Juan has been a thief for many, many years. So many, in fact, that he can't even remember what it's like to be anything else.

When he tries to steal Dona Josefa's gold, something strange begins to happen to Juan. His skin becomes tan instead of pale, his body straight instead of bent, and his mouth smiles instead of scowls. Juan also begins to remember things. He remembers eating good, home-cooked food, being among friends, and laughing.

When the opportunity arrives for him to take Dona Josefa's gold, another strange thing happens. Juan realizes he can't. Maybe he isn't a thief anymore.

Set against a Central American background, this is a story of love and faith in the human spirit.

[This book description comes from a different edition of this title. Please report any inaccuracies].

 

 

This book has been graded for interest at 5-8 years.

This book was published in 1994 by Perfection Learning .

ALMA FLOR ADA is retired Professor of Education at the University of San Francisco. She is a well-known author of children's and professional books for teachers and with Isabel Campoy is the co-owner of Del Sol Books, a publishing company that specializes in Spanish language translations and materials for children. Neil Waldman 's art has appeared in many books, including Masada, which he wrote. He lives in White Plains, New York.