An unforgettable journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human. The incredible Newbery Medal-winning novel from Donna Barba Higuera.

"Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes - truly a beautiful cuento."
- NEW YORK TIMES

Habia una vez . . .

There lived a girl named Petra Pena, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.

But Petra's world is ending. Earth will soon be destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children - among them Petra and her family - have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.

Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet - and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard - or purged them altogether.

Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?

A multi-award winning and bestselling novel, blending science fiction and Mexican folklore to explore acceptance, resistance and the power of storytelling.

About the Author

Donna Barba Higuera grew up in Central California and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her entire life blending folklore with her experiences into stories that fill her imagination. Now she weaves them to write picture books and novels. Donna's first book, Lupe Wong Won't Dance, won a Sid Fleischman Award for Humor and a Pura Belpre Honor.

Her second novel, The Last Cuentista, received the John Newbery Medal and the Pura Belpre Award. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal and TIME.

Reviews
Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes - truly a beautiful cuento * New York Times *
Clever and compelling . . . wonderfully subversive * The Wall Street Journal *
This tale packs a wallop. Exquisite * Kirkus Reviews *
The Last Storyteller is about the stories that create the universe, the tales that weave us together across light-years and generations, and courage that sings in the darkness. It's an incredibly memorable story with a masterful twist. I absolutely loved it! * Sinead O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North *
The Last Storyteller took risks as an MG sci-fi novel and I'm very grateful it did. Some believe you must water certain themes down for younger readers because they're unable to handle it, but, in this case, I don't agree. At the heart of it, the book is about the power of storytelling, human connection and family. What a spectacular book! * Rachel Faturoti, author of Sade and Her Shadow Beasts *
An extraordinary, outstanding blend of science fiction, Mexican folklore and dystopian fantasy. In turns beautiful and chilling, always enthralling, and ultimately hopeful with a vital and timely message of the power of memories and stories to connect us all. It pushes the boundaries of what Middle Grade can be. Totally unmissable and unforgettable. * Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs *
Space exploration, cryogenics, evolution, ethics, botany, folklore and family ties, all wrapped up in a stunning adventure that tugs at the heartstrings. Don't miss this! * Nicola Penfold, author of Where the World Turns Wild *
A sweeping and epic vista of a novel that blends history, science, traditional Mexican tales and philosophy, this middle-grade novel is a tour de force for 9-12 year olds. The thought-provoking premise will fire children's imaginations and is a perfect starting point for book club discussions. And for English teachers, if you need a good example of a novel first-person narrated in the present tense, this is a compelling choice. * The School Reading List *
I particularly enjoyed the way in which the gift of storytelling and the ancient Mexican myths were interwoven throughout this futuristic story. -- Ann Cowling * Just Imagine *
Higera skillfully combines science fiction, folklore, and mythology to create a pacy middle grade novel which advanced readers from Year 5 upwards will love. A must buy for all upper key stage 2 or key stage 3 libraries. * Jane Broadis, The School Librarian *



Book Information
ISBN 9781800784208
Author Donna Barba Higuera
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Piccadilly Press
Publisher Bonnier Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 247g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm