What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mirabal Siters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies
Born in a small town in the Dominican Republic, the Mirabal sisters lived at a time when the country was under the merciless rule of a dictatorship. Their deaths on November 25, 1960 (at ages 36, 34, and 25), have received international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2022
About the author
Raynelda A. Calderón
11 books14 followersRaynelda spends her free time thinking (and drafting) about books to write. As a librarian, her work with children inspired her to write about the accomplishments of Hispanic women in history; She hopes her books inspire young readers to follow their passions and never take ‘no’ for an answer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 28, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I have never heard of The Mirabal sisters until I read this book. They were born in the Dominican Republic when the country was under rule of a dictatorship. On November 25, 1960 the sisters lost their life, and their death has gotten international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25. Though this book is for eight to ten year old children, there are issues here that I’m not sure I would want that age reading. I would suggest you read this for yourself before letting a child read it. Maybe you can read it to your children and ask any questions they may have. The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon is a very sad story. I think Calderon does a really nice job writing this story simple enough for children to understand yet she adds what needs to be added to the story to make it accurate. Maria Ocampo does a fantastic job with the beautiful illustrations inside and outside of the book. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I have never heard of The Mirabal sisters until I read this book. They were born in the Dominican Republic when the country was under rule of a dictatorship. On November 25, 1960 the sisters lost their life, and their death has gotten international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25. Though this book is for eight to ten year old children, there are issues here that I’m not sure I would want that age reading. I would suggest you read this for yourself before letting a child read it. Maybe you can read it to your children and ask any questions they may have. The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon is a very sad story. I think Calderon does a really nice job writing this story simple enough for children to understand yet she adds what needs to be added to the story to make it accurate. Maria Ocampo does a fantastic job with the beautiful illustrations inside and outside of the book. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 9, 2022
The Mirabel Sisters is a wonderfully illustrated look into a moment in time in the Dominican Republic during the rule of the dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Because of these sisters, November 25th was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in their honor.
Kudos to these brave ladies, and those that supported them. I am happy to share their story and the courage they showed. The book and illustrations work together to tell their inspirational story.
The sisters were just people, people who loved to read, paint, worked in the family store, and, even though the youngest, Dede, was not killed, she was left to raise the children and tell their story. They are the true definition of heroes, which I feel is bandied around all too easily nowadays.
Recommended age group: Grades 4 – 6, Ages 8 – 12. The MIrabel Sisters would be a great addition to any library.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Mirabel Sisters by Raynelda A Calderon.
See more at fundinmental
Kudos to these brave ladies, and those that supported them. I am happy to share their story and the courage they showed. The book and illustrations work together to tell their inspirational story.
The sisters were just people, people who loved to read, paint, worked in the family store, and, even though the youngest, Dede, was not killed, she was left to raise the children and tell their story. They are the true definition of heroes, which I feel is bandied around all too easily nowadays.
Recommended age group: Grades 4 – 6, Ages 8 – 12. The MIrabel Sisters would be a great addition to any library.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Mirabel Sisters by Raynelda A Calderon.
See more at fundinmental
Read
March 21, 2022The four Mirabal sisters, Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and Maria Teresa, were born and grew up in the Dominican Republic around the time of World War II. For many decades, the country was under the control of a brutal dictator, Rajael Trujillo. He used many means of maintaining power, including suppressing opposing viewpoints, and jailing or killing his opponents. Of the four sisters, three of them were part of the June 14 Movement that Minerva organized, opposing Trujillo's oppressive rule. On November 25th, 1960, Trujillo had the three participating sisters killed. This act backfired on Trujillo, and the dead sisters became a symbol of freedom, Las Mariposas (The Butterflies). He was unseated from power less than a year after their deaths, and the sisters are remembered during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which occurs every year on the day they gave their lives for the freedom of the Dominican Republic.
Freedom always comes at a cost, and the story of the Mirabal sisters illustrates that clearly. This particular story was independently researched by its author, Raynelda Calderon, and includes information about the three sisters who died for their political activism, as well as the surviving sister, Dedé, and her contributions to their family and memory. Trujillo was a terrible, self-absorbed dictator who desired power above all other considerations, and even kept a personal vendetta list for the purpose of revenge or countering opposition. There are illustrations for each page of the book, colorfully and tastefully depicting the lives of the sisters, and the unfolding events.
I think the story of the Maribal sisters is important, not only because of their fight against a dictator, but also because women often suffer excessively under oppressive regimes, particularly when they attempt to secure political change. For younger readers who might read this book, much of the subject matter is an opportunity for dialogue, and it is recommended to read it with an older reader, such as a parent, to facilitate discussion of important topics. The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies is the true story of four sisters who helped change the leadership of the Dominican Republic for the better, and in so doing inspired the world to remember the freedom they stood for. Recommended for middle grade and up readers who are interested in true stories of freedom.
