The Corn Grows Ripe, by Dorothy Rhoads

This book gives a brief introduction to the life of a twelve-year-old boy in a rural village somewhere in Central or South America (the specific location is never specified). Tigre and all of his neighbors are descended from the ancient Mayans, but much of that culture has been lost. They do follow many agricultural and religious traditions (of both Christian and Mayan origin). Much of their agricultural year is focused on corn- preparing a new field every year, awaiting the rains, planting the crops, and harvest.

At the beginning of the book, Tigre is somewhat lazy and babied by his parents. But when his father's leg is broken while clearing the field for the year's corn crop, Tigre has to grow up quickly. Feeling the weight of responsibility of feeding his growing family (parents, grandmother, young sister and newborn baby brother) he learns to push himself to finish tasks he would have abandoned in the past and complete the work his father would otherwise be doing.

This is a quick and reasonably pleasant read. However, I found myself curious about the aspects of the unusual religious blend in the village that weren't explained (for example, if the rain gods were offended and refusing to water the earth, why offer prayers in the Christian church?). But this likely falls outside the scope of such a short book written for a much younger audience.