Written By: Monica Brown

Illustrated by: Elisa Chavarri

For Ages: 4-8 years

Language: Bilingual: Spanish & English

Topics Covered: Biography, Indigenous Voices, Peruvian Culture & Identity, Archaeology, Own Voices.

Summary: This gorgeous bilingual picture book is all about the life and accomplishments of Julio “Sharuko” Tello, the first Indigenous Peruvian archaeologist! Julio was born in 1880 outside of Lima, and his family spoke Quechua, the language that was spoken by the Incan Empire and remains the language of many Native Peruvians today. His nickname was Sharuko because it meant ‘brave’ in Quechua!

Sharuko went to live with his aunt in Lima to get a better education, and held lots of odd jobs to pay his tuition (even as a teenager), eventually going to medical school. In the library one day Sharuko found an article talking about some skulls he and his brother had found as children, and decided to devote his medical knowledge to studying Indigenous history in Peru. Julio went on to make groundbreaking discoveries until his death in 1947, and is remembered and beloved today as the first (and arguably greatest) Indigenous Peruvian archeologist.

This book is beautifully illustrated, and I learned so much! I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology and had never heard of Julio before. I am so glad that a book was written about him, and the way the story centers around Sharuko’s reverence and pride for Indigenous culture. There is additional information in the back, and a photo of him (which I always appreciate in a biography.)

This book was kindly sent by Lee & Low Books, but all opinions are my own.