Elena's Serenade

Level: Primary, Intermediate

This book is a good example of modern fantasy because the talking animals in the story could not exist in real life. While the overall story line of the girl trying to become a glass blower is possible, the animals she encounters along the way make the book a fantasy.

The papa in this book is a good example of a dynamic character. In the beginning of the book, he believes that Elena is a girl and too young to blow glass. The author uses this attitude as a catalyst for Elena's journey to become a glass blower. However, when Elena returns at the end of the book and proves she can blow glass, her papa welcomes her warmly and allows her to work with him. The author uses this attitude change to validate Elena's efforts, and perhaps to inspire readers to overcome the obstacles in their own lives.

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LibraryThing member suarnawa1

In a Mexican village, a girl named Elena wants to be a glass blower like her father. She is not allowed to learn because she is a girl. She disguises herself and journeys to Monterrey to learn how to blow glass. Along the way, she discovers her own talent and practices playing music on her pipe.

She learns the craft and finds her special technique. When she returns home, her father is surprised but accepts her talent. She joins him in making beautiful wands of glass animals and figures. I loved the illustrations and this story was inspiring. Would use it in self esteem, or to simply share the beautiful illustrations.

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LibraryThing member jgiann2

In my opinion, this is a great multicultural book that addresses gender stereotypes and cultural aspects of Mexican heritage. The expressive language is clear and engaging for readers. The writing is paced well and the events are organized nicely in chronological order. Spanish words are used in

the story, which gives it ethnic features. For example, the book reads, “In Mexico the sun is called el sol, and the moon is called la luna. I am called Elena.” Students who originate from Mexico will love that this book contains words from their native language. Students who do not speak Spanish are able to learn terminology in a foreign language. The main character, Elena, is very relatable and well developed. Elena is determined to be a glassblower, even though her father states that girls cannot have this job. Readers who are unfamiliar with glassblowing can learn something new about Mexican heritage. Even if they have not experienced glassblowing, the situation that Elena faces is still relatable to some females. They may have also been rejected from a task due to gender. Elena’s strong willed personality allows her to run away from home and practice her passion. She is given a chance to blow glass and she creates glass stars and butterflies, which the men cannot do. She returns home and is rewarded for her skills. The illustrations are gorgeous; desert colors with scratches and splatters of ink perfectly depict the mood and style of the text. The book pushes readers to broaden their perspectives of the roles of gender. You can do anything if you set your mind to it. I really enjoy Elena’s determination to succeed at glassblowing. It teaches children an important lesson on following their dreams. The big idea of this story is that individuals should follow their passion, regardless of gender stereotypes.

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LibraryThing member hatease

Elena wants to become a glass blower in Mexico like her father but she is constantly told she is too small. She goes on a magical journey and finds herself where all of the great glassblowers are. She meets many exotic animals along the way.
Students can learn about another culture, living your

dreams.

K-3

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LibraryThing member kbork1

I loved Elena’s Serenade. It was a great story about a little girl who wanted to become a glass blower, but her dad wouldn’t let her because she was a girl. Therefore, she disguised herself as a boy and left home on a journey to become a glass blower. One thing I really enjoyed about the story

was its message. Though it is a fictitious story, it shows that girls can do anything boys can do and defies gender stereotyping in the types of jobs people have. Also, I enjoyed the illustrations. I can’t tell what medium was used to create the illustrations, but I loved the detail and bright colors throughout them because they really enhanced the story. Finally, I loved the emphasis on Hispanic and Latin culture. Elena lives in Mexico, so the setting and culture is different than what many students in America know, so this book would definitely help broaden their horizons on it.
I would recommend this story for early readers K-2 because it’s a fun and heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations that young kids would love to hear in a read aloud.

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LibraryThing member adaq

Beautifully illustrated, and a charming story. I really loved the glass-blowing aspect, and magical unexpected music -- unusual and delightful.

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