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Secret of the Andes
An Indian boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his Inca ancestors.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
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About the author
Ann Nolan Clark
91 books11 followersAnn Nolan Clark, born Anna Marie Nolan, was an American writer who won the 1953 Newbery Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
July 27, 2016
This book gets negative attention because it beat out Charlotte's Web for the 1953 Newbery Medal, and looking through the lens of time it's easy to say that it probably should have gone the other way. But that happens quite often, even with major awards like Booker, Pulitzer, National Book Award, and others; the best book doesn't always win. But this is not a bad book at all; it's quite good. I read it as a young boy and loved it, although not as much this time. What makes this a good children's book is that it teaches about a foreign culture, one that is disappearing and most of us know little about. In this story it's about the Inca's and passing their knowledge of culture and history on to the young generation through a boy named Cusi. It's his story, his life in a high Andes mountain valley, and his teacher/guardian Chuto and their herd of llamas. It's a coming of age story that teaches lessons about diversity, inclusion, family, and native culture. The prose has a soft, lyrical flow that probably doesn't translate that well to today's youth, but it's not very long and it's certainly worth reading.
3.5 stars
1953 Newbery Medal Winner
3.5 stars
1953 Newbery Medal Winner
May 3, 2021
Yes, I do indeed most appreciatively realise that the general writing style and modes of literary expression shown in Ann Nolan Clark's Newbery Award wining 1952 novel Secret of the Andes are poetic and evocative. But while I have definitely much enjoyed the general descriptiveness of the author's presented narrative, especially of the South American countryside, of Peru and the Andes Mountains (and also have not found Secret of the Andes all that tedious and monotonous in set-up and scope, as in particular some readers who have had to read the book for school seemingly do), I still have not been able to with no reservations and questioning enjoy Secret of the Andes wholeheartedly, as I actually do find the entire concept of the novel (and especially the consideration and question of its very authorship) more than a trifle off-putting and open to criticism and debate at best. For while and indeed, as author Ann Nolan Clark has claimed, the stories of North and South American indigenous populations, of indigenous children, do need to be told, do need to be presented, why do they usually end up being related not only by outsiders, but also often by outsiders, who although they generally do seem to mean well, still often if not even in the majority of cases, tend to show auras of (at lest to and for me on a personal level) palpable patronising paternalism, and at times even moral and cultural superiority?
Because while The Secret of the Andes might well be interesting and readable, approachable enough as a story, as a tale in and of itself, I for one always do rather painfully and strangely feel that I am not only an outsider looking in, but also an outsider looking in with an authorial eye of feeling somewhat superior and advanced compared to the main characters, compared to Cusi, Chuto and the other Incas, the other Native South Americans, as someone who feels as though author Ann Nolan Clark while definitely having and demonstrating much legitimate affection and even love for her characters (and especially for young Cusi), for the Incas, also seems to at the very least unconsciously (and often even consciously) be textually, narratively, culturally above and beyond them in some manner (and while reading Secrets of the Andes, it does really and truly often seem to appear that the author, that Ann Nolan Clark with her writing, at least thematically strives to indicate that somehow only she, and I cannot help but consider only white non Native American writers, would be, and are able to tell the stories of the Incas and other native populations, that without them, without non indigenous authors, these stories would never even be shown and recounted in an acceptable and literary enough manner).
And while Cusi's story, as related by Ann Nolan Clark in Secret of the Andes is most definitely compelling and readable enough, not only do I as a reader never really manage to feel all that personally close to him as a character, I do (as mentioned previously) also tend to have the very uncomfortable realisation that while I am definitely supposed to have a positive attitude towards Cusi, that I am supposed to both like and appreciate him as a person, as a human being (and yes as an Incan), that I am also supposed to consider him as somewhat of an unfortunate of birth and history, as someone in need of outside (and with outside I mean non indigenous) support and help (which feels rather or at least it can feel rather uncomfortable).
