In Spanish III this year, we had two major units of study that connected with the following two mini-novels, El Ekeko and Testigo.
El Ekeko
In this story we follow the journey of Paco and his new, but actually quite old, statue. Paco, a young 13-year-old boy in Bolivia lives with his family in a poor region of La Paz, Bolivia. He works as a shoe shiner to make money for his family, though he would rather go to school. He lives with his three younger sisters and his single mother. One day after his old tennis shoes finally give out, his mother suggests to search in the closet of this grandfathers old boots. Among boxes of old letters and tarnished clothes, he finds a statue that seems to have mysterious powers and bring him good fortune. He finds that by leaving a given object under the Ekeko before bed or simply something you need replaced, that by the morning, there will be a surplus of the item or a brand new version of it. After a long battle with bullies he decides to use his forces for good and be the bigger person and give his bully, who noticeably has money and family struggles, a bunch of stuff he received from his eke to make Nicolas's life a little easier.
Throughout this book I learned a lot about Indigenous culture and food. I also learned a lot about Cholitas and what they are and how they have become what they are today as well as their cultural symbolism. We also learned a lot about the geography around Bolivia such as mountains, lakes and forests. I also recall talking about their economic situations and it puts a lot of things into perspective about how I should be more grateful for everything I have.
Throughout this book I learned a lot about Indigenous culture and food. I also learned a lot about Cholitas and what they are and how they have become what they are today as well as their cultural symbolism. We also learned a lot about the geography around Bolivia such as mountains, lakes and forests. I also recall talking about their economic situations and it puts a lot of things into perspective about how I should be more grateful for everything I have.
Testigo
Brayan is a 14 year old boy living in Colonia 4 de Febrero, Guatemala City, Guatemala. He lives with his Grandparents. His mother lives in Michigan with his two younger sisters trying to create a better life for him. He loves playing soccer with his Best friend Alan. Alan's family has a lot of money and Alan works with his dad as a mechanic and they own a lot of cars and motorcycles. After Alan was approached by gang members, trying to recruit him for work, and Alan declined their offer he was shot and killed. Brayan witnessed the whole incident along with his two other friends who were also shot but didn't die. Shortly after Alans death Brayan is ran out of the city due to his impending danger and threats from the gang. He makes the epic journey all the way through Mexico and across the United States to Michigan. He travels by boat, train, bus, foot, plane and car. He is faced with many challenges from wild animals to drunk coyotes to his inevitable fate of getting detained by border patrol. After being detained and questioned he applies for asylum and it all ends happy with him back with his mom and sisters in Michigan as he awaits asylum.
This book was quite eye opening regarding the struggle immigrants go through and the risk they put their lives at just to escape these living conditions. Its really sad to know that most of the people going through what Brayan went through are so young. They shouldn't have to worry about fleeing their homes due to gang violence, but its reality, and there's not much you can do about it but get educated about it.
This book was quite eye opening regarding the struggle immigrants go through and the risk they put their lives at just to escape these living conditions. Its really sad to know that most of the people going through what Brayan went through are so young. They shouldn't have to worry about fleeing their homes due to gang violence, but its reality, and there's not much you can do about it but get educated about it.