guatemala

When, protected by the branches of one of the trees she loves to climb, Gabriela witnesses the destruction of her Mayan village and the murder of nearly all its inhabitants, she vows never to climb again until, after she and her traumatised sister find safety in a Mexican refugee camp, she realizes that only by climbing and facing their fears can she and her sister hope to have a future. They call Gabriela Tree Girl. Laj Ali Re Jayub in her native language of Quich . Gabi climbs trees to be within reach of the eagles and watch the sun rise into an empty sky. She is at home among the outstretched branches of the Guatemalan forests. Then one day from the safety of a tree, Gabi witnesses the sights and sounds of an unspeakable massacre. She sees rape and murder -- the ravages of guerrilla warfare. She vows to be Tree Girl no more. Earthbound, she joins the hordes of refugees struggling to reach the Mexican border. She has lost her whole family; her entire village has been wiped out. Yet she clings to the hope that she will be reunited with her youngest sister, Alicia. Over dangerous miles and months of hunger, thirst, and the threat of more violence from soldiers, Gabriela's search for Alicia and for a safe haven becomes a search for self. Having turned her back on her own identity, can she hope to claim a new life? This novel is based on a true story told to the author one night by the real Tree Girl in a secure safe house in Guatemala.

"Elena lives with her mother and siblings in a small village in Guatemala and tries to make time to improve her reading as she helps her mother with daily chores"--Provided by the publisher.

An introduction to Guatemala, discussing the history, economy, people, and cultures of the Central American country, and including a calendar of Guatemalan festivals, recipes, a glossary, project and report ideas, a chronology, and resources.

"The Maya Empire became a thriving civilization between the third century and the seventh century CE, but by 900 CE war, drought, and disease wiped out most of its cities and the Mayan people were greatly reduced. Unfortunately, the greatest threat to their existence was yet to come, when the Guatemalan genocide would decimate those who remained in the1970s and '80s. The facts of the Mayans' story will be intertwined with profiles of individuals and in-depth looks at related topics. Readers will learn how to help those faced with genocide and understand a history that could otherwise repeat itself."--Provided by publisher.

A brief overview of Guatemala, discussing its social life, wildife, food, and more.

"Manuelito's world in the Maya highlands of Guatemala is falling apart. His school has closed indefinitely; gangs and soldiers are roaming the town; and gunshots echo through the streets at night. Remembering the terrible conflict of the 1980s and desperate to save their son from the same violence, Manuelito's parents decide they must send Manuelito to live with his aunt in the United States. Accompanied by a human trafficker known as a coyote, Manuelito begins his hazardous journey to Mexico, then the U.S., in search of asylum. But nothing turns out as anyone hopes and dangers lurk everywhere, even once Manuelito finally reaches the United States"--Back cover.

A look at the ancient civilization of the Maya people, including some of their most important archaeological sites -- from the sacred Maya city of Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula to the jungle temples and palaces of Tikal in Guatemala.

"Richard Bowmaster--a 60-year-old human rights scholar--hits the car of Evelyn Ortega--a young, undocumented immigrant from Guatemala--in the middle of a snowstorm in Brooklyn. What at first seems just a small inconvenience takes an unforeseen and far more serious turn when Evelyn turns up at the professor's house seeking help. At a loss, the professor asks his tenant Lucia Maraz--a 62-year-old lecturer from Chile--for her advice"-- Provided by publisher.

Ixchel, a young Mayan girl who is not allowed to use her mother's thread to weave, exercises her ingenuity and repurposes plastic bags to create colorful weavings. Includes glossary and author's note.

Kidnapped when she was very young by an unscrupulous man who has forced her to lie and beg to get money, a twelve-year-old Mayan girl endures an abusive life, always wishing she could return to the parents she can hardly remember.