So therefore, while I do understand and feel for Cusi in this novel and while I have also enjoyed reading about him and his life, his development, his journeys, I for one would definitely have enjoyed reading about Cusi considerably more, if Secret of the Andes had been penned by an author of indigenous, of Incan background or even if Ann Nolan Clark had not even whilst indeed seemingly meaning well, even whilst attempting to paint a positive picture of the Incas, shown so much a tendency to annoying paternalism, and gently smiling patronising, and yes equally, if in Secret of the Andes, there were a trifle less details and rhapsodising about Cusi's pet llama Misti, as it does become more than a bit monotonous and frustrating to constantly be reading about her, and the fact that Misti continuously appears almost to be more human than llama (and more wisdom-imbued than many humans), that she even often seems more Incan, more in tune with Incan culture and its legacy than Cusi, than the main protagonist of Secret of the Andes).
Because while The Secret of the Andes might well be interesting and readable, approachable enough as a story, as a tale in and of itself, I for one always do rather painfully and strangely feel that I am not only an outsider looking in, but also an outsider looking in with an authorial eye of feeling somewhat superior and advanced compared to the main characters, compared to Cusi, Chuto and the other Incas, the other Native South Americans, as someone who feels as though author Ann Nolan Clark while definitely having and demonstrating much legitimate affection and even love for her characters (and especially for young Cusi), for the Incas, also seems to at the very least unconsciously (and often even consciously) be textually, narratively, culturally above and beyond them in some manner (and while reading Secrets of the Andes, it does really and truly often seem to appear that the author, that Ann Nolan Clark with her writing, at least thematically strives to indicate that somehow only she, and I cannot help but consider only white non Native American writers, would be, and are able to tell the stories of the Incas and other native populations, that without them, without non indigenous authors, these stories would never even be shown and recounted in an acceptable and literary enough manner).
And while Cusi's story, as related by Ann Nolan Clark in Secret of the Andes is most definitely compelling and readable enough, not only do I as a reader never really manage to feel all that personally close to him as a character, I do (as mentioned previously) also tend to have the very uncomfortable realisation that while I am definitely supposed to have a positive attitude towards Cusi, that I am supposed to both like and appreciate him as a person, as a human being (and yes as an Incan), that I am also supposed to consider him as somewhat of an unfortunate of birth and history, as someone in need of outside (and with outside I mean non indigenous) support and help (which feels rather or at least it can feel rather uncomfortable).
So therefore, while I do understand and feel for Cusi in this novel and while I have also enjoyed reading about him and his life, his development, his journeys, I for one would definitely have enjoyed reading about Cusi considerably more, if Secret of the Andes had been penned by an author of indigenous, of Incan background or even if Ann Nolan Clark had not even whilst indeed seemingly meaning well, even whilst attempting to paint a positive picture of the Incas, shown so much a tendency to annoying paternalism, and gently smiling patronising, and yes equally, if in Secret of the Andes, there were a trifle less details and rhapsodising about Cusi's pet llama Misti, as it does become more than a bit monotonous and frustrating to constantly be reading about her, and the fact that Misti continuously appears almost to be more human than llama (and more wisdom-imbued than many humans), that she even often seems more Incan, more in tune with Incan culture and its legacy than Cusi, than the main protagonist of Secret of the Andes).
June 13, 2008
This is the book that famously won the Newbery over Charlotte's Web, and was that ever a travesty. I can accept that a certain number of books will be dull reading for me, but this isn't even well written--there are a number of places where the main character says or thinks things that don't make any sense for him; for example, if the only person he's ever known is the old man who's raised him, would he really call him "the old Indian" in his head?
This definitely goes at the bottom of my Newbery list so far, and I will be surprised if anything can take that place.
This definitely goes at the bottom of my Newbery list so far, and I will be surprised if anything can take that place.
March 29, 2019
I liked it a lot. I think Cusi is a neat kid, and his upbringing only makes him just a little different from any other child; he's not 'exotic'. He's brave enough to attempt to figure things out on his own, but still with natural motivations of impulses and hesitations. I felt that I was right with him the whole time.
The explanation at the end makes so much sense that it seems, to me, odd I wasn't able to figure it out earlier.
I only had two drawings, both of which hearkened to traditional Incan art... are there more in some editions?
I liked the writing style. I thought it intentional, as meant to echo the speaking style of people who spend a lot of time in thought, and much of their time speaking doing so in song & other oral traditions. It's deliberate, thoughtful, careful... not casual. Note that the people in town are more vocal, more likely to throw words about heedlessly.
