch his grandfather, Policarpio, weave baskets. His grandfather was the town basket weaver and is the only one who knows how to create the cassava baskets, used to make the town’s bread. As Tavio watches his grandfather day to day, he sees him getting weaker and weaker. Eventually Policarpio is too weak to continue but is able to tell tavio how to finish the basket. Tavio continues the tradition of creating beautiful things like his grandfather. The author’s note and illustrator’s note at the end of the story is very helpful in gaining background knowledge before reading the story.… (meer)