To save humanity’s future, one girl must tell the stories of its past.
“The Last Cuentista” takes readers on an interstellar journey with 12-year-old Petra, who dreams of becoming a storyteller like her abuelita. When Halley’s comet is set to destroy Earth, Petra and her family are selected to board a spaceship bound for the planet Sagan, a journey that will take 380 years in stasis sleep. Upon awakening, Petra discovers she’s the only person who remembers Earth—a sinister group called The Collective has taken over the ship, erasing everyone’s memories and “purging” those who resist. Armed only with her grandmother’s Mexican folklore and her love of storytelling, Petra must find a way to preserve humanity’s cultural heritage while navigating a dangerous new reality. This compelling novel received numerous accolades, including recognition as an Américas Award Honor Book.
“The Last Cuentista” offers educators an exceptional resource for exploring SDG 13: Climate Action through its powerful narrative about planetary destruction and humanity’s survival. While the catastrophe in the book is caused by a comet rather than climate change, the themes of environmental crisis, displacement, and adaptation strongly complement climate action discussions. Petra is an exceptional Communicator, using storytelling as a tool for connection.
Teachers can use this book to launch discussions about cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and the power of stories to preserve history. Consider pairing reading with storytelling activities where students share cultural tales from their own backgrounds or create future-focused narratives about sustainable societies, allowing them to connect personally with both the book’s themes and SDG 13’s urgent call to action.