I enjoyed learning about Peru's geography and popular culture, as well as about some of its history. In a way I wish the book were longer... but I appreciate the tight focus, too.
I probably would not have liked this when I was a child. It's subtle, a bit *L*iterary, not lively. Otoh, there is a bit of a quest... I bet a truly talented team could make a good short movie of it.
The explanation at the end makes so much sense that it seems, to me, odd I wasn't able to figure it out earlier.
I only had two drawings, both of which hearkened to traditional Incan art... are there more in some editions?
I liked the writing style. I thought it intentional, as meant to echo the speaking style of people who spend a lot of time in thought, and much of their time speaking doing so in song & other oral traditions. It's deliberate, thoughtful, careful... not casual. Note that the people in town are more vocal, more likely to throw words about heedlessly.
I enjoyed learning about Peru's geography and popular culture, as well as about some of its history. In a way I wish the book were longer... but I appreciate the tight focus, too.
I probably would not have liked this when I was a child. It's subtle, a bit *L*iterary, not lively. Otoh, there is a bit of a quest... I bet a truly talented team could make a good short movie of it.
December 29, 2017
The young shepherd boy Cusi has lived high up in the mountains with only the old shepherd Chuto and their llamas for company. Chuto teaches Cusi how to tend llamas as their Inca forebears did. Cusi has no known other world but longs for a family and friends. When he spies a family moving into the valley below, he is fascinated. This begins his journey to manhood and an adventure that will reveal the secret wish of his heart.
I am absolutely floored that a book written in 1954 is so sensitive to the Inca. The Spanish are portrayed as conquerors not victors. The people of modern day Peru have the blood of both the Inca and the Spaniards in their veins. The story portrays them as ordinary people yet they have forgotten their native tongue and the old ways. Many stories written at this time don't hold up to modern values and some are downright racist. I don't know who Ann Nolan Clark is/was but she did an amazing job portraying the history and culture of the Inca people of Peru. I was fascinated. OK Wikipedia explains who Ann Nolan Clark was and why she wrote about natives. The details in this story feel both realistic and fantastical at the same time.
I took off one star out of 5 because the plot, while fascinating, summarizes a lot and is very predictable. It has elements that resemble the hero's journey myth but told in a unique way. I wasn't surprised by the ending but I couldn't put the book down.
I enjoyed this Newberry winner very much and I think it will appeal strongly to young boys. It is very inspirational for modern day Inca people as well.
I am absolutely floored that a book written in 1954 is so sensitive to the Inca. The Spanish are portrayed as conquerors not victors. The people of modern day Peru have the blood of both the Inca and the Spaniards in their veins. The story portrays them as ordinary people yet they have forgotten their native tongue and the old ways. Many stories written at this time don't hold up to modern values and some are downright racist. I don't know who Ann Nolan Clark is/was but she did an amazing job portraying the history and culture of the Inca people of Peru. I was fascinated. OK Wikipedia explains who Ann Nolan Clark was and why she wrote about natives. The details in this story feel both realistic and fantastical at the same time.
I took off one star out of 5 because the plot, while fascinating, summarizes a lot and is very predictable. It has elements that resemble the hero's journey myth but told in a unique way. I wasn't surprised by the ending but I couldn't put the book down.
I enjoyed this Newberry winner very much and I think it will appeal strongly to young boys. It is very inspirational for modern day Inca people as well.
February 15, 2020
#geography #southamerica #peru #culture
Cleanliness:
Religious & Supernatural - 8 Incidents: A boy sings to the various stars in a religious chant. A man chants a sunrise call. Mentions how llamas were once sacrificed to the Sun. A minstrel sings a song about the Sun Father (a god). The Sun god is mentioned a few times throughout the book. “He knew the secrets and the signs and the magic of the Old Ones.” There is a candle shop that sells varying kinds of magical candles. Mentions idol worship in a church (probably Catholicism.) There is a “Fortune Man with his fortune-telling bird.”
