Students will emerge with a deeper understanding of the key concepts and themes that define modern Central American history, a more nuanced view of U.S. foreign policy in that history, and an appreciation of its impact on Latinx migration in recent years.

(1907–1992) Luisa Moreno was a labor organzer born in Guatemala City. She attended primary school in the United States and returned to Guatemala as a teenager before moving to Mexico City.

(1920–1977) Adrían Ramírez Flores was born in Guatemala City in 1920. He was a teacher and writer whose work was dedicated to the perception and expression of children.

(1964– ) Nora Murillo is a poet, social worker, and professor.

(1959– ) Rigoberta Menchú was born in Chimel, Guatemala to a K’iche’ Mayan peasant family.

(1902–1980) Marilena Lopez was born in Guatemala City. She was an actress, essayist, playwright, and puppeteer.

(1909–1966) Oscar de Leon Palacios was a teacher, editor, and writer. 

(1934–1967) Otto René Castillo was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

(1952–2019) Humberto Ak’abal was born in Momostenango, Guatemala. 

Abigail K. Dillingham, M.Ed., an art teacher in Alexandria City Public Schools, has developed a weaving lesson to accompany the book Rainbow Weaver.

This series of lessons invites students to investigate the role of the United States in Guatemala and El Salvador in the 20th century.

Poem by Adrián Ramírez Flores. PDF copy available.

Poem by Marilena López. PDF copy available.

Poem by Oscar de León Palacios. PDF copy available.

This teaching activity is from the article and lesson, Crossing Borders Through Art by Lynda Tredway.

My name is Rigoberta Menchú. I was born in the region of Quiché and I learned to speak Spanish thirteen years ago. I don't have a father or a mother, and I'm going to explain why.

In this instructional unit, students draw on the When We Were Young website and literature (fiction and nonfiction) to understand the civil wars in El Salvador and Guatemala and the ongoing effects of these conflicts on Central America and the United States.

Poem by Otto Rene Castillo. PDF copy available.

Poem by Alvaro Rogelio Gómez Estrada. PDF download available.

A song about Luisa Moreno.