The Dark Star of Itza facts for kids
The Dark Star of Itza: The Story of a Pagan Princess is an exciting children's historical novel. It was written by Alida Malkus. The book tells the story of a princess living in the ancient Mayan cities of Yucatán. Lowell Houser created the illustrations for the novel. It was first published in 1930 and received a special award. It was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1931.
Contents
What is The Dark Star of Itza About?
This novel takes young readers back in time. It explores the daily life of a princess in the ancient Mayan world. The story focuses on the rich culture and traditions of the Maya people. It shows how they lived long ago.
Exploring Ancient Mayan Culture
The book helps you learn about the Mayan civilization. You will discover their unique way of life. This includes their beliefs, customs, and how their cities were built. The story brings history to life through the eyes of a young princess.
Who Was Alida Malkus?
Alida Malkus was an American author. She wrote many books for children. Malkus was known for her historical novels. She often explored ancient cultures in her stories. She wanted to make history interesting for young readers.
Malkus's Writing Style
Alida Malkus used vivid descriptions in her books. She made her characters feel real. Her goal was to transport readers to different times and places. This helped children imagine what life was like in the past.
Why is This Book Important?
The Dark Star of Itza is important for several reasons. It teaches about a fascinating ancient civilization. It also received a special award, the Newbery Honor. This award recognizes excellent children's literature.
The Newbery Honor Award
The Newbery Medal is a very famous award. It is given to the best children's book each year. A Newbery Honor means a book was a runner-up. It shows the book is of very high quality. This award helps readers find great stories.
Learning from Historical Novels
Historical novels like this one are fun to read. They also help you learn about history. You can understand different cultures and times. These books make learning about the past exciting. They show you how people lived long ago.