Conversation Topics - 3 Incidents: Two characters have earplugs - “these were so large and so heavy they made the man’s earlobes hang down halfway to his shoulders.” Mentions powdered tobacco (for snake bite). A boy makes a vow and a man stabs his hand to draw a little blood for a blood vow.
Parent Takeaway
A boy lives in seclusion up in the Andes Mountains. When he is sent on a journey, he learns that he is of pure Incan blood. He must decide whether to become a part of a family, something he's always wanted, or devote himself to living in seclusion up in the mountains in order to preserve the Incan way. Definitely a cultural study and does present a little history.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
Cleanliness:
Religious & Supernatural - 8 Incidents: A boy sings to the various stars in a religious chant. A man chants a sunrise call. Mentions how llamas were once sacrificed to the Sun. A minstrel sings a song about the Sun Father (a god). The Sun god is mentioned a few times throughout the book. “He knew the secrets and the signs and the magic of the Old Ones.” There is a candle shop that sells varying kinds of magical candles. Mentions idol worship in a church (probably Catholicism.) There is a “Fortune Man with his fortune-telling bird.”
Conversation Topics - 3 Incidents: Two characters have earplugs - “these were so large and so heavy they made the man’s earlobes hang down halfway to his shoulders.” Mentions powdered tobacco (for snake bite). A boy makes a vow and a man stabs his hand to draw a little blood for a blood vow.
Parent Takeaway
A boy lives in seclusion up in the Andes Mountains. When he is sent on a journey, he learns that he is of pure Incan blood. He must decide whether to become a part of a family, something he's always wanted, or devote himself to living in seclusion up in the mountains in order to preserve the Incan way. Definitely a cultural study and does present a little history.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
February 28, 2023
Secret of the Andes is a quiet story of an Inca boy growing up in the mountains of Peru, raising llamas. This boy, Cusi, knows little of his past, and has no home other than the mountains, no family outside his elderly mentor and his llamas.
Time passes and Cusi knows he must leave the mountain, leave his llamas, leave his mentor, and go to the city to seek out his heart’s desire. Will he find this heart’s desire? And, if he does, will it be what he thought it would be? A wonderful little story of the seeking and finding of simple happiness in a big world.
Time passes and Cusi knows he must leave the mountain, leave his llamas, leave his mentor, and go to the city to seek out his heart’s desire. Will he find this heart’s desire? And, if he does, will it be what he thought it would be? A wonderful little story of the seeking and finding of simple happiness in a big world.
July 15, 2022
This book beat out Charlotte’s Web for the Newbery, and what a travesty that was.
September 3, 2025
Secret of the Andes isn't as good as Charlotte's Web, the book it beat out for the 1953 Newbery Medal, but is nonetheless fine literature that did much for me, accessing the echoes of a distant civilization to bring to bear lessons we could only ever learn within the comfortable confines of story.
The itch to get up and move around, to leave the simple and serene to seek out a more exciting life beyond the next horizon, is one with which most of us can identity. There isn't any point in trying to restrain one who wants to leave; they'll still do so sooner or later, and resent their ward for trying to harness them. But journeying to find oneself can often end up in surprising places, like back home, and there's no shame in such a return. As Secret of the Andes so resonantly states, "Grieve not if your searching circles." It's a truth I think on frequently, one that has informed my heart and mind innumerable times, and I have this book to thank for it. In its own quiet, unpretentious way, Secret of the Andes is a story I love.
The itch to get up and move around, to leave the simple and serene to seek out a more exciting life beyond the next horizon, is one with which most of us can identity. There isn't any point in trying to restrain one who wants to leave; they'll still do so sooner or later, and resent their ward for trying to harness them. But journeying to find oneself can often end up in surprising places, like back home, and there's no shame in such a return. As Secret of the Andes so resonantly states, "Grieve not if your searching circles." It's a truth I think on frequently, one that has informed my heart and mind innumerable times, and I have this book to thank for it. In its own quiet, unpretentious way, Secret of the Andes is a story I love.
