AUTHOR: Kathleen Krull
ILLUSTRATER: Yuyi Morales
PUBLICATION DATE: 2003
PUBLISHER: Harcourt Books
SUMMARY: This book is about the life of Cesar Chavez. It begins with Cesar's childhood in Arizona and ends with Cesar's march to the state capital, Sacramento. The book sheds a postive light on Cesar's struggle to better the working conditions of farm workers. Cesar begins his struggle by holding a small meeting in which a couple female farm workers attend. During his struggle Cesar promotes non-violence to gain attention. He eventually gains a wealth of supporters during his march to the capitol and signs the first treaty for farm workers.
RECOMMENDATION FOR PARENTS: This book is great because it is one of the few children's books that speaks of real positive Latino role models. It demonstrates the persistence of Cesar and of the Latino community. Along with students enjoying seeing themselves shed in a positive way the students will also enjoy the vibrant illustrations. I recommend parents use this book as a way to begin a discussion of alternative ways of resolving conflicts. This book is also available in Spanish.
RECOMMENDATION FOR TEACHERS: Harvesting Hope can be used to kick off Hispanic heritage week beginning September 10 through the 16. Cesar Chavez is one of the great leaders in Hispanic culture. The book can be used to open discussion on other great Hispanic leaders who have helped pave the way for Hispanics. I would recommend this book for for all grades.
PERSONAL NOTE: I really enjoyed this book as it portrayed persistence and hope of a Latin American hero. Cesar Chavez is a good role model for English language learners.
AUTHOR: María García
ILLUSTRATER: Malaquias Montoya
PUBLICATION DATE: 1978
PUBLISHER: Children's Book Press
SUMMARY: This book is about Connie and Diego, twins, who are born looking unlike any of their brothers and sisters. As they are ridiculed, Connie and Diego decide to embark on a journey of self discovery. They encounter different animals and find out that they do not belong in each of the animals' world. They end up heading back home where they learn to accept themselves and in turn lead others to accept them for who they are.
RECOMMENDATION FOR PARENTS: I recommend this book for parents as the illustrations convey the feelings of Diego and Connie. The book can be used to discuss how we should treat others the way we want to be treated and how in the end we are all human and essentially all the same.
RECOMMENDATION FOR TEACHERS: I recommend teachers use this book as a way to begin a discussion on different ethnicities among the classroom, or perhaps the community. Teachers can explain how although Diego and Connie may not have looked like their brothers and sisters they were still human beings and they still deserved to be treated with respect. Use it for your character education program! Teachers may also find it beneficial to explain how in the end the most important thing is to love ourselves no matter what we look like or what anyone else might say. English language learners will be able to follow along as the illustrations are vivid and expressive.
PERSONAL NOTE: This book is dear to me as the illustrator is a great UC Davis professor and Latino role model.