From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

Reach for this book when your child is exploring their family history, preparing for a summer trip, or expressing curiosity about their cultural identity. This bilingual poetry collection serves as a vibrant bridge between two worlds, capturing the magic of a young boy's summer visits to his grandparents in Mexico. Through lyrical verses in both English and Spanish, Francisco X. Alarcón celebrates the sensory richness of the natural world and the deep, nourishing roots of ancestral heritage. The poems explore themes of belonging, joy, and the special bond between generations. It is a gentle, celebratory read that honors the small moments of wonder that define a childhood, from the taste of a fresh orange to the stories told by an elder. This collection is ideal for children ages 6 to 11 who are developing their own sense of place in a diverse world, offering a mirror for Mexican-American children and a beautiful window for others into the warmth of Latino family life.