A Jíbaro’s Miracle  has been selected to be included in the January 2020 Issue of Kirkus Reviews, page 171.  Less than 10% of Indie authors are selected for this feature. A Jíbaro’s Miracle review will be included in the Indie section of the magazine which goes out to industry professionals (literary agents, librarians, publishers, booksellers, film executives, etc.)

Synopsis:

A 12-year-old boy named Ephraim is one of the finest Master Coffee Pickers in a small town in Puerto Rico at the height of the colonial era. Ephraim’s endearing characteristics win the hearts of a few intriguing cast of characters portrayed in the story. Ephraim is poor, but he has a heart of gold. He is humble, but at the same time proud. He is clever and awfully daring. He is honest and has great respect for his family and religion.

Ultimately, Ephraim questions his life as a “jíbaro” (hee-bah-rōh) (or peasant) working in the fields under the unforgiving demands of a Spanish landowner. In his journey to find the answers, Ephraim’s newly found acquaintances aid him in discovering the rewards of his hard work and the hope that lies ahead of him.

Driving through the small town of Cayey, Puerto Rico today, a monument sculpted by Tomás Batisa is erected memorializing this much-loved figure. Puerto Rico will never forget its true and genuine Puertorriqueño – The Jíbaro.

Marisa brings to you her first chapter book for youth. A truly unique, high-quality, carefully crafted middle-grade chapter book with glossary.

Award Wins for A Jíbaro’s Miracle:

Winner-IPPY Gold Award: Multicultural Fiction - Juvenile-Young Adult

Winner-Christian Literary Henri Award Recipient:  Youth and Young Adult Category

Second Place Winner - Latino Books Into Movies Award - Latino Themed Movie

International Latino Book Awards Winner:

Second Place Winner - Best Youth Latino Focused Chapter Book

Award-Winning Finalist - Best Youth Latino Focused Chapter Book