44 pages • 1 hour read
Secret of the Andes
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Secret of the Andes, written by Ann Nolan Clark, is a children’s historical novel first published in 1952. Clark was an American educator and author who spent much of her career working in Indigenous communities in North and South America, which influenced her portrayal of Andean culture in this book. The novel, which won the Newbery Medal in 1953, follows the story of a young boy named Cusi, who lives in a secluded valley in the Andes and embarks on a journey to uncover his identity and his connection to his heritage.
This guide uses the 1969 Viking Press print edition.
Content Warning: The book uses the term “Indian” to describe Indigenous South Americans, a term that is considered outdated and may not reflect modern usage.
Plot Summary
Secret of the Andes begins by introducing the reader to Cusi, a young boy living in a remote, hidden valley high in the Andes mountains with an elderly man named Chuto, who serves as both his guardian and teacher. The story opens with Cusi discovering a family of people living in a distant valley below. Cusi’s interactions have been limited to Chuto and their herd of Unlock all 44 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
