The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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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
"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 will soon be 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?
Frequently asked questions
Is The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal appropriate for a 7-year-old?
While the story is set in a dystopian world where Earth has been destroyed, there are no explicit depictions of violence between characters. The narrative focuses on survival and storytelling rather than physical conflict. The content is not described as scary. The dystopian elements are framed within a narrative of hope and resilience, making it suitable for young readers.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have violence?
While the story is set in a dystopian world where Earth has been destroyed, there are no explicit depictions of violence between characters. The narrative focuses on survival and storytelling rather than physical conflict.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have scary content?
The content is not described as scary. The dystopian elements are framed within a narrative of hope and resilience, making it suitable for young readers.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on a dystopian adventure and does not include religious practices, beliefs, or critiques.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have racial/cultural content?
The book incorporates Mexican American folklore and centers on a Latina protagonist, Petra Peña. It celebrates Latino cultural experiences, making race a significant theme in the narrative.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have profanity?
The book contains no profanity. It is described as suitable for children, with no discernible swearing or obscene language.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have climate change?
The story is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been destroyed by a comet, which can be interpreted as a commentary on environmental issues. However, it does not explicitly advocate for climate activism.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have sexual identity?
There is no discernible sexual content or swearing in the book. The story is appropriate for its intended middle-grade audience.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have gender roles?
While the protagonist is a young Latina girl, the book does not actively discuss or critique traditional gender roles. The focus is more on her journey and survival in a dystopian setting.
Does The Last Cuentista Winner of the Newbery Medal have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features an 11-year-old character named 'Bug' who is transgender. This representation is explicit within the narrative, highlighting LGBTQ+ themes.