Thank you Foreword Publicity for the complimentary copy of The Mirabal Sisters.
Freedom always comes at a cost, and the story of the Mirabal sisters illustrates that clearly. This particular story was independently researched by its author, Raynelda Calderon, and includes information about the three sisters who died for their political activism, as well as the surviving sister, Dedé, and her contributions to their family and memory. Trujillo was a terrible, self-absorbed dictator who desired power above all other considerations, and even kept a personal vendetta list for the purpose of revenge or countering opposition. There are illustrations for each page of the book, colorfully and tastefully depicting the lives of the sisters, and the unfolding events.
I think the story of the Maribal sisters is important, not only because of their fight against a dictator, but also because women often suffer excessively under oppressive regimes, particularly when they attempt to secure political change. For younger readers who might read this book, much of the subject matter is an opportunity for dialogue, and it is recommended to read it with an older reader, such as a parent, to facilitate discussion of important topics. The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies is the true story of four sisters who helped change the leadership of the Dominican Republic for the better, and in so doing inspired the world to remember the freedom they stood for. Recommended for middle grade and up readers who are interested in true stories of freedom.
Thank you Foreword Publicity for the complimentary copy of The Mirabal Sisters.
March 17, 2022
The Mirabel Sisters is a very easy to read history picture book and one that if I was a child again, would have fascinated me, but also would have made me sad. Their story is about a close-knit family of sisters, their gifts, talents, and love for family and country. Unfortunately, they lived in a time of a dictator who did not care so much about his people, only himself and his power and keeping it.
As the sisters grow up in their county of the Dominican Republic, they all marry and have children. They are mothers and wives living lives like the rest of us. Until Minerva decides to stand up and speaks against the dictator ruler. This leads to a series of events where she and her husband and two of her sisters and their husbands are imprisoned for a time. This leaves sister Dede holding down the fort with their mother in caring for all of the children.
Then one night the unthinkable happens and this family's life are changed forever. This was a sad change but shows how one family's sacrifice can lead to change for a whole country.
The illustrations were lovely and complimented the story being told. I liked the focus on family, the sisters were beautifully close. I enjoyed learning a history lesson I was not aware of before and this has opened my curiosity to look more into this family. This would be a great educational book for kids to learn about heroes from other countries.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
As the sisters grow up in their county of the Dominican Republic, they all marry and have children. They are mothers and wives living lives like the rest of us. Until Minerva decides to stand up and speaks against the dictator ruler. This leads to a series of events where she and her husband and two of her sisters and their husbands are imprisoned for a time. This leaves sister Dede holding down the fort with their mother in caring for all of the children.
Then one night the unthinkable happens and this family's life are changed forever. This was a sad change but shows how one family's sacrifice can lead to change for a whole country.
The illustrations were lovely and complimented the story being told. I liked the focus on family, the sisters were beautifully close. I enjoyed learning a history lesson I was not aware of before and this has opened my curiosity to look more into this family. This would be a great educational book for kids to learn about heroes from other countries.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
March 17, 2022
This book is so knowledgable and inspirational that teaches and inspires through the history of educational elements. I didn’t really understand what a dictatorship really meant even though heard the word before so it was eye opening for me as an adult too. I loved hearing the back story about the 4 sisters and how much family meant to them. I loved hearing about them individually and seeing their different personalities shine through. What the sisters loved to do from riding horses, playing in the river, reading and so much more.
The amount of traditions that are presented to you are just beautiful to read and experience especially with historically what used to be taught at school. It was extremely unique to getting certain words in bold writing but it was great to know that these words linked up to the glossary at the back of the book. I loved that it also had the translations to English along the way also. I wasn’t expecting to see the girls grow up so how the author bought this to life was unexpected and beautiful.
There was so many eye opening moments about what the girls done and went through as adults. I had to idea about the movements the girls created. It was especially emotional and sad to see three of the sisters be brutally murdered and everything they experienced with going to jail. It’s because of these three beautiful butterflies that the Dominican Republic is now free.
The amount of traditions that are presented to you are just beautiful to read and experience especially with historically what used to be taught at school. It was extremely unique to getting certain words in bold writing but it was great to know that these words linked up to the glossary at the back of the book. I loved that it also had the translations to English along the way also. I wasn’t expecting to see the girls grow up so how the author bought this to life was unexpected and beautiful.
