Description
Juanita is a bilingual children’s book written in English and Spanish. It is designed to sensitize young readers to Trinidadian culture, Trinidad and Tobago’s ethno-religious diversity, and the contemporary migrant experience while simultaneously improving foreign language skills. Juanita follows the adventures of child-protagonist Juana, a recent Venezuelan migrant to Trinidad, and her diverse troupe of friends (including her cat Malú!) as they explore her new country and its culture while navigating the challenges of making a home in a new place.
Juanita is targeted at readers aged 7-11 and consists of sixteen chapters that contain vocabulary lists, reading comprehension questions, and a written reflection exercise. These activities enhance reader interaction with the text and gradually increase foreign language proficiency. As such, both native English and Spanish speakers can use Juanita to improve their second languages since the content and exercises are available in bilingual format.
The goal is for this book to be used both recreationally and in a pedagogical setting which would be a pioneering move for bilingual fiction in Trinidad and Tobago. The authors hope that you can see their vision, and most of all, that you love Juanita as much as they do.
- Format: Paperback (135 pages)
- Reading age: 7-11 years
- Publication date: March 26, 2024











Lisa Henry –
Juanita is a powerful and heartwarming read-aloud that my children and I thoroughly enjoyed. It beautifully weaves everyday Trinidadian experiences through the lens of a young Venezuelan migrant, making it incredibly relatable and eye-opening. As we read, I could see how it gently positions young readers to build empathy and understanding toward migrant families who now call Trinidad home.
Each chapter is short and engaging, perfect for bite-sized reading sessions without pressure to finish the book in one go. What stood out most is that each chapter also works well as a standalone comprehension activity, complete with questions that promote listening and critical thinking. This makes it a valuable tool for parents, teachers, or anyone doing guided reading with kids.
The Spanish translations are thoughtfully integrated. They offer Trini parents like me the empowering option to explore another language with our kids, whether reading full passages or just trying out the bite-sized vocabulary provided at the bottom of each page.
Juanita is a resource, a bridge of understanding, and a joyful learning experience. A must have for any family or school bookshelf.