Poetry

Artwork by Cathie Bleck

Image from us.macmillan.com

Hurricane Dancers: 

The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck

by Margarita Engle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Engle, Margarita. 2011. HURRICANE DANCERS: THE FIRST CARIBBEAN PIRATE SHIPWRECK. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805092400

PLOT SUMMARY

This fictional story of Quebrado, or “the broken one” is set among real-life historical figures.  As a young slave-boy who speaks both Spanish from his father and the language of his mother’s people, the Taíno indians, Quebrado becomes the translator for his captor, Bernardino de Talavera. As a previous land-owner, Talavera literally worked his slaves to death, but to avoid debtor’s prison, he steals a ship and becomes the first Caribbean pirate. During an expedition to South America, he also kidnaps Alonso de Ojeda, a brutal but wounded governor of Venezuela who believes Talavera will take him to safety.

When a hurricane sinks Talavera’s ship, the three characters wash up on the island of present-day Cuba. Quebrado finds his freedom and some new friends in the young lovers Naridó and Caucubú. Naridó, a simple fisherman, and Caucubú, the daughter of a Ciboney chieftain, are forbidden to marry, so they run away and hide in the island’s caves. When Talavera and Ojeda arrive in the village of the naturales, or natives, Quebrado warns the tribe of the men’s cruel past. The tribal leaders decide to put the fate of the Spaniards in the hands of Quebrado.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In Hurricane Dancers, Engle beautifully develops the story of Quebrado and the people he encounters on his path to freedom through a series of free-verse poems. Each poem is narrated by one of the five main characters and gives readers their detailed perspective of the unfolding story. The novel is filled with vivid language including metaphors and powerful imagery. Its steady pace keeps the reader engaged and on an emotional roller-coaster with every character’s account of their interactions with one another. The final poem, “Yacuyo” concludes the story of Quebrado as a slave, and begins his life as a free, whole person named Yacuyo, “Far Light.” Overall, it is a very readable novel, and a great piece of historical fiction.

The book begins with a list or cast of characters with a brief introduction of each, so the reader can begin the book with a bit of background information. The back of the book also includes historical notes on the real-life characters and events, the culture and language, and on the literature. The book concludes with bibliographical references to encourage further research. Hurricane Dancers is recommended for readers age 12 and up.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“Engle distills the emotion in each episode with potent rhythms, sounds, and original, unforgettable imagery.” Booklist, Starred Review (Jan. 2011)  

“Taken individually the stories are slight, but they work together elegantly; the notes and back matter make this a great choice for classroom use.” Kirkus (Jan. 2011)

“Newbery Honor—winner Engle (The Surrender Tree) continues to find narrative treasure in Cuban history.” Publishers Weekly (Jan. 2011)

“Unique and inventive, this is highly readable historical fiction that provides plenty of fodder for discussion.” School Library Journal (Mar. 2011)

“The figurative language is captivating as multiple voices spin a tale of the first Caribbean pirate shipwreck, slavery, banishment, betrayal, and love.”  Library Media Connection (May/June 2011).

♦ 2012 Pura Belpré Author Honor

♦ ALSC 2012 Notable Children's Book for older readers

♦ ALA Best Books for Young Adults nominee

♦ Poetry for Children Blog's Top 20 Most Distinctive Books of Poetry 2011

♦ 2012 White Ravens List

CONNECTIONS

Since each poem is written from the point of view of the characters, this book can easily be performed informally with students taking on the different characters of the novel.

Student can research one of the historical figures featured in the novel, or research the Cuban indigenous natives, or the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean islands.

Compare this version of the love story of Caucubú and Naridó to other versions, or to other love stories such as Romeo and Juliet.

Other historical fiction books about this time period:

-- Morning Girl by Michael Dorris

-- Encounter by Jane Yolen

Other novels in verse for young readers:

-- Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

-- Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

-- Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

Other books in verse by Margarita Engle:

-- The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

-- The Surrender Tree

-- Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba

-- The Firefly Letters; A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba

View a series of interviews of Margarita Engle with Colorín Colorado, a free web-based service that provides information, activities and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners (ELLs).

Visit Margarita Engle’s website.