Reading a graphic novel was new for me, not just for the global scholars program but also in general. As our high school library is working to diversify its collection, a new book was presented to me as an option for the Global Scholars program so I had to take a look at it.
Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide was a very quick read (as I think many graphic novels are). Written by Pablo Leon, a Guatemalan author and illustrator, the book focuses on the historical memory of a Guatemalan immigrant. In this story, a mother is living in the United States with two teenage boys. She has silently carried around the trauma of surviving a genocide in Guatemala and finally opens up to her two sons after the former President of Guatemala is found guilty, and then the verdict reversed in regards to genocide charges. The story highlights the mother’s memories and then the attempt by her sons to try and relocate her sister who was separated from her during the genocide.
Once again this was a very fast read geared toward younger readers (middle school/freshman). It did not necessarily have the depth I enjoy for global scholar books but it also highlights a historical event that many students are not familiar with and can be a catalyst for future investigations and learning. For this reason I think it would be a good book to check out to start building that background knowledge on recent history in Guatemala and Central America.
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