February 3, 2023
1953 Newbery Medal Winner.
Looking back I think it's easy to be indignant that Charlotte's Web was only the honor that year and not the actual medal winner as it still resonates today. And while I don't think many kids would enjoy Secret of the Andes as much, I do think it's an important read. Not forgetting your worth, and the worth of your people despite the generational trauma of 400 years is a worthwhile read. I love how Ann Nolan Clark gave voices to those that had none at the time. It's a fairly complex little novel. The writing style may be considered old-fashioned now, yet the themes are ahead of their time. It's sad, sweet, gentle and lyrical all at once.
Looking back I think it's easy to be indignant that Charlotte's Web was only the honor that year and not the actual medal winner as it still resonates today. And while I don't think many kids would enjoy Secret of the Andes as much, I do think it's an important read. Not forgetting your worth, and the worth of your people despite the generational trauma of 400 years is a worthwhile read. I love how Ann Nolan Clark gave voices to those that had none at the time. It's a fairly complex little novel. The writing style may be considered old-fashioned now, yet the themes are ahead of their time. It's sad, sweet, gentle and lyrical all at once.
October 24, 2015
Here is a short summary of what happen in this book: There was an orphaned Indian who lived in a hidden valley in Peru with an old man and lots of llamas. One day they ran out of salt, so they went on a several day journey to get salt from the salt pits. They got the salt then went home. A few days passed and the old man decided that the boy should go trade his llamas for clothes, sandals, etc. So after a couple days he arrived at a large city in Peru and traded while he looked for a family to stay with. Then he found a nice Spanish family that would adopt him. After a while he decided that it didn't feel right living with them so he left the family in the middle of the night and went back to the hidden valley to live his simple life the old man and llamas.
Very very boring. Almost fell asleep reading it. The only reason I read it was for school. There wasn't any story goal, the two characters (and only characters) were colorless and dull. Waaaaaay to much description, you can hardly tell what's going on!
Very very boring. Almost fell asleep reading it. The only reason I read it was for school. There wasn't any story goal, the two characters (and only characters) were colorless and dull. Waaaaaay to much description, you can hardly tell what's going on!
November 5, 2021
A very short book with beautiful descriptive prose. It is slow and the reader is as lost as the main character, Cusi, about what is going on...
I took the advice of the author when she tells Cusi in the middle of the book to calm down: "Your mind is like a startled deer drinking at a mountain pool. Do you not know that to quench a thirst drink must be taken slowly and with satisfaction?" "And not muddy the water." Cusi chuckled. ... "The boy knew that his mind was thirsty. He knew, too, that muddied water is unfit to drink."
Slowly, as he follows his heart, we learn the answers to all of our questions right up to the secret that is revealed at the end. I thought it was a great ending that I can't believe I didn't see coming.
Note: I was disappointed that the Puffin Newbery Library edition did not include the original drawings by Jean Charlot. A new edition that included all the original illustrations and had some geographical / historical / cultural notes at the end with suggestions for further reading would be nice.
I took the advice of the author when she tells Cusi in the middle of the book to calm down: "Your mind is like a startled deer drinking at a mountain pool. Do you not know that to quench a thirst drink must be taken slowly and with satisfaction?" "And not muddy the water." Cusi chuckled. ... "The boy knew that his mind was thirsty. He knew, too, that muddied water is unfit to drink."
Slowly, as he follows his heart, we learn the answers to all of our questions right up to the secret that is revealed at the end. I thought it was a great ending that I can't believe I didn't see coming.
Note: I was disappointed that the Puffin Newbery Library edition did not include the original drawings by Jean Charlot. A new edition that included all the original illustrations and had some geographical / historical / cultural notes at the end with suggestions for further reading would be nice.
December 7, 2017
This book did a good job of conveying the mystery and the confusion that Cusi experiences. I was as in the dark as he was, wondering what would happen next and what were the answers to all his questions.
It was understandable that Cusi had never seen a truck and that he was puzzled and curious about it, but it was fascinating to consider an individual who was kept so isolated that he had never seen a family. This just added to the mystery.
An afterword about the historical background and the culture of the Peruvian Indians would have been most welcome. There is a lot of new information that could (and should) be explored. Having the various topics collected in one place would have been nice.
I liked the illustrations by Jean Charlot, particularly the color endpapers and title page - wish there were many more of them.
It was understandable that Cusi had never seen a truck and that he was puzzled and curious about it, but it was fascinating to consider an individual who was kept so isolated that he had never seen a family. This just added to the mystery.
