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Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua
The biography of an indigenous Nahua woman from Mexico who taught and preserved her people's culture through modeling for famous artists
She was Luz Jiménez,
child of the flower-song people,
the powerful Aztec,
who called themselves Nahua—
who lost their land but who did not disappear.
As a young Nahua girl in Mexico during the early 1900s, Luz learned how to grind corn in a metate, to twist yarn with her toes, and to weave on a loom. By the fire at night, she listened to stories of her community’s joys, suffering, and survival, and wove them into her heart.
But when the Mexican Revolution came to her village, Luz and her family were forced to flee and start a new life. In Mexico City, Luz became a model for painters, sculptors, and photographers such as Diego Rivera, Jean Charlot, and Tina Modotti. These artists were interested in showing the true face of Mexico and not a European version. Through her work, Luz found a way to preserve her people's culture by sharing her native language, stories, and traditions. Soon, scholars came to learn from her.
She was Luz Jiménez,
child of the flower-song people,
the powerful Aztec,
who called themselves Nahua—
who lost their land but who did not disappear.
As a young Nahua girl in Mexico during the early 1900s, Luz learned how to grind corn in a metate, to twist yarn with her toes, and to weave on a loom. By the fire at night, she listened to stories of her community’s joys, suffering, and survival, and wove them into her heart.
But when the Mexican Revolution came to her village, Luz and her family were forced to flee and start a new life. In Mexico City, Luz became a model for painters, sculptors, and photographers such as Diego Rivera, Jean Charlot, and Tina Modotti. These artists were interested in showing the true face of Mexico and not a European version. Through her work, Luz found a way to preserve her people's culture by sharing her native language, stories, and traditions. Soon, scholars came to learn from her.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published August 17, 2021
6 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Amescua
12 books27 followersGloria Amescua (Ah MES qua) has been a writer since she was a child, writing poems and stories throughout her life. When she was a girl, she would climb into the cradle of an oak tree and enter the world of words. She is a poet and children’s book writer. Gloria loves books that reach a young person’s heart, head or funny bone and strives to do just that in her writing. Gloria is proud of her Mexican American heritage, and her writing reflects her interest in sharing cultural, historical, and social issues. Gloria’s latest picture book, Abuelita’s Song, illustrated by Mariyah Rahman, is inspired by her son and granddaughters.
The Spanish edition of her award-winning picture book biography, Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua, Niña del pueblo floricanto: Luz Jiménez, hija de los Nahuas was translated by David Bowles and publishes November 11th.
Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh, Child of the Flower-Song People was awarded a Pura Belpré Author Honor. It was listed as a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, ALA Notable Books, SLJ’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library: Best Informational Books for Younger Readers; CSMCL: Best Books, and various other Best of Nonfiction/Informative lists. Her book was also a SCBWI Golden Kite national finalist for Nonfiction Text for Young Readers. A Hedgebrook alumna and a CantoMundo fellow, Gloria’s poetry has been published in a variety of literary journals and anthologies. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has published one of her poems in their national textbook literature series. Gloria received both her B. A. and M. Ed. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
She lives outside Austin, Texas, surrounded by grand oaks with Jeff, their lively dog Pixie, and sleepy cat Lovey. Gloria believes in children, pets and possibilities.
The Spanish edition of her award-winning picture book biography, Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua, Niña del pueblo floricanto: Luz Jiménez, hija de los Nahuas was translated by David Bowles and publishes November 11th.
Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh, Child of the Flower-Song People was awarded a Pura Belpré Author Honor. It was listed as a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, ALA Notable Books, SLJ’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library: Best Informational Books for Younger Readers; CSMCL: Best Books, and various other Best of Nonfiction/Informative lists. Her book was also a SCBWI Golden Kite national finalist for Nonfiction Text for Young Readers. A Hedgebrook alumna and a CantoMundo fellow, Gloria’s poetry has been published in a variety of literary journals and anthologies. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has published one of her poems in their national textbook literature series. Gloria received both her B. A. and M. Ed. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
She lives outside Austin, Texas, surrounded by grand oaks with Jeff, their lively dog Pixie, and sleepy cat Lovey. Gloria believes in children, pets and possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 12, 2021
Gloria Amescua narrates the amazing life of Luz Jiménez with lyrical beauty that echoes the very xochicuicatl—ancestral Nahua poetics—that Luz sought to preserve for her people. Child of the Flower-Song People deftly balances fascinating biographical moments with an earnest sense of social justice for the indigenous people of Mexico. Duncan Tonatiuh’s now famous codex-style art, drawn from his own Nahua heritage, makes the story and message even more poignant.
