Juana, la Avanzadora (Spanish Edition)

Book Synopsis: Want to learn about Latin American women's history? Are you an intermediate Spanish student? Read this! Juana, la Avanzadora tells the story of an extraordinary woman who fought for the freedom of her country at a time when women were relegated to the sidelines. The history of women during the Venezuelan War of Independence is marked by their absence. They are better known as cooks, nurses, or companions in the revolutionary struggles of their husbands and male relatives. We know little about the women who fought on the battlefield against the Spanish Empire. Juana Ramírez is an exception.

Born into slavery in 1790, Juana Ramírez dreamed of an equal society for brown, indigenous, and black people. Juana hoped to join the fight for independence from the Spanish Empire, but women were relegated to accompanying fathers, husbands, sons, or brothers who went to war. At the age of 15, she joined the fight as a simple laundress and then as a makeshift nurse. But when all seemed lost at the Battle of Alto de los Godos on 25 May 1813 and the men had fallen, her actions at the head of a 100-strong all-female artillery unit won them the war. Did Juana live to see her dream of freedom come true?

Juana, la Avanzadora is part of REVOLUCIONARIAS, a collection of historical fiction about inspiring Latin American women from colonization to the present day, created by Margarita Pérez García and Adriana Ramírez. Other books in the collection are: María Cano, la Flor de trabajo by Adriana Ramírez (2021) Guaitipán, la líder guerrera by Adriana Ramírez (2023) Re-reading Latin American history from the perspective of women engages you with issues of power, inequality, and social justice.

Read to learn Spanish and read to rewrite History! Learn Spanish by reading with Juana, la Avanzadora.

What does this book give you?

• Helps you expand your vocabulary in Spanish in a rich historical context.
• Improve your Spanish skills while understanding Latin American history and culture.
• Uncover the overlooked history of Latin American women's roles in Venezuelan independence.
• 36 full-page illustrations that enhance comprehension and enable vivid mental imagery while reading.
• Access a longer story tailored for intermediate to high-level Spanish learners, using just 328-word families and 112 familiar words, making it a great learning tool while enjoying a compelling narrative.
• Never miss the meaning of a word with the complete bilingual word list provided at the end of the book, ensuring you grasp every aspect of the story.
• Reflect on significant questions about modern-day slavery and the representation of women in public spaces.
• Deepen your understanding of Venezuela's history.