Books like Secret of the Andes

This book gets negative attention because it beat out Charlotte's Web for the 1953 Newbery Medal, and looking through the lens of time it's easy to say that it probably should have gone the other way. But that happens quite often, even with major awards like Booker, Pulitzer, National Book Award, and others; the best book doesn't always win. But this is not a bad book at all; it's quite good. I read it as a young boy and loved it, although not as much this time. What makes this a good children's book is that it teaches about a foreign culture, one that is disappearing and most of us know little about. In this story it's about the Inca's and passing their knowledge of culture and history on to the young generation through a boy named Cusi. It's his story, his life in a high Andes mountain valley, and his teacher/guardian Chuto and their herd of llamas. It's a coming of age story that teaches lessons about diversity, inclusion, family, and native culture. The prose has a soft, lyrical flow that probably doesn't translate that well to today's youth, but it's not very long and it's certainly worth reading.3.5 stars1953 Newbery Medal Winner