The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Winner of the Newbery Medal--a brilliant journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human.
"Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes -- truly a beautiful cuento."--New York Times
Había una vez . . .
There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.
But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children -- among them Petra and her family -- have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.
Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet -- and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard -- or purged them altogether.
Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?
P R A I S E
"Clever and compelling ... wonderfully subversive."
--The Wall Street Journal
★ "This tale packs a wallop. Exquisite."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred)
★ "Gripping, euphonious, and full of storytelling magic."
--Publishers Weekly (starred)
★ "A strong, heroic character, fighting incredible odds to survive and protect others."
--School Library Journal (starred)
WINNER
John Newbery Medal - Pura Belpré Award
BEST OF THE YEAR
TIME - Wall Street Journal - Minneapolis Star Tribune's - Boston Globe - BookPage - Publishers Weekly - School Library Journal - Kirkus - Bank Street - Chicago Public Library - New York Public Library
Frequently asked questions
Is The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story is set in a dystopian world where Earth has been destroyed, and the survivors face threats from a sinister group known as the Collective. This context implies a level of violence and conflict, although specific violent acts are not detailed in the search results. While the setting is dystopian and involves themes of survival, there is no content that would be genuinely frightening or cause nightmares for children. The story is framed as an adventure.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have violence?
The story is set in a dystopian world where Earth has been destroyed, and the survivors face threats from a sinister group known as the Collective. This context implies a level of violence and conflict, although specific violent acts are not detailed in the search results.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have scary content?
While the setting is dystopian and involves themes of survival, there is no content that would be genuinely frightening or cause nightmares for children. The story is framed as an adventure.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. While some discussions reference themes of dogmatic beliefs, these do not constitute explicit religious practices or beliefs within the narrative.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have racial/cultural content?
The protagonist, Petra Peña, is a Latina character, and the narrative incorporates elements of Latino culture and history, highlighting the importance of cultural identity in the face of adversity.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have profanity?
The book contains no discernible profanity or obscene language, making it appropriate for its intended audience.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have climate change?
The book's premise involves the destruction of Earth due to a comet, which can be interpreted as a commentary on environmental issues and the consequences of neglecting the planet. However, this theme is more about survival than direct climate activism.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have sexual identity?
There is no sexual content in the book. The narrative focuses on adventure and survival without any mention of sexual themes or situations.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have gender roles?
While the main character is a strong female lead, the book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The focus is more on her personal journey and cultural heritage rather than on gender dynamics.
Does The Last Cuentista Newbery Medal Winner have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features a character named 'Bug' who is transgender, indicating LGBTQ+ representation within the narrative. This aspect is highlighted in a review from The New York Times, which discusses the character's identity as part of the story.
