El Manisero (Spanish Language Edition)

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The story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta

Each evening Coqui waits for the familiar cry of the Peanut Man”Mani! Peanuts!”and watches forhim to appear on the street below her window. They always greet each other in their own specialwayCoqui tucks her thumbs in her ears and sticks out her tongue at Emilio. And Emilio, to hergreat amusement, does the same in return. Night after night, the two friends continue their ritual.

One evening, Coqui sadly announces, Nos vamos. She tells him that they have to leave Cuba. Theyare going to the United States. Emilio tries to assure her that she will like many things about losEstados Unidos, especially beisbol, her favorite sport. But dont forget your friend Emilio, hesays as he walks away. Nunca! she calls out through tears. She could never forget him.

Coqui and her family arrive in Decatur, Georgia, in the dead of winter to snow-covered ground. Herfather seals the windows with duct tape and they await the arrival of spring. Coqui watches for thePeanut Man, but he does not appear.

Several years pass, she learns wobbly English, and becomes a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. Sheforgets her beloved Peanut Man. Then one day her father surprises her with the perfect birthdaygifttwo tickets for a Braves game to see their favorite player Hammerin Hank Aaron. As theysettle into their seats amid the cheering crowds, Coqui hears a man yelling Peanuts! Get yourpeanuts! The delicious smell of roasted peanuts reaches her and memories of home and Emilio rushinto her head.

With luminous illustrations by the award-winning artist Ral Coln, this story of immigration, ofbeing displaced and finding a connection to home, reminds us how much alike we humans are,regardless of culture, color, or creed.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection