The River is My Ocean

Genres

Fiction > Contemporary, Folklore

Content

Central Theme

Learning Concept

Race / Culture

SEL > Mindfulness

Author: Rio Cortez

Illustrator: Ashleigh Corrin

Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Awards: New York Public Library Best Books for Kids

*Bilingual English/Spanish text

Book Context

In this story, abeula speaks of Yemaya, a goddess of the ocean. Tales of mermaids have long been passed down across cultures and religions, one of them being from the Afro-Caribbean religion, Santería. She is worshipped as a force of nature who protects her people and nourishes all sources of water. Her lore passed from Yoruba followers in Africa to the Caribbean, as slaves were sent over. Many of these stories were attempted to be erased, just as all other aspects of African slaves’ language, customs, and religions were, in favor of mainstream, Western-centric forced ideals. However, the legend of Yemaya prevails and serves as a fierce reminder to the powerful force of traditions, rooted in nature.

The author gives more context to Yemaya at the end of this book!

Summary

For a little girl and her Abuela, their weekly walks along the Hudson River are filled with stories and treasured moments, taking them to a time when thousands sailed across these waters to start new lives. For Abuela, the ocean is a constant reminder of home, while her granddaughter shares the deep connection to water in a different form: the river that encompasses her home. There, they honor Yemaya, the mother of the ocean, breathe in the beauty around them, and savor every precious moment spent together.