MIMI CHAPRA was born in Havana, Cuba. When she moved to the United States and learned English, she was fascinated by the new sounds of the words. Mimi is now a full-time writer, and this is her first book for beginning readers. She also enjoys hiking in the woods near her home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband.



CHRISTY HALE has illustrated several children’s books, including the award-winning ELIZABETI’S DOLL, and its sequel, MAMA ELIZABETI, both published by LEE & LOW BOOKS. While in high school, Christy spent a summer in Mexico, where she first encountered a piñata. Christy lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and their daughter.

Download the La fiesta de la piñata Guided Reading Lesson Plan by clicking here

Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.

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