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Jackie Herman-O’Neal is also the author of two non-fiction books Woman Priest referred to as” a classic edition in the genre of autobiographical theological literature,” and Born in the Land of the Tango, a memoir. Her career as an educator spans twenty years and includes a nomination for Excellence in Teaching from Atlantic Cape Community College where she taught writing for several years. As a literacy advocate and staff developer she worked as part of The Literacy Enhancement Project at York College of the City of New York serving seven schools in the Bronx. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction and Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. and has been an active participant in writing conferences such as The Squaw Valley Community of Writers. Moctezuma’s Zoo: A Tale from an Enchanted City is her first children’s book. Currently, she works in digital media as a story editor for GroundReport.com. Apart from writing and editing, she is an avid runner and participant in 5K road races. She is coached by her husband, Mason O’Neal who is a track and field world record holder and trainer. Mason and Jackie have four sons and three grandchildren.
Reviewed by Kim Heimbuch for Readers' Favorite
Moctezuma's Zoo, by author Jackie Herman-O'Neal,is an educationally sound, written lesson plan entailing a vibrantly illustrated story about Emperor Moctezuma and his young daughter Ixtla, who lived on a beautiful island. Moctezuma very much liked to serenade the wildlife and they in return rather enjoyed it. Ixtla genuinely wants to welcome all of the animals of Tenochtitlan to come live in the palace. However, thinking there simply is not enough room, the Emperor locks Ixtla away for safekeeping until such thoughts no longer crossed her mind. Soon after, one of the birds flies to her window, insisting she come with them to gather all of the animals and return with them to the palace. The Empower quickly finds out that he is not always right and sometimes it is wise to listen to others.
Colorful birds in a new and exotic place, an exciting journey, and a very rewarding decision is precisely what you get when Jackie Herman- O’Neal’s imagination is allowed to run free. Moctezuma’s Zoo takes a historical person and place and wraps it all snugly, with a thoroughly enjoyable story guaranteed to both educate and entertain. With the inclusion of a glossary and teacher’s guide, this book can be enjoyed both at home and in the classroom. The teacher’s guide provides educators with the resources needed to implement a complete lesson plan with minimal preparation time needed, which is a very valuable resource for busy instructors. The education system could use more thought provoking and enjoyable class content such as this and I hope that Jackie continues writing more stories to capture the future minds of this world!
