A Gift of Gracias (Alvarez)

Alvarez, Julia. A Gift of Gracias: The Legend of Altagracia. Ill. by Beatriz Vidal. New York: Alfred A. Knoff, 2005. ISBN 9780375984822

PLOT SUMMARY

A young girl named Maria becomes part of a miracle when she dreams of a lady clothed in stars. Following the mysterious lady’s advice, Maria and her family plant seeds of oranges while giving thanks to God. The seeds grow into orange trees at an unimaginable rate, producing an abundance of fruit that saves her family from financial ruin. An image of Our Lady of Altagracia later appears on a blanket, from which she continues to perform miracles for Maria and her family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

A retelling of the Our Lady of Altagracia legend, A Gift of Gracias is set in Spanish colonized Dominican Republic. Maria and her family live on a farm, where all attempts to grow traditional Spanish olives are failing. When her father suggests that the family may soon be leaving their home to live in the city, Maria begins to cry into a bowl of oranges. Vidal’s beautiful paintings of the farm’s magnificent, lush landscape leave the reader with little doubt as to why leaving would be such a sad prospect for Maria. 

Later that night, an old family friend, Quisqueya, appears in Maria’s dreams. His dark, weathered face is contrasted next to the youthful, pale face of Maria as he tells her to plant orange seeds. In her dream they plant the seeds together, giving thanks. Soon a beautiful, unearthly women appears to them. She radiates light, both through her aura and her starlit robe as she tells Maria what to do next. Vidal’s paintings portray Our Lady of Altagracia very traditionally, staying true to images found across the Dominican Republic and displayed in Catholic churches.   

After Maria wakes up she quickly relays her dream to her family. Quisqueya, already familiar with the legend of such a lady, and her family quickly agree to the plan. The miracles continue even after the trees produce an abundance of fruit. Maria continues to receive dreams of the future, including images of their oranges selling in a vibrant, diverse marketplace, filled with light skinned Spaniards wearing European styled clothing and dark skinned Tiano Indians wearing vibrant robes. 

The story also explains how other countries have differing images of the Virgin Mary, based on how the Virgin appeared in their country. 

Alvarez intertwines beautiful imagery and Spanish words into her story. Cognates are used throughout the story, such as Mamá and Papá. More challenging words, such as bandidos are placed in italics. Context clues give adequate information to the reader without being patronizing. Powerful imagery adds depth and entices the senses. Oranges are explained as smelling “sharp and fresh” and Quisqueya’s face as “glow[ing] like an indoor sun”. The combination of Avarez’s flawless integration of Spanish and descriptive imagery, when paired with Vidal’s layered, warm paintings create a stunning retelling of a tradition very close to the heart of many Dominicans.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist: “this talented team evokes an enchanted, sun-kissed world where dreams, and gratitude, bear fruit.”

Publishers Weekly: “author and artist make dreams-come-true seem possible”

School Library Journal: “Vidal has painted colorful, yet warm illustrations that add depth to the story.”

CONNECTIONS

Read other books emphasizing the importance of thankfulness.

Bucchino, John. Grateful: A Song of Giving Thanks. ISBN 9780060516338

McCourt, Lisa. The Most Thankful Thing. ISBN 9780439650830

Mora, Pat. Gracias/Thanks. ISBN 9781600602580

Polacco, Patricia. Thank you, Mr. Falker. ISBN 9780399257629

Scotton, Rob. Splat Says Thank you! ISBN 9780061978746

Wilson, Karma. Bear Says Thanks. ISBN 9781416958567

Read a few stories with Our Lady or The Virgin Mary.

Heffernan, Eileen. Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto: shepherd of Fatima. ISBN 9780819811554

Lovasik, Lawrence G. Our Lady of Lourdes. ISBN 9780899423913

Milligan, Bryce. Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story. ISBN 9780802852243

Mora, Pat. The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe. ISBN 9780375868382

dePaola, Tomie. The Lady of Guadalupe. ISBN 9780823404032

dePaola, Tomie. Mary: The Mother of Jesus. ISBN 9780823410187