The New Mexican July 11, 2004
Amadito and Spider Woman has a wonderful way of helping youngsters deal with the hurt feelings caused by bullying. Illustrated by the dramatic images of local artist Amado Pena, Jr., this narrative depicts the rich family life of a young American Indian boy, Amadito, and his home in the Sonoran desert. When he comes home from school, upset because of being ridiculed by a classmate in front of the class, Amadito is comforted by his mother. Later his older brother and his father give him advice about showing strength and standing tall, but it is the simple lessons from his grandmother, Nana, that seem to help him the most. Amadito helps his grandmother gather plants (for dyes) on the mesa, observes the movements of a spider and the sunset-and listens to his Nana’s voice. “Fear is our own creation,” she tells him. “When one looks deep into the nature of a thing, fear usually disappears. It is also true that if there is peace within one’s heart, fear can find no resting place inside us.” Healing wisdom and quiet appreciation of the natural world are the hallmarks of this fine book written by Lisa Bear Goldman, who grew up in New Mexico and Arizona.
—Barbara Harrelson, Writer
Southwest Children’s Literature
View Book Review
The Southwest Children’s Literature Web Site is a collaborative project between undergraduate and graduate students in education, library science, and English and Tucson-area students and their classroom teachers, teacher-librarians, and public librarians. The site is facilitated by literacies and libraries consultant Judi Moreillon, Ph.D.
Therapist October 29, 2004
As a Child and Family Therapist, I highly recommend Lisa Goldman’s book, Amadito and Spider Woman, for all children. This book describes the emotions of a young boy who was made fun of at school, and his attempts to process the emotions. Different family members attempt to help him in their own way, and ultimately what heals him is connection to nature. With his grandmother’s guidance, Amadito finds a soothing comfort in the ways of the natural. This book has been useful in my practice in working with children who have had hurt feelings and need to learn appropriate responses to this childhood experience. This book is set in the southwest, however, Amadito and Spider Woman was a popular item with Play Therapists from all over the United States at our Southern Arizona Association for Play Therapy workshop last fall.
—Jamie Lakin, LCSW, BCD, RPT-S
Tucson Unified School District October 15, 2003
I read through this and think it is an excellent book for use in discussions about feelings and dealing with bullies. I’d say this is best used with 2nd & 3rd grades as a target audience, but 1st and 4th-5th could also find this helpful. I enjoyed the artistic portrayal of Amadito’s environment (simple, sparse, close to SW nature). Unique style! Pena Originals This book could also serve to enable lessons on the desert or weaving, as well. Well written- Language flows nicely for a read aloud.
—Allen Kennard, Librarian