Secret of the Andes

Clark, A.N. (1952). Secret of the andes. New York, NY: The Viking Press.

Cusi a Native American boy knows no one but his guardian Chuto.  The two main characters of this story work together as they herd and breed llamas in the Andes Mountains.  Cusi has never visited the cities below off of the mountains.  Chuto on the other hand takes the llama wool to the market where he then takes the time to visit the cities.  In time, Cusi is asked to join Chuto.  The trip to the cities has a powerful impact on Cusi as he longs to be part of a group or family.  During the trip, he begins to think about his own family and how he came to be.  He eventually learns the truth about his family and how a land slide destroyed his people.

            Clark uses history of the Incan people as well as imagery and many details to help bring the characters to life.  Minor characters in this story make large contributions to the actions of the major characters.    

-Newbery Medal winner, 1953