Mexico
161
Malpica, Javier (text)
Morales, Héctor (illus.)
Akuika, el cazador de fuegos
(Akuika the fire hunter)
México, D.F.: CIDCLI, 2009. – 143 p.
(Series: Delta 3)
ISBN 978-607-7749-02-8
Stone Age – Disability – Outsider – Cooperation – Friendship
This book about life in the Stone Age links fact with fiction, adventure
with excitement. The story tells of Akuika, a Neanderthal man living about
100,000 years ago, who is kicked out of his tribe because of his
short-sightedness. He bonds with others who were outlawed due to various
other physical abnormalities. By cooperating, using their specific talents,
and developing their intellectual capabilities, the colourful tribe ensures
its survival. The author connects this portrayal of the Stone Age with
issues of disability and discrimination by making funny, surprising
references to the knowledge and experiences of young readers. The in part
very “crooked” and vivid comparisons, as well as the quick-paced language,
make this book easily accessible and graspable. (Age: 10+)
162
Malpica, Javier (text)
Torralba, Enrique (illus.)
Para Nina. Un diario sobre la identidad sexual
(For Nina. A diary about sexual identity)
México, D.F.: El Naranjo, 2010. – 190 p.
ISBN 978-607-7661-03-0
Transsexualism – Gender identity – Search for identity – Outsider
This book is about a person who is stuck in a boy’s body, but since his
childhood has felt he is a woman. In a diary which he dedicates to his
deceased grandmother, eighteen-year-old Eduardo, who will later call himself
Victoria, talks about his inner and outer development. Javier Malpica treats
the topic of transsexualism without kitsch or false turns of phrase. Using
situation comedy and persuasive dialogue, he portrays the thoughts, feelings,
and psyche of a human being who self-consciously tries to find harmony with
him- or herself and his or her environment. Because Eduardo/Victoria, like
the other characters, is not depicted as smooth, but rather full of corners,
edges, and breaks, the portrayal of his/her difficult process of
self-discovery and transformation seems realistic and plausible. (Age: 15+)
163
Serrano, Lucía (text/illus.)
¡Qué niño más lento!
(What a slow boy!)
México, D.F.: Fondo de Cultura Económica, 2010. – [36] p.
(Series: Los Especiales de A la Orilla del Viento)
ISBN 978-607-16-0200-8
Individuality – Acceptance
Néstor, a somewhat day-dreamy boy content with himself and the world, has a
tempo that is unique to himself. He will not be rushed; he ignores noise,
yelling, or impatient scolding as unimportant “tam tam”. When one day he
becomes aware of how much people at home and at school pick on him, his
rhythm is thrown out of whack. Sad and confused, he only regains his
equilibrium and light-heartedness within a mysterious park, a paradisiacal
“hortus conclusus” in the middle of the big city. There he is accepted for
who he is. This prize-winning picture book is appealing by virtue of the
simplicity of its story, its clear structure, and its careful use of
language. Using a few powerful words and perceptive illustrations, Lucía
Serrano creates an atmosphere which captures the state of the sensitive
boy’s soul. (Age: 5+)