Guatemala

Ixchel wants to follow in the long tradition of weaving on backstrap looms, just as her mother, grandmother, and most Mayan women have done for more than two thousand years. But Ixchel's mother is too busy preparing her weavings for market. If they bring a good price, they will have money to pay for Ixchel's school and books. And besides, there is not enough extra thread for Ixchel to practice with.

"The Boy With the Parrot: A Story of Guatemala" is an evocative journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Central America. The story follows Sebastian, a young boy who sets out from his mountain village to seek his fortune as a peddler. Accompanied by his clever and talkative parrot, Lora, Sebastian traverses the diverse terrain of Guatemala, from bustling market towns to ancient ruins and volcanic slopes.

Now a global bestseller, the remarkable life of Rigoberta Menchú, a Guatemalan peasant woman, reflects on the experiences common to many Indian communities in Latin America. Menchú suffered gross injustice and hardship in her early life: her brother, father and mother were murdered by the Guatemalan military

Seven-year-old Juan lives in Guatemala, a place of stunning beauty and grim economic reality. Abandoned by his mother, Juan lives with his grandmother and shines shoes. He passionately wants to attend school, but fears Grandmother will say no. Finally gathering his courage, he is surprised when she not only agrees to send him to school but also chides him about the importance of standing up for himself.

When Tomasa began whispering her story in my ear I felt compelled to record her words. In the highlands of Guatemala, each village was different. Every person who lived at that time had their own experience. But the truth lies in the places where these stories overlapped. It was from that rich soil that Tomasa's story grew.