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Abuelas letter

ABUELA'S LETTER

Written by Debbie Zapata
Illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz

Magination Press

Abuela’s Letter is a beautiful story that addresses loss and grief within a Latin family where a young girl is challenged by the death of her grandmother and discovers letter-writing as a way to cope and connect with her loved one's passing.

Alma’s favorite days are when her big family gathers at Abuela’s house. Tíos take siestas while tías tell their stories, and primos play dominoes while Abuela stirs the frijoles. Always at the center is the love of Abuela! Alma’s beloved grandmother and her number one fan! When Abuela dies, all of this is suddenly gone. Alma is filled with sadness and grief, until she finds a letter that Abuela left for her.

Could Abuela’s words be what fills her heart again with love and sweet memories?

This thoughtful story captures the concept of “familismo” beautifully ― a Latin cultural value that involves dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Regularly spending time with one's immediate and extended family is part of familismo, as well as seeking the family's advice and support for important decisions and life transitions, such grief and loss. Includes a note to readers in English and Spanish with coping strategies essential to Latino and Hispanic families about grief and loss of a loved one, as well as additional ways to support children and honor the life and memory of beloved family members.

Portada del libro “Abuela’s Letter” ilustrado por Alejandra Ruiz con escenas familiares cálidas inspiradas en la cultura lati
Portada del libro “Abuela’s Letter” ilustrado por Alejandra Ruiz con escenas familiares cálidas inspiradas en la cultura lati
Icono que indica que “Abuela’s Letter” recibió el NCTE Charlotte Huck Award® for Outstanding Fiction for Children

NCTE Charlotte Huck Award® for Outstanding Fiction for Children

Escena ilustrada donde se ve a la familia interactuando con expresiones de afecto y unión, parte de la historia de Alma y su
Momento ilustrado en el que Alma experimenta tristeza tras la pérdida de su Abuela, con colores y detalles emotivos
Ilustración interior de “Abuela’s Letter” mostrando a Alma con su Abuela y la familia en un encuentro cotidiano lleno de amor
Ilustración representando la carta que la Abuela dejó para Alma, un símbolo central de consuelo en el libro
Otra escena ilustrada de “Abuela’s Letter” con personajes familiares reunidos y expresiones sentidas.
Detalle de ilustración que muestra elementos culturales latinos y momentos de conexión familiar.
Otra escena ilustrada de “Abuela’s Letter” con personajes familiares reunidos y expresiones sentidas.
alejandra ruiz, ilustracion
Retrato ilustrado o fotografía creativa de Alejandra Ruiz, ilustradora y narradora visual basada en Bogotá, Colombia

© 2025 Alejandra Ruiz. All rights reserved.

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