Young Teacher and the Great Serpent

Description: "A young teacher eager to change her students' lives with her books. An indigenous community with its own stories to share. And a great and dangerous serpent not to be underestimated. Set along the Amazon River, this stunningly illustrated story will spark lasting conversations about cross-cultural relationships, the importance of oral storytelling, and what it means to be a lifelong learner."--Page [4] of cover.

Brief description:

Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including The Adventures of Odysseus, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different. He is also the translator of Nicolás Schuff and Ana Sender's How to Reach the Moon and of Mariana Ruiz Johnson's The Book that Kibo Wrote. Lawrence's works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social.

Review Quotes: The Horn Book Magazine
"Straightforward prose and intentionally vague characterization present the story as a fable with encouraging lessons about the importance of cultural exchange and the power of nature."

De Los/Los Angeles Times
"This is a definite must for readers, young and old, offering a compelling story that resonates with the human spirit and the beauty of cross-cultural connections."

Shelf Awareness
"A wonderful read-aloud that serves as a gateway to the world of folklore."

Booklist
"This lovely story about inclusion and community encourages teachers to see themselves as students as opposed to missionaries. Schimel's adept translation is beautifully complemented by the bold, expressionistic artwork."