An important book and spectacular debut!
An important book and spectacular debut!
July 21, 2021
With sentences such as “A girl stared at the stars sprinkling the hammock of sky,” CHILD OF THE FLOWER SONG PEOPLE is the beautifully and sensitively written biography of Luz Jimenez, who dedicated her life to preserving and protecting the dying Nahua culture. In Amescua’s words “Luz was a living link to the Aztecs”. Tonatiuh’s illustrations add dimension to the text and are just as beautifully rendered and sensitive to Luz’s story as Amescua’s words. Luz’s story of determination, curiosity and resilience, deserves a spot in every classroom and on every child’s bookshelf.
September 2, 2021
What a gorgeous picture book biography! The words are as beautiful as the rich, colorful illustrations. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Luz Jiménez and her work in keeping her native language and Mexican traditions alive in this sensitive portrayal of her life during the early 1900s. The back matter is interesting, as well. A wonderful addition to classrooms and libraries.
August 17, 2021
Luz Jiménez was a child of the flower-song people, the Aztecs. She had listened intently to the stories told by the elders about their sacred mountains and streams and also about how the Spaniards had taken their lands away. Luz learned how to do the traditional work of her people, grinding corn on a metate, twisting yarn with her toes, weaving on a loom. She learned about the plants around her and what herbs were medicine. Luz longed to go to school, but it was forbidden for native children. Then the law changed and required schooling in the ways of the Spanish. Luz was a good student and learned much, still keeping the traditional tales alive as she shared them with the other students. At age 13, Luz was forced to flee the Mexican Revolution and live in Mexico City. There Luz became a model for artists, sharing her traditions in paintings and photographs. She longed to be a teacher, but was denied that opportunity. Instead she taught in a different way, through modeling, sharing her tales, and being a living link to the Aztecs.
This beautiful picture book pays homage to Luz Jiménez, a humble woman who became the face of her people. Amescua’s lovely Author’s Note shows the detailed research that went into this biographical picture book. That research is evident in the lovely prose she uses to share Luz’s story with a new generation. Her writing uses metaphors and evocative phrases to really show the impact that Luz’s presence has had as well as her strong connection to her heritage.
Tonatiuh’s art is always exquisite. Done in his own unique style, his illustrations mix modern materials with a folkloric feel. They work particularly well for this subject.
A stellar biographical picture book of a true teacher and heroine. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
This beautiful picture book pays homage to Luz Jiménez, a humble woman who became the face of her people. Amescua’s lovely Author’s Note shows the detailed research that went into this biographical picture book. That research is evident in the lovely prose she uses to share Luz’s story with a new generation. Her writing uses metaphors and evocative phrases to really show the impact that Luz’s presence has had as well as her strong connection to her heritage.
Tonatiuh’s art is always exquisite. Done in his own unique style, his illustrations mix modern materials with a folkloric feel. They work particularly well for this subject.
A stellar biographical picture book of a true teacher and heroine. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
October 21, 2021
A poetically written biography of Luz Jiménez, Nahua culture-bearer, model, and teacher. I loved the way this text stayed rooted in Jiménez's Nahua identity and the power of her knowledge, traditions, and stories. A really rich text for engaging students in discussion and consideration of how histories are made, unmade, and remade.
Themes: Tradition, Community, Colonialism/Anti-colonialism, Women's History, Indigenous History
Age range: Elementary
Themes: Tradition, Community, Colonialism/Anti-colonialism, Women's History, Indigenous History
Age range: Elementary
January 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. A powerful look at the life of someone who wanted to be a teacher and ended up teaching way more than she thought she did.
June 22, 2021
There's more than one way to be a hero for your culture, especially when colonizers attempt to make your culture disappear. Luz Jiménez's way was to become a bridge to the past, keeping the ways of the Nahua culture and its language and stories alive in the face of those who would prefer that her culture be erased. Despite oppression, the Mexican revolution, and displacement, Luz flourished and became "the true spirit of Mexico." This lyrically written and thoughtful story of a strong indigenous woman who dreamed of being a teacher and became a teacher to generations is a fantastic read for elementary school age students. I enjoyed learning about her life, too, as an adult. Duncan Tonatiuh's wonderfully stylized illustrations depict Nahua culture, and some (as he mentions in his artist's note) were inspired by the works of art for which Luz Jiménez modeled, including works by Diego Rivera, José Mariá Urbina, and Fernando Leal.
