The Orchid of Quetzali

 

Written by Claudia D. Hernández.

Illustrated by Jazmin Villagrán Miguel.

From the author Claudia D. Hernández:

I am excited to announce that my latest book, The Orchid of Quetzali, is now available. This is the first book in a compelling trilogy that tells the story of Quetzali, a young indigenous girl from Tactic, Guatemala—my hometown—who faces the challenges of displacement, immigration, and assimilation.

In this first installment, we journey with Quetzali, who grows up in Tactic, where Poqomchi’ is spoken. She spends her days helping her family in the market and weaving on her kemb’al, a traditional backstrap loom. One day, a visit to the Biotopo of the Quetzal introduces her to the endangered Quetzal bird and the monja blanca orchid, both symbols of her homeland’s rich heritage. When soldiers arrive, delivering documents that force her family to leave their home, Quetzali embarks on a difficult journey north, carrying with her the monja blanca orchid—a symbol of the beauty, resilience, and hope she holds as she seeks a new beginning.

Praise for The Orchid of Quetzali:

"Memory manifests in many forms, is stored in many ways, and needs to be cherished. But there is a memory we seldom talk about, our memory with nature, the one held by plants, birds, and the land. This book is about that connection with life, a memory and poetry of journeys. A brief story of Latin America, of migration and resistance, told from a mountainous Guatemala by a girl and her orchid." -Julio Serrano Echeverría, Author of Balam, Lluvia y la casa / Balam and Lluvia's House

"Such a radiant and beautiful story of courage. It opens with an evocative setting and then the sudden struggle, but the family stays positive reflecting the resilience of nature-a great message for how we need to default to nature instead of war." -Kerry Madden-Lunsford , Author of Ernestine's Milky Way 

I can’t wait to share Quetzali’s journey with you. Your support in ordering the book means the world to me, and I hope this story touches your heart as much as it has mine.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.   

Warm regards,

Claudia D. Hernández