Maria Loves Mud

Maria is a small girl who loves to play in mud, drawing in it, squishing it between her toes, having many questions, and imagining and finding all manner of uses for it. She loves science in school and wants to learn more. Her grandmother disapproves, telling her that girls don't get dirty, don't like science, shouldn't ask so many questions, and don't need high school. As the matriarch, usually what grandma says is law, but Maria's mom quietly supports her passion. When Maria wants to go to high school and her mother says there is not enough money, Maria seeks help from her teacher. The story is bilingual, written in English and Spanish, to help young readers develop skills in a second language. The illustrations by Estefani Venegas Cadena, a 15-year-old Mexican girl, captures the story in a charming and refreshing way, allowing the reader to make sense of the second language through the pictures.