Reading Picks for 9 to 90 From World Languages Faculty

Posted July 16, 2024January 26, 2025 in Faculty, Teaching Spanish

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Summer is for stories that stick with you, whether you’re diving into the classics, exploring graphic novels, or uncovering deeply personal memoirs. Faculty from Rutgers-Camden’s World Languages and Cultures Department, who also teach in the Teaching Spanish MAT program, have created a summer reading list perfect for anyone—de 9 a 90 años. Their picks span genres and generations, offering tales that inspire, challenge, and entertain.

Carla Giaudrone: Timeless Latin American Tales

If you’re drawn to unforgettable characters and rich storytelling, Dr. Carla Giaudrone, Associate Professor of Spanish and Director of the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, has two perfect recommendations:

“Cuentos de Amor, de Locura y de Muerte” by Horacio Quiroga
These short stories pack drama and emotion into every page—ideal for readers who crave quick, impactful reads.
“Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo
A haunting journey into the mysterious town of Comala, this magical realism classic invites readers to lose themselves in its layers of meaning.

Próspero N. García: Modern Stories With Depth

For those who appreciate a modern edge, Dr. Próspero N. García, Associate Professor of Spanish Applied Linguistics and Graduate Program Director for the Teaching Spanish MAT program, offers these thought-provoking selections:

“Mister Miracle” by Tom King and Jack Kirby
This graphic novel explores complex themes like depression and resilience through dazzling visuals and storytelling.
“Project Hail Mary” (Proyecto Hail Mary) by Andy Weir
A sci-fi epic filled with humor, suspense, and heart—perfect for fans of The Martian.

Silvia Perez-Cortes: Diverse and Compelling Selections

Dr. Silvia Perez-Cortes, Associate Professor in the Teaching Spanish MAT program, presents two contrasting but equally engaging picks:

“The Walking Dead” (Vol. 1)
A gripping post-apocalyptic graphic novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
“My Broken Language” by Quiara Alegría Hudes
A Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir that beautifully explores identity, family, and the complexities of growing up in Philadelphia.

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Teaching Spanish MAT: Preparing Educators for Tomorrow’s Spanish Classrooms

The Rutgers–Camden Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Spanish program equips students for careers in K–12 education and community colleges, offering practical training for teaching Spanish in bilingual settings. The program accommodates both fluent Spanish speakers from diverse backgrounds and Anglophone students seeking to enhance their Spanish fluency. Graduates gain advanced language skills, intensive pedagogical training, and cultural sensitivity, preparing them to meet the needs of their academic and cultural communities. This comprehensive approach, combined with immersive Spanish-language instruction, distinguishes the program from others in the region, preparing graduates to excel as Spanish-language educators in diverse educational environments.