July 14, 2021
CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE: LUZ JIMÉNEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE NAHUA is a beautiful nonfiction story written by Gloria Amescua, with wonderful digital collage illustrations by Duncan Tonatiuh. Readers will learn of a resilient Luz who, first determined to learn, then discovers and pursues her dream of teaching her own culture to others. Her success despite oppression, revolution, and hardship will inspire young readers. Amescua and Tonatiuh have created a must read with this important biography.
June 20, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Abrams Books.
Amesca captures Jimenez life in text that elementary level readers will follow. Tonatiuh's illustrations are unmistakable and bring her story to life. Jimenez was a link to the ancient Aztec civilization and taught the traditions and way of life to others after the Spanish attempted to destroy the native way of life. A timeline is included of her life at the end along with a glossary and further resources.
Amesca captures Jimenez life in text that elementary level readers will follow. Tonatiuh's illustrations are unmistakable and bring her story to life. Jimenez was a link to the ancient Aztec civilization and taught the traditions and way of life to others after the Spanish attempted to destroy the native way of life. A timeline is included of her life at the end along with a glossary and further resources.
August 30, 2021
Bursting with lyrical language by Gloria Amescua and boldly stylized illustrations by Duncan Tonatiuh, this picture book biography celebrates Luz Jiménez, an indigenous Mexican woman who kept the Nahuatl language alive through teaching and storytelling. Flower metaphors abound as young readers learn about this unsung heroine. Having read several drafts of this project in a critique group with the author, I’m thrilled to see this beautiful book in the world.
July 26, 2021
I had never heard of Luz Jimenez before reading this book, and chances are you haven't either. I am inspired by this woman's work to preserve the ways and history of her people, while still learning new ways herself, adapting but not conforming. Luz is a remarkable example of ingenuity and perseverance.
While this book is written for children, it was still an excellent read for an adult too.
While this book is written for children, it was still an excellent read for an adult too.
July 29, 2021
What a beautiful story about a woman and culture I had little knowledge about. Luz Jiménez adjusted to her new life when they had to flee Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. While she adapted, she also fought to preserve her indigenous Nahua culture. Amescua's text about Jiménez is lyrical and gorgeous and the art by Tonatiuh is stunning. A beautiful and important book for both kids and adults!
Want to read
May 17, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
June 1, 2021
Learned a lot from this one. Really interesting biography.
January 26, 2022
I received a hardcover copy of the book for my honest review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day. I had never heard of Luz Jimenez or the Nahua people. Author notes, Timeline, and Glossary help build an understanding of the Nahua and their struggles. I noticed many similarities to the struggles of Native Americans. Education, loss of Native language, and cultural arts skills that have been lost and need to be taught to the next generation by elders. Luz became a model in Mexico that used her talents to teach others about the Nahua people. She is remembered as the child of the Flower-Song People. Duncan Tonatiuh illustrates in his familiar style. The contrast of the colorful pictures to the grey background pictures draw the reader to look closely to the details. Gloria Amescua did extensive research to bring Luz to life. This book would be a wonderful selection to share with children.
December 12, 2022
This beautiful story depicts the life of Luz Jiménez, a Nahua woman who preserved her language and culture through teaching after surviving the Mexican Revolution. I had never heard of this wonderful woman before so it was a pleasure to learn about her life. I'm grateful that Gloria Amescua has, through lovely illustrations, told her story, because it deserves to be shared.
March 19, 2022
5 stars. Super interesting book about the model subject of many famous pieces by Mexican artists. Luz was also the catalyst of the preservation of Nahua culture and language. Excellent back matter, iconic illustrations. Be sure to check out the cool case cover!
October 1, 2021
A magnificent biography of Luz Jimenez, a descendant of Nahau, who lost their land to Cortes and then to the Spaniards. She kept her culture alive because of the people she grew to know. She posed for artists/sculptors and photographers. She worked with anthropologists and professor who wanted to know more about her culture. They kept her language alive. She was the living link between the Aztecs and the future generations.
The illustrator's artwork is just amazing! Duncan Tonatiuh did an outstanding job on this book.
I had to look up all the paintings and sculptures that were made of Luz. It was interesting to see their different styles and perspectives, especially after looking at the original photographs.
The illustrator's artwork is just amazing! Duncan Tonatiuh did an outstanding job on this book.
I had to look up all the paintings and sculptures that were made of Luz. It was interesting to see their different styles and perspectives, especially after looking at the original photographs.
