Eight Mexican folk heroines come to vibrant life in this fascinating anthology illustrated by Pura Belpre Award-winning artist, educator and activist Maya Gonzalez. Drawing on centuries of Mexican traditions, Fiesta Feminina celebrates brave young girls, clever mythological characters and ambitious historic women leaders. With an illustrator's note by Gonzalez and fully updated interiors, Fiesta Feminina joins Barefoot's popular anthology collection as an engaging tool to weave a captivating storytime in the classroom or at home. AGES: 6 to 10 AUTHOR: Mary-Joan Gerson is a clinical psychologist whose writing career began in Nigeria, where she and her husband served with the Peace Corps, creating literacy programs for children. She travels widely and tries to capture different ways of seeing the world in her books for children and young adults. SELLING POINTS: . CELEBRATED ILLUSTRATOR: Pura Belpre award-winning illustrator, educator and activist Maya Gonzalez's rich, colorful paintings bring these age-old tales to vibrant life. . GLOBAL EDUCATION: Spanning over two thousand years of Mexico's rich history from the Mayan civilization to the Spanish conquest, this anthology offers young readers a fascinating insight into and celebration of Mexican culture. . RELATABLE WOMEN: The eight unique, powerful girls and women in these tales defy both the "damsel in distress" and "strong woman" stereotypes to offer realistic heroines for young girls.