[1] Cusi, a modern Inca boy, leaves his home high in the Andes mountains to learn the mysterious secret of his ancient ancestors.

Accompanied by his pet llama, Misti, he slowly discovers the truth about his birth and his people's ancient glory.

[3] Themes of Secret of the Andes include racial identity, preservation of historical cultures, adoption, animal guides, royal lineage, and the Spanish conquest and betrayal of the Incan Empire.

White's Charlotte's Web was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal the year Secret of the Andes won the award.

[4] According to a 2008 article by children's literature expert Anita Silvey in the School Library Journal, one member of the Newbery committee stated that she voted for Secret of the Andes rather than Charlotte's Web "because she hadn't seen any good books about South America."