An afterword about the historical background and the culture of the Peruvian Indians would have been most welcome. There is a lot of new information that could (and should) be explored. Having the various topics collected in one place would have been nice.
I liked the illustrations by Jean Charlot, particularly the color endpapers and title page - wish there were many more of them.
March 20, 2017
Newbery Medal Winner--1953
This was an okay little adventure story. Cusi is a boy who lives high in the moutains with only an old man and a herd of llamas--but there is something special about Cusi. He must go on a journey to find himself, his family, and his home. The story is short and simple...and not bad, I just need a little more excitement to really enjoy an adventure story like this one.
This was an okay little adventure story. Cusi is a boy who lives high in the moutains with only an old man and a herd of llamas--but there is something special about Cusi. He must go on a journey to find himself, his family, and his home. The story is short and simple...and not bad, I just need a little more excitement to really enjoy an adventure story like this one.
March 6, 2020
A coming of age story of a llama shepherd boy who lives in a hidden valley, following the ancient customs and teachings of the Incas. There is not a lot of adventure (though for the boy, who has never left his valley before, it's plenty), the development is mostly in the boy's thoughts and understanding of his world. It's a fast read.
January 7, 2019
I mean, I liked the llamas? But really I just wanted him to be with his mom, and noooo that is far to unreasonable to ask, apparently.
August 31, 2025
An old Newbery winner that I've not read before. Some people call the writing style lyrical, but it felt a bit stilted to me. It's definitely a mystical story where not much happens and the reader has to pick up the clues along the way. If I'd read this as a very young girl I think I would have loved the look into the young boy's life and all the description of the Andes. The references to Inca would have spurred me to learn more, too. As it is I enjoyed some parts and found others a bit of a slog.
May 26, 2019
This is quite honestly the most boring overrated book I have ever read. The literal climax of the book is the MC going to a market. Not exactly edge of your seat stuff.
PS. I recently learned that this was the book that beat out Charlotte's Web for the Newbury Medal. Why? How? Why?
PS. I recently learned that this was the book that beat out Charlotte's Web for the Newbury Medal. Why? How? Why?
November 19, 2017
This is the book that famously won the 1953 Newbery the year Charlotte's Web snagged only a Newbery Honor. Of course, the Newbery Award has never been intended to single out the most popular or kid-friendly book but it cannot be argued that Charlotte's Web has had far greater staying power than Secret of the Andes. Indeed, it is doubtful, Secret of the Andes would still be in print or remembered at all, if it had not won the Newbery. Still, given the historical context, I can see the appeal the book would have had to the Newbery committee. Multiculturalism was a new concept and books for children about other cultures were rare and highly prized. This book respectfully portrayed the Incas as a still living people. Yes, the author is clearly an outsider of that culture and paints a somewhat romantic picture. But, for the time, it was a rather revolutionary perspective (compare, for instance, to the portrayal of indigenous peoples in earlier Newbery winner The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle). The story itself is a surprisingly philosophical, even mystical, exploration of one boy's heart and true familial ties. Not a fast-paced popular read but not unworthy of literary excellence for the times. If not for the influence of Anne Carroll Moore, NYC children's librarian and children's book reviewer, who was not quiet about her distaste for anthropomorphized animals in general and Charlotte's Web in particular, it is possible the 1953 Newbery results would have been different. However, I am not displeased with the results for the insight into the history of children's literature that it provides. And for myself, I particularly loved the llamas.
Book Pairings:
For a full historical context, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web and the possibly the other 1953 Newbery Honor books, Moccasin Trail, Red Sails to Capri, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, Birthdays of Freedom, Vol.1.
For books with a similar mystical journey, I was reminded of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Book Pairings:
For a full historical context, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web and the possibly the other 1953 Newbery Honor books, Moccasin Trail, Red Sails to Capri, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, Birthdays of Freedom, Vol.1.
