Bibliographic Information:
Title: The Last Cuentista
Author: Donna Barba Higuera
ISBN: 9781646140893
Publisher: Montclair, California
Copyright Date: 2021
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Adventure
Format: Print Book/eBook
Awards/Honors: Newbery Medallist
Reading Level/Interest Level: Ages 12+
Plot Summary:
Petra’s parents are well-known scientists whose skills have made them vital in the next step for humanity. So, while a comet continues a disastrous path towards Earth that will wipe out humanity, Petra’s family is one of the few chosen to go onto a ship that will fly for hundreds of years towards a new planet where humanity will begin anew with her parents' help. At 12 years old (13 in just one day!) Petra is terrified alongside her 6 year old brother Javier. She already misses her grandmother Lita, and the world that she has known for so long, including the billions of lives that will end within two weeks of their ship’s departure. What Petra doesn’t know is that a questionable cult has taken over the ship, intending to make humanity in their own image on the new planet. When Petra is awoken from her 200+ year sleep she sets out to find out what happened to her family, why the Collective is doing what they are doing, and if she can save herself and the other children around her.
Author Background:
Donna Barba Higuera is an award winning children’s author, with The Last Cuentista being her second book ever. A Central California native, Higuera focuses on stories for children and teens that may seem scary at first but teach a lesson of bravery when facing adversity. A personal favorite part of Higuera’s biography on her website is this snippet at the bottom of the page: “Donna supports equity and inclusivity in the world of books and beyond. She is not available for any book events that discriminate against marginalized or underrepresented people, either on the page or off” (About).
Critical Evaluation:
This novel was so engaging that I finished it within 24 hours - the characters were well written, the world building was just recognizable enough to feel like I understood everything that was going on, and the plot kept me entertained the entire time. There were both subtle references to different minority groups, as well as references to the issue of racism and colorism (hello to everyone bleaching their skin to transparency!). Yet, nothing was in your face in the way of, “look!! I have a gay character! Be proud of representation!” It all made sense and worked together to build the characters and storyline.
I have one issue with this book, in which the lead character was 12 years old in the year 2061: she relates a feeling to the Tower of Terror ride at Disneyland.
Did you catch that? I’ll repeat.
In the year 2061, the Tower of Terror ride at DisneyLAND.
While that ride did exist at one point, it was repurposed into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride in Disneyland, but remained the same in DisneyWORLD. So unless Higuera has some insider knowledge of the Tower of Terror returning to California anytime soon, she misspoke (or had her character misspeak) and it made me go “huh!”.
Here's a quick book talk about the sequel to The Last Cuentista.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
At the beginning of the story Petra wants to be a storyteller like her grandmother, and hopes that while in stasis she can have an elective learning folklore and myths from all communities to help with her goal. She eventually changes some of the stories her grandmother told her growing up to better fit the scenarios and lives of the other children around her, and I think that would be a great program to embark on. As such, I want patrons to think of stories they were told growing up, or perhaps their favorite fairytale, and rewrite them to suit what is going on in their lives now. It would be a great writing exercise, but also help them find their storytelling voice and boost their creativity.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer:
Petra is twelve years old and terrified - but the stories her grandmother, Lita, told her ring in her head and calm her when she is at her most nervous. Waking up after a 200+ year nap leaves her confused on why everyone around her is brainwashed and doesn’t remember Earth, let alone who they actually are. It is up to Petra to find her family, help start a new colony, and hopefully escape the clutches of the Collective.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
This novel has the possibility of being challenged due to the fact that it is an apocalyptic, dystopian novel in which almost all of humanity is erased and that could certainly face backlash from a parent who does not want their child reading a book with such a horrifying concept. Understandably, if that is the case, then the parent can bar their child from reading it, but The Last Cuentista encompasses enough merit and positives in its addition to the collection that removing it would only do harm to other patrons.
Reason for Inclusion:
I suppose I am finally on a dystopian kick, about a decade too late, but nonetheless! I chose this book because of the fact that it is a Newbery winner, but also has very good reviews from the young adults who have read it. I am of the mind that awards may say one thing, but readers may say another. So, to have found a book that seems to be both popular and contribute literary merit to my collection, well, it makes me feel a little more accomplished.
References:
(n.d.). About. Donna Barba Higuera. https://www.dbhiguera.com/about-donna
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