Today Marshmallow reviews Stories My Grandmother Told Me by Gabriela Maya Bernadett, published in 2022.
Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like books that blend cultures yet stay historically relevant, then this is the book for you!
Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): Maya’s grandmother Esther grew up in Harlem. During the early 1900s, Harlem was one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the United States. Yet, as a young Black woman, Esther could still feel the occasional effects of racism. Luckily, her family was large and close-knit so she explains that she never felt lonely or afraid throughout her youth. However, she was very eager to explore beyond her borough. So when a sign asking for teachers showed up outside her favorite library, she applied immediately; after all, the idea of living in the West and “educating” Native Americans was an interesting prospect for her.
With a degree from NYU (she was one of the first and few Black alumni), she was accepted and signed up to teach in Arizona. This is where she starts her story. Her grandchildren Maya and Tina listen attentively (and excitedly!) as she continues. Back then, she didn’t think much about the new job, and she always planned to return to Harlem. Even after she stepped off the railroad train, she was fascinated by the land but didn’t think it would be her future home.
Growing accustomed to the desert was a gradual process (her first encounter with a scorpion and her first time driving out in the sand were terrifying highlights). But she found herself driven to be a truly good teacher to the Native American students, who previously were not being taught the skills they needed to learn.
Around this time in the book, we are introduced to John Pancho, a Tohono O’odham man who is a community leader with a passion for guaranteeing high-quality education for their children. Before the two of them even met, Esther had heard about his ability to affect the local schools through advocacy and argument. Over time, they got closer and enjoyed a nice relationship. And eventually, he became her husband.
From her youth to her golden years, Esther retraces her path for her grandchildren, weaving together a story that influenced them so deeply that it has been made into this beautiful book for all bunnies to be able to read.
Marshmallow’s Review: I think this book is intrinsically fascinating. Hearing Esther describe the old West during the early 1900s was very interesting (supposedly it resembled cowboy movies) and her love for Harlem shines through as well; it made me nostalgic for an era I was never in until I remembered the parts about the racism she also witnessed.
Overall, I think the author did an excellent job of drawing the reader in by providing just enough description to entice the senses but leave some work to the imagination. This made Stories My Grandmother Told Me a very enjoyable book but the very premise of the topic is also interesting on its own. As you may have deduced, the author is African American and Native American which provides her a very interesting cultural background full of crossovers and rich history; I loved learning about this as a fellow multi-cultural bunny. Maya shares her grandmother’s personal insights into the U.S.’s “re-education” efforts of Native American children. This book presents an interesting dynamic since Esther is a genuinely good person working for a system that was not necessarily set up to benefit the recipients of its services (the Native Americans). This book opened my eyes to the historical period and has left me curious to learn more about it. I think the most lasting effect of this book is a sense of appreciation. Esther is a very matter-of-fact, no-nonsense person yet she is extraordinarily adventurous and cares little about what others think. She is never rude or societally scandalous or anything, but she lives her life exactly as she wants to and I found that attitude admirable, especially given her time period. It is interesting to see her entire life laid out within the pages of this book. Stories My Grandmother Told Me is a relatively simply written biography so almost every bunny could enjoy it!
Reading about Esther’s life left me feeling different than how one feels after reading the biography of a very famous historical figure. It reminds us that life is about more than status and power and fame; it is about the change you make in your own community, the experiences you try throughout your time on Earth, and the life you build for yourself and your loved ones. I think reading this book indirectly conveys this message to your mind and leaves you to contemplate if you are living like Esther: genuinely and fully with strength, compassion, purpose, and a whole lot of love.
Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.
