Secret of the Andes (novel)
First edition | |
| Author | Ann Nolan Clark |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Jean Charlot |
| Cover artist | Jean Charlot |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel, Historical fiction |
| Publisher | Viking Press |
Publication date | 1952 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 120 |
| ISBN | 0140309268 |
Secret of the Andes is a children's novel written by Ann Nolan Clark and illustrated by Jean Charlot. It won the 1953 Newbery Medal.[1]
Plot summary
Cusi, a modern Inca boy, leaves his home high in the Andes Mountains to learn the mysterious secret of his ancient ancestors. Accompanied by his pet llama, Misti, he slowly discovers the truth about his birth and his people's ancient glory. Now he must prove himself worthy to be entrusted with the fabulous secret from the past.[2][3]
Historical accuracy
Secret of the Andes is historical fiction.[3] Some events were inspired by history: Ataulpa was held for ransom by the Spanish conquistadors.[4] However, llamas were not a part of the ransom, and the gold was primarily ingots, not gold dust.[5][6]
Themes
Themes of Secret of the Andes include racial identity, preservation of historical cultures, adoption, animal guides, royal lineage, and the Spanish conquest and betrayal of the Incan Empire.[3]
Critical reception
The book is now remembered for beating out E. B. White's Charlotte's Web, which was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal in 1953. One member of the Newbery committee stated that she voted for Secret of the Andes rather than Charlotte's Web "because she hadn't seen any good books about South America."[7] Children's literature expert Anita Silvey said in the School Library Journal: "The Secret of the Andes is a good book; Charlotte's Web, the best."[7]
References
- ^ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
- ^ Clark, Ann (1976). Secret of the Andes. Puffin. pp. Opening Text. ISBN 0140309268.
- ^ a b c Gillespie, John T.; Naden, Corinne J., eds. (2006). The Newbery/Printz Companion: Book Talk and Related Materials (3rd ed.). Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 1-59158-313-6.
- ^ Ravines, Rogger H. (1987). El cuarto del rescate de Atahualpa, 1532–1986. Lima: Instituto Nacional de Cultura. OCLC 21464899.
- ^ Innes, Hammond (1969). The Conquistadors. HarperCollins. ISBN 0002111454.
- ^ Cieza de León, Pedro de (1998). The Discovery and Conquest of Peru. Duke University Press.
- ^ a b Silvey, Anita (May 21, 2010). "Has the Newbery Lost Its Way?". SLJ.com. Retrieved December 11, 2025.