La Llorona: The Legendary Weeping Woman of Mexico

by Megan Cooley Peterson

Overview

The ghost of a weeping woman dressed in white, La Llorona, is often spotted beside bodies of water. People in Mexico and in the southwestern United States have claimed to hear her wailing in the night, crying out for her drowned children. This centuries-old legend says that if the wailing woman gets too close, she will drag you to a watery grave.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781543574791
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/08/2019
Series:	Real-Life Ghost Stories
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	770L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 14 Years

About the Author

Megan Cooley Peterson is a children's book author and editor. Her book How To Build Hair-Raising Haunted Houses (Capstone Press, 2011) was selected as a Book of Note by the TriState Young Adult Review Committee. When not writing, Megan enjoys movies, books, and all things Halloween. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and daughter.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Beware The Weeping Woman 4

Chapter 1 The Legend Of La Llorona 6

Chapter 2 Encounters With La Llorona 12

Chapter 3 Ladies In White Around The World 20

Chapter 4 Was La Llorona A Real Person? 26

Glossary 30

Read More 31

Internet Sites 31

Index 32

Interviews

Appeals to fans of Stranger Things, Disney's Descendants, Pirates of the Caribbean, Goosebumps, and other paranormal and horror media; Appeals to those who may be interested in horror but may be too young for the "teen" versions; Carefully leveled text appeals to at-level reluctant readers as well as struggling readers at higher grades

Editorial Reviews

The efficient text is accompanied by “Skeptic’s Notes” and “Fact” boxes that add detail, suggesting that La Llorona may simply be legend. Open-ended questions encourage young readers to pause and consider the evidence. Photographs of ghostly women are paired with historical art, all of which combine to elevate the haunting atmosphere. . . .An excellent choice for readers who are or aren’t familiar with La Llorona, allowing them to decide for themselves whether or not she’s real.

Booklist

In four engaging chapters (and after a creepy introduction) Peterson presents the story of the legendary La Llorona. The text touches on background, reported encounters, speculation about the weeping woman’s existence, and “Ladies in White Around the World.” “Fact” and “Skeptic’s Note” sidebars along with haunting illustrations enhance the atmosphere.

Horn Book

11/01/2019

Gr 3–8—Titles highlight ghostly encounters; two describe hauntings that befell actual families. Clear, punchy, occasionally gory prose engages, yet the overall tone is non-sensational. Eye-catching covers and weird visuals enhance the spooky appeal. "Skeptic's Note" sidebars offer possible explanations or alternate viewpoints. Other sidebars, some labeled "Fact," some elaborately framed, include definitions, probing questions, or additional information. Readers learn some ghost stories may be related to or are versions of historical legends and correspond to stories known internationally, emphasizing the tales' universality. Caution: Bloody Mary and La Llorona may be too dark/intense for the very young or very sensitive; they're recommended for older students. VERDICT Engrossing for ghost story and "history mysteries" fans in public and school libraries. In journalism or creative writing units, students can write news stories about or interviews with haunted individuals.

School Library Journal