For books with a similar mystical journey, I was reminded of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
October 20, 2024
Apparently this was a controversial selection for the Newbery. I rather like it since I enjoy historical fiction and books based in other cultures. However, at this point I realize that the Newbery is supposed to meet a grownup’s idea of quality in the writing so I can accept this. I think there is no doubt that the runner up will always be more popular. I feel the answer is to accept attractiveness to children as a part of the qualities needed for the Newbery. Attractiveness does not have to mean low quality. Charlotte’s Web is much more attractive to kids. It is high energy and exuberant whereas Secret is low energy and contemplative. I’m glad this won the Newbery since it meant that the book is still accessible to kids. The right kid will absolutely love this book. Charlotte’s Web will get found by kids since so many love it, as I do as well. Newbery titles often have some of the lowest circulation in a library because so many simply are not interesting. If you want kids to love reading, give them books that they love such as Charlotte’s Web or the Harry Potter series among others. Don’t force the wrong kid to read this book because it’s a Newbery! Until the ALA gets off their high horse and admit that shoving quality down kids throats can be a mistake, we will be stuck with the eternal debate. Again, it shouldn’t be an either/or question. The HarryPotter books are well written. (Note: they didn’t qualify for the Newbery since that is for Americans authors only.) So is Charlotte’s Web. There are very few books in the collection on the Incas and very few on Peru. I loved this book. Recommended for a quiet kid, whose idea of fun is finding out about how other people’s culture and life are the same yet different from their own. 1953 Newbery Award.
May 20, 2014
1953 Newbery Medal recipient.
"Secret of the Andes" is probably fated to be known forever more as the book that beat "Charlotte's Web" for the Newbery. Obviously time has rendered its judgment on that issue…
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it's a beautiful story that conveys an mysterious and ancient culture. On the other had, it's a poorly written tome that is written in such a manner as to lure the reader to total disengagement:
"Slowly Cusi felt happiness fill his body warmly. This had never happened to him before. Never before had he felt happiness flowing with his blood to make his body warm and light with captured laughter and delight.
"Then the sun came. Chuto's voice rose to meet the sun, and Cusi knew the joy of welcoming the coming of the Great Father who lightened and warmed the world."
I can't quite imagine a 10 year old reading through that! The real problem is that the author doesn't seem to believe in compound ideas, but must repeat everything with slight variation:
"He saw the people crowding the narrow, crooked streets. He saw them climbing the old, old stairways. He did not know them. They were strange."
Page after page of that gets old, I assure you.
Again, the story is good and the characters are likable. It's simply so repetitive with slight variations, like a chant, that I found my inner zen and reached the point of total freedom of the mind to wander over any subject not related to this book.
Ultimately, I can only regard the selection of "Secret of the Andes" by the Newbery committee as a victory for what adults who love words above stories see as their conception of children's literature.
"Secret of the Andes" is probably fated to be known forever more as the book that beat "Charlotte's Web" for the Newbery. Obviously time has rendered its judgment on that issue…
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it's a beautiful story that conveys an mysterious and ancient culture. On the other had, it's a poorly written tome that is written in such a manner as to lure the reader to total disengagement:
"Slowly Cusi felt happiness fill his body warmly. This had never happened to him before. Never before had he felt happiness flowing with his blood to make his body warm and light with captured laughter and delight.
"Then the sun came. Chuto's voice rose to meet the sun, and Cusi knew the joy of welcoming the coming of the Great Father who lightened and warmed the world."
I can't quite imagine a 10 year old reading through that! The real problem is that the author doesn't seem to believe in compound ideas, but must repeat everything with slight variation:
"He saw the people crowding the narrow, crooked streets. He saw them climbing the old, old stairways. He did not know them. They were strange."
Page after page of that gets old, I assure you.
Again, the story is good and the characters are likable. It's simply so repetitive with slight variations, like a chant, that I found my inner zen and reached the point of total freedom of the mind to wander over any subject not related to this book.
Ultimately, I can only regard the selection of "Secret of the Andes" by the Newbery committee as a victory for what adults who love words above stories see as their conception of children's literature.
September 24, 2013
About one quarter of the way into this book, the author rhapsodizes on the smell of burning llama dung. I read that with the sinking feeling that this writer had absolutely no concept of what would interest a reader.
