Weekend Picks for March 21st

Beth Spinner

Welcome to our Weekend Picks for March 21st!

Beth Spinner continues her month of great recommendations with a YA novel that is, to quote her, "part fantasy, part historic fiction, and a total must read:" Secret of the Moon Conch by Guadalupe Garcia McCall and David Bowles. 

​Professor Spinner taught middle and high school English before obtaining her PhD in English Education from Western Michigan University. She is currently a teacher educator at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Her research focuses on fostering social justice in the English classroom using reading and writing.

Secret of the Moon Conch by Guadalupe Garcia McCall and David Bowles

​This novel is part fantasy, part historic fiction, and a total must read. The book alternates between the perspectives of Sitlali and Calizto. Sitlali lives in the present day and recently fled to the United States from Mexico in search of her father. She has faced and fought dangerous men and animals in her crossing to get to a family friend in Texas.

​Once she arrives, she attempts to reunite with her father, who left her long ago. Her father’s new family is not as excited to see her. Sitlali faces constant danger and heartbreak as she settles into this new life. What helps give her encouragement is a conch shell she brought with her on her journey. Before crossing the border, she realized the conch allowed her to connect with a young man who lived several centuries ago.

Calizto lives in 1521 in Tenochtitlan as it is being invaded by the Spanish. He comes from a family of warriors and is fighting to protect his people. As he goes on his journey, he learns more about those in power and their motives, as well as those without power and the truth about what is happening to people without power. Calizto faces several people with power and uses his wisdom in these interactions. He also comes to rely on his connection with Sitlali who helps him navigate his situation with her knowledge of how the past plays out.

​As they both go through dangerous and heartbreaking situations, their connection becomes stronger. As the phases of the moon change, they begin to not only hear each other, but see each other, too. This powerful connection strengthens their courage and their love.

Guadalupe Garcia McCall

David Bowles

Guadalupe Garcia McCall and David Bowles write together to create a beautiful and exciting story about important issues like immigration, family, and growing up. Readers will think about what people face when they cross borders between countries and the hardships that go along with this. They will also think about the importance of history and how choices made centuries ago still impact people today. People can not only learn from history, but better understand where they are today because of history. This knowledge and awareness can lead to acceptance, empathy, and informed choices.

​All of this is wrapped up in a beautiful love story where readers find themselves rooting for Sitlali and Calitzo, despite the centuries and hardships that separate them.