October 17, 2022
“Once again, her dream seemed to swirl away forever like petals on the wind,” (Amescua, 32).
I read this book as an E-book through Hoopla. I liked being able to see the pictures in the story.
I decided to read Child of the Flower Song People by Gloria Amescua because it was a winner of the 2022 Pura Belpre Award. This award goes to a Latino writer and illustrator who’s work authentically portrays the Latino culture.
The story starts with Luz, a young girl who is Aztec. She tells her story of growing up in Nashua, Mexico during the early 1900’s. Luz faces challenges as she fights for her rights to go to school and craves the ability to be able to learn about her own culture through her education. The author addresses colonization of the Flower Song People and the Mexican Revolution.
I liked how the author used the symbol of a flower to represent how the Aztecs felt during this time period. I think this was a great example of children’s diverse literature because it can teach young students about the Aztec culture. The author also uses vivid language and similes to enhance the story. The author occasionally uses the Nahua language to convey words in the story. It enhances the story since she provides a definition of the words as she uses them. The author portrays an authentic experience of the Aztecs.
I would have liked to learn more about the Aztec culture by being introduced to a couple of more people in the story. I think this would have helped the reader learn more about the Aztec culture by providing someone else’s values and beliefs as well.
The gorgeous paintings in the book were completed by Duncan Tonatiuh. He used descriptive and colorful pictures that would help readers understand the way of life of the Aztec people.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in learning more about the Aztec way of life. I would also recommend it to students in third grade and up as it does have some difficult vocabulary. Teachers can use this book to discuss cultures and the theme of never giving up.
I read this book as an E-book through Hoopla. I liked being able to see the pictures in the story.
I decided to read Child of the Flower Song People by Gloria Amescua because it was a winner of the 2022 Pura Belpre Award. This award goes to a Latino writer and illustrator who’s work authentically portrays the Latino culture.
The story starts with Luz, a young girl who is Aztec. She tells her story of growing up in Nashua, Mexico during the early 1900’s. Luz faces challenges as she fights for her rights to go to school and craves the ability to be able to learn about her own culture through her education. The author addresses colonization of the Flower Song People and the Mexican Revolution.
I liked how the author used the symbol of a flower to represent how the Aztecs felt during this time period. I think this was a great example of children’s diverse literature because it can teach young students about the Aztec culture. The author also uses vivid language and similes to enhance the story. The author occasionally uses the Nahua language to convey words in the story. It enhances the story since she provides a definition of the words as she uses them. The author portrays an authentic experience of the Aztecs.
I would have liked to learn more about the Aztec culture by being introduced to a couple of more people in the story. I think this would have helped the reader learn more about the Aztec culture by providing someone else’s values and beliefs as well.
The gorgeous paintings in the book were completed by Duncan Tonatiuh. He used descriptive and colorful pictures that would help readers understand the way of life of the Aztec people.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in learning more about the Aztec way of life. I would also recommend it to students in third grade and up as it does have some difficult vocabulary. Teachers can use this book to discuss cultures and the theme of never giving up.
September 7, 2021
The story of Julia “Luz” Jimenez, who helped to preserve and share her Aztec culture in Mexico, even through laws and programs like residential schools that tried to eradicate Aztec culture and customs. Duncan Tonatiuh’s unique style once again honors the pre-Colombian art of this region.
August 23, 2021
"Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua" is a picture book biography about a woman who carried the customs and traditions of her ancestors into the future. Readers meet Luz Jiménez as a young girl, sitting beneath a sparkling "hammock of sky," in tune with the senses and stories of the Aztec past. Day by day, Luz becomes increasingly interested in and knowledgable about the Nahua way. Her passion for education and keeping Aztec traditions alive leads her to naturally assume the role of teacher - to artists, anthropologists, scholars and college students. Gorgeously written with deep emotion, reverence and detail, Child of the Flower-Song people is a stunning, breathing tribute to Luz Jiménez's unique and important role as a "living link" to the Nahua past.
September 10, 2021
A powerful book telling the story of Luz Jiménez (Julia Jiménez), "child of the flower-song people," set in Milpa, Alta, Mexico. It starts out telling the story of her childhood, learning to "twist yarn with her toes, how to weave on a loom," until the day all native children are required to go to school to learn modern practices and push aside their heritage. Luz holds onto her history despite many challenges, and eventually is able to realize her dream of teaching her culture to others. My favorite line is on the last page where Amescua states Luz's dream had come true, "just by being Nahua, just by being herself." Beautiful writing like this throughout is sure to inspire as well as educate young readers. An important addition to every classroom and library.