For most of the book, Misti the pet llama was more interesting than any of the human characters. I genuinely did not care what happened to anyone, but I was entertained by the loving descriptions of Misti. Everything else in the book felt like an afterthought, and I often wondered why Clark bothered to do anything other than chronicle the doings of Misti the llama.
The ending was very effective and surprisingly satisfying. I had pretty much written this one off by the time I got to it, so I was shocked at how good it actually was.
If you're hard core about llamas, then this is the book for you.
For most of the book, Misti the pet llama was more interesting than any of the human characters. I genuinely did not care what happened to anyone, but I was entertained by the loving descriptions of Misti. Everything else in the book felt like an afterthought, and I often wondered why Clark bothered to do anything other than chronicle the doings of Misti the llama.
The ending was very effective and surprisingly satisfying. I had pretty much written this one off by the time I got to it, so I was shocked at how good it actually was.
If you're hard core about llamas, then this is the book for you.
May 16, 2021
Although I didn't hate this one, I'm astonished that it won the Newbery Medal the same year that Charlotte's Web (Newbery Honor winner) came out. CW is about a zillion times better than this book. I enjoyed the culture of the ancient Inca in a more modern world, and I liked how Cusi (much like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz) went on a journey to find his heart's desire and discovered it was right in his own back yard the whole time. But when the Amauta came to give Cusi his training and teaching, it all sort of swept by in a page or two and was gone. I would've liked to have learned more myself. And it was a short book (~125 pages) so it's not like it couldn't have been added. And while I enjoyed Cusi's journey, there were too many mysterious happening and unanswered questions that got resolved in the last three or four pages of the book and thus left me rather unsatisified.
April 6, 2017
One of the most interesting facts about this book is that it beat out Charlotte's Web for the 1952 Newbery Medal. In her acceptance speech, Clark said, "I have worked with Spanish children from New Mexico to Central and South America, with Indian children from Canada to Peru. I have worked with them because I like them. I write about them because their stories need to be told. All children need understanding, but children of segregated racial groups need even more. All children need someone to make a bridge from their world to the world of the adults who surround them." Although it does not have the wide appeal of Charlotte's Web, Secret Of the Andes is worthy of its honor. We read it to complement our history lesson about the South American Incas.
November 11, 2009
This story of a young llama herder who must leave the valley where he grew up to find his heart's desire has a surprisingly mystical quality for a children's book and offers a mysterious plot that kept me intrigued in spite of its somewhat dry writing style. For those young readers who wish to pick up this 1953 Newbery winner, I'd recommend they first learn a little about the Incas and the Spanish conquest of their empire.
June 15, 2014
1953 Newbery Medal
This will have little appeal to young readers today and it is especially hard to belief this won the medal over Charlotte's Web. A young Incan shepherd contemplates leaving the only life he's known. While I did find some of the language describing the Andes life pleasant it was overall not engaging enough to recommend.
This will have little appeal to young readers today and it is especially hard to belief this won the medal over Charlotte's Web. A young Incan shepherd contemplates leaving the only life he's known. While I did find some of the language describing the Andes life pleasant it was overall not engaging enough to recommend.
January 27, 2022
Kinda weird. Nothing really happens in the story. No peril, no climax. Also, I think it's supposed be be about the Incas and their ancient, beautiful culture and heritage, but that doesn't really come through. It's all quite vague.
July 29, 2009
Confusing and mostly boring. I wanted it to be better, but mostly it just wasn't.
January 16, 2021
Some nice scenery and historical details but nothing to write home about.
January 9, 2019
This is the first book I've read that sort of made me want a llama or maybe an alpaca. Once or twice the movie "The Emperor's New Groove" came to mind. I like the book. It's interesting and full of unique imagery.
I wondered how a person with the author's name would know about the Inca people in the Peruvian highlands. How could she possibly represent them accurately? I'm still wondering how she'd know. How much did she create from her own mind? I looked her up and found out she was a teacher for Native American children for many years and traveled in the region for five years. Maybe she learned some things that way.
I wondered how a person with the author's name would know about the Inca people in the Peruvian highlands. How could she possibly represent them accurately? I'm still wondering how she'd know. How much did she create from her own mind? I looked her up and found out she was a teacher for Native American children for many years and traveled in the region for five years. Maybe she learned some things that way.
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