Summer of the Mariposas, by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, follows five Mexican American sisters on an epic journey from Texas to Mexico to reunite with their family and rekindle sisterhood, solidarity, and self-love. Influenced by Mexican folklore and blending magical realism and fantasy, the story draws from Homer’s Odyssey as the sisters face various challenges and mythical beings along the way.

Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall is celebrated for its engaging blend of Latinx folklore and Odyssey-inspired adventure, appealing particularly to young adult readers. Praised for strong sisterhood themes and cultural richness, critiques include a somewhat predictable plot and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it is a heartwarming and culturally vibrant tale.

Readers who enjoy Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall are typically preteens to young adults interested in magical realism and Latinx culture. Fans of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros will appreciate the blend of folklore, adventure, and family dynamics.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Emotional / Heartwarming

- Summer of the Mariposas is a retelling of Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, but with a Chicana twist, following five sisters on a mythical journey through Mexico.
- The novel was awarded the 2013 Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award due to its rich cultural themes and imaginative storyline.
- The story incorporates Mexican folklore and mythology, showcasing characters inspired by legendary figures like La Llorona and chupacabras.

**Odilia Garza**  
The eldest of five sisters, Odilia takes on a maternal role in the family due to their mother's absence. She grapples with anxiety over her responsibilities and initially feels abandoned by her mother.

**La Llorona**  
In _Guadalupe García McCall's_ novel, she is portrayed as a misunderstood woman whose children’s deaths were accidental. She serves as a guide for the Garza sisters, challenging their perceptions of their mother.

**Juanita Garza**  
The second eldest sister who is sullen and rebellious at first, Juanita seeks to reunite her family by embarking on a journey to Mexico. She learns to respect Odilia's leadership during their challenges.

**Delia and Velia Garza**  
The twin sisters known for their beauty, who start off vain and entitled but learn to use their energy positively as the story progresses.

**Pita Garza**  
The youngest sister, who evolves from being coddled to becoming more mature and resilient during the sisters' journey.

**Tonantzin**  
A deity in Aztec religion, she symbolizes maternal love and guides the sisters, including La Llorona, emphasizing cultural lineage and solidarity among women.

Guadalupe Garcia McCall

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Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Summer of the Mariposas and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Summer of the Mariposas Summary and Study Guide

Background

Summer of the Mariposas Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Prologue-Chapter 3

Summer of the Mariposas Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Summer of the Mariposas Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Chapters 7-10

Summer of the Mariposas Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Summer of the Mariposas Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Chapters 16-19

Summer of the Mariposas Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

Summer of the Mariposas Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Summer of the Mariposas Character Analysis

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Themes

Summer of the Mariposas Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Summer of the Mariposas Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

25 Summer of the Mariposas by Guadalupe García McCall Quotes Explained

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Essay Topics

Summer of the Mariposas Essay Topics

Summer of the Mariposas Teaching Unit

How to use

Summer of the Mariposas How to use

Quiz

Summer of the Mariposas Quiz

Pre-Reading Context

Summer of the Mariposas Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

Summer of the Mariposas Thought & Response Prompts

Paired Texts & Other Resources

Summer of the Mariposas Paired Texts & Other Resources

Activities

Summer of the Mariposas Activities

Essay Questions

Summer of the Mariposas Essay Questions

Summer of the Mariposas

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Summer of the Mariposas?

Reading Age

Book Details