February 7, 2022
Luz Jiminez was an indigenous Nahua in the early 1900s in Mexico. She spoke her people's language, and knew their culture and their ways. She could grind corn on a metate, weave on a loom and even spin yard with her toes. But when her family was forced from their lands and had to resettle in Mexico City, Luz learned the Spanish at the city schools. However, always a champion of the Nahua, she worked to preserve their ways and culture, inspiring artists and scholars alike.
Duncan Tonatiuh's illustrations highlight this beautiful story of perseverance and grit. What an amazing short biography, and a must read for classes studying Mexican history. Includes an author's note, a photograph(!) timeline, a glossary and bibliography.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Duncan Tonatiuh's illustrations highlight this beautiful story of perseverance and grit. What an amazing short biography, and a must read for classes studying Mexican history. Includes an author's note, a photograph(!) timeline, a glossary and bibliography.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
November 3, 2022
This biography picture book was hand drawn and then collaged digitally. This story is about an Aztec woman named Luz Jimenez who kept the culture of her people alive by modeling for artists who were interested in showing those who really represented Mexico, unlike before when Europeans took this role. Although Luz longed to be a teacher, she taught in a different way by sharing her tradition in her paintings and photographs. She shared how to grind the corn, how to twist yarn with her toes, and her knowledge about herbs and plants. This culturally rich story would be a great addition to any classroom for many reasons. Especially since young readers are given the chance to learn about a young woman who made quite a difference in her culture.
July 26, 2022
This stunning picture book is illustrated in a Pre-Columbian style, perfectly reflecting the storyline. We meet Luz, a young Nahua girl growing up immersed in the traditions of her people. As the story progresses, Luz is forced to assimilate to the Mexican culture through school, taught in Spanish. This true story of forced assimilation and a dying culture shows how one can cling to their dreams and push through to make them happen.
I would use this book in upper elementary to start a discussion about forced assimilation. This would be excellent for critical literacy and help students think about what it means to give up one’s culture and heritage and what it means to cling to it.
I would use this book in upper elementary to start a discussion about forced assimilation. This would be excellent for critical literacy and help students think about what it means to give up one’s culture and heritage and what it means to cling to it.
November 28, 2021
I was actually surprised when we got to the school and I saw that the action was taking place less than 100 years ago. I was distracted by the mention of legends with which I'm not familiar. I guess they could make a jumping-off point for learning more about the Nahua culture, but how did Malintzin betway the Aztecs? Why did Tepozton hang bells on a steeple that no one could reach? Overall, a stark reminder that history is written by the victors, who usually seek to eliminate the cultures who were there first.
April 3, 2022
I want to begin with the artwork of the book. The artwork is influenced by a traditional art style found in Mexico. The artwork is amazing and brings a piece of the past to the present. Second, the story is amazing and based on the life of Luz Jimenez. I didn't know about her until this book. Luz longed to be a teacher. Luz becomes one teaching by teaching others about the Aztec language. The book was wonderfully written, and it was hard to put down. I want to know what happened next to Luz. I want to know more about her.
July 11, 2022
Amescua’s poetic biographical portrait and Tonatiuh’s visual rendering of indigenous Mexican artist’s model and college teacher Doña Luz Jimémez, is a beautiful reminder of the subject’s contribution to the study of native linguistics and folklore and her inspiration to 20th century art of Diego Rivera, Jean Charlot, and Edward Weston among others.
In addition to being a beautiful picture book biography it also includes notes by the author and artist, a chronology, glossary, and bibliographical information.
In addition to being a beautiful picture book biography it also includes notes by the author and artist, a chronology, glossary, and bibliographical information.
April 4, 2022
This story was moving to me and I loved the cultural aspect. This was a deep and detailed true story of an indigenous girl and her passion for preserving her culture through teaching. The book is wonderful for children and the adults reading it with them will learn more than a few things as well. It's a book you leave feeling lucky to have read it. The pictures are vibrant and engaging for young children and the book is easy to read. I liked how they had the Spanish language on some pages.
May 30, 2022
This was great. I always love Duncan Tonatiuh’s artwork and Gloria Amescua’s text is also excellent. This is a comprehensive story that translates well to picture book format while also having thorough back matter (author and artist notes, timeline, bibliography, citation for quotes and artistic references.
I had never learned about Liz Jimenez before and loved reading about her here. Well done on every level.
I had never learned about Liz Jimenez before and loved reading about her here. Well done on every level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews