Memorias de una Abuela Apostadora = Tales of a Gambling Grandma

Gr 3-5-This flawlessly translated and marvelous story is fully deserving of all the prizes it has garnered over the years since its first English edition in 1986. In it, a young girl tells the story of her immigrant grandmother's life. This spunky woman ran from the Cossacks in Russia, immigrated to Brooklyn, married a plumber, and supplemented the family income by playing poker. Along the way, readers learn about gangster Dutch Schultz, cheating at cards, and drinking beer and celery juice. The story touches on the woman's early years, telescopes through the middle years, and then lingers on her life as the narrator's grandmother. The nostalgic description of their day-to-day activities informs readers of their close relationship. Ultimately, the woman's death is portrayed simply and clearly, much as a child would comprehend it. What is so moving about this story, aside from the relationship between the two characters, is the poignant detail with which ordinary objects are portrayed. The grandmother's room, her closet, and the special drawer in her nightstand are described lovingly. The crisp and colorful illustrations are especially evocative.