There was so many eye opening moments about what the girls done and went through as adults. I had to idea about the movements the girls created. It was especially emotional and sad to see three of the sisters be brutally murdered and everything they experienced with going to jail. It’s because of these three beautiful butterflies that the Dominican Republic is now free.
March 4, 2022
I'm a firm believer in teaching younger generations about history to aid in the prevention of repeating the negative. Topics like murder/execution are not easy to discuss with children, but the story of the Mirabal sisters is important. I have heard bits and pieces of the story through my adult years, but it was nice to sit down and read this book to learn more.
The sisters displayed an incredible amount of bravery and courage. They are admirable and women that should receive more coverage in history classes. I believe that their path for the strength and determination they displayed came from having a loving, happy home, despite the circumstances of the country they lived in.
Lessons drawn from this book can be used in numerous cases of adversity in the world today. These women displayed acts of rebellion without causing destruction themselves. This is where our little ones can draw inspiration!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
The sisters displayed an incredible amount of bravery and courage. They are admirable and women that should receive more coverage in history classes. I believe that their path for the strength and determination they displayed came from having a loving, happy home, despite the circumstances of the country they lived in.
Lessons drawn from this book can be used in numerous cases of adversity in the world today. These women displayed acts of rebellion without causing destruction themselves. This is where our little ones can draw inspiration!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
March 8, 2022
The Mirabel Sisters is a wonderful and also sad children's book that shines a spotlight on four sisters who stood up for freedom and the rights of the people in the Dominican Republic. Three of the sisters paid the ultimate price.
While this is a children's book, it may be a bit difficult for younger readers to really grasp and understand. It also does touch on the topic of death (murder), which may open up discussion with young readers about why bad people do bad things. Older readers, however, may be able to handle the book more easily, but still want to discuss things.
I thought the addition of some Spanish words/phrases with a nice touch. It's a way for kids to learn another new thing, and the provided glossary at the back of the book with translations/meanings of those words and phrases is helpful.
The illustrations really bring this tragic story to life. And while it is tragic, it's also inspiring and shows just how much power the people really can have if they only stand up for what's right and try to make a difference.
The legacy of the Mirabel sisters lives on thanks to the efforts of the sister who survived, and now this book can also be a part of that legacy.
A must-read for people of all ages and cultures.
5 stars!
While this is a children's book, it may be a bit difficult for younger readers to really grasp and understand. It also does touch on the topic of death (murder), which may open up discussion with young readers about why bad people do bad things. Older readers, however, may be able to handle the book more easily, but still want to discuss things.
I thought the addition of some Spanish words/phrases with a nice touch. It's a way for kids to learn another new thing, and the provided glossary at the back of the book with translations/meanings of those words and phrases is helpful.
The illustrations really bring this tragic story to life. And while it is tragic, it's also inspiring and shows just how much power the people really can have if they only stand up for what's right and try to make a difference.
The legacy of the Mirabel sisters lives on thanks to the efforts of the sister who survived, and now this book can also be a part of that legacy.
A must-read for people of all ages and cultures.
5 stars!
March 16, 2022
A beautifully written and illustrated book that sheds light on four sisters and their family living in the Domincan Republic.
This book is easy to read to small children. Older elementary children could read this to their parents/guardians or alone.
A great history book that should be incorporated into classroom lessons.
Thank you @ireadbooktours and author for a gifted copy.
This book is easy to read to small children. Older elementary children could read this to their parents/guardians or alone.
A great history book that should be incorporated into classroom lessons.
Thank you @ireadbooktours and author for a gifted copy.
March 9, 2022
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies is a wonderful children’s book by Raynelda A. Calderón. I admit that I do not know much about Dominican Republic history. Even though this book is geared for younger books, I very much enjoyed learning about the sisters, Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and María Teresa. I found learning about them and their fight for to help free themselves and the people of their country was so inspiring. What they did and how they contributed for this freedom was so admirable.
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Maria Ocampo. The pictures were a perfect addition to the book that made the story about the sisters so much more. They helped hold the attention of my young ones and it was helpful to visualized what the words on the page was saying.
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages six and ten and enjoy learning about people. This would be a great addition for a local or school library. I would love to read more about these sisters in an adult version book and hope author, Raynelda A Calderón, would consider writing one in the future.
I received a soft cover copy of The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Maria Ocampo. The pictures were a perfect addition to the book that made the story about the sisters so much more. They helped hold the attention of my young ones and it was helpful to visualized what the words on the page was saying.
The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages six and ten and enjoy learning about people. This would be a great addition for a local or school library. I would love to read more about these sisters in an adult version book and hope author, Raynelda A Calderón, would consider writing one in the future.
I received a soft cover copy of The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews