martinez bilingual biographybooks

Sources for Book Reviews:Titlewave and the Mackin Collection development tools include review sources. The journals that we evaluated in class are searchable through the UNT database. Children's Literature Collection includes reviews.

Subject Collection: Bilingual Biography Books

1st-6; 2nd-7; 3rd-8; 4th-9; 5th-10

Medina, Tony. (2009). I and I: Bob Marley. New York: Lee and Low.ISBN: 9781600602573Price: $19.95Grades 9-12Reviews: Booklist (February 1, 2010); School Library Journal (December 1, 2006)

The biography of Jamaican born Bob Marley is told through poetry. This reggae singer promoted peace, music and Rastafarian beliefs. The verse and color saturated paintings are evocative of Marley's music and country. Details, dates and background information are included in extensive notes.

Ancona, George. (2004). My house = Mi casa. New York : Children's Press.ISBN: 9780516250656Price: $20.00Grades: K-5Reviews: School Library Journal (May 1, 2005); Library Media Connection (April 1, 2005)

George Ancona has a historian’s sensibility with a storyteller’s heart, both of which are evident in Mi casa/My house. Araceli Rodriguez and her family moved from Mexico and now live on a cattle ranch in Oregon where they raise calves, sheep, goats and corn. She has three sisters and one brother. They all have chores such as feeding their animals and sweeping the floors. Their lives are not perfect--one sister is deaf and another was hurt in a car accident. Even so, they attend church together and work hard to support their family business. Mi casa/My house is another fascinating story from the “Somos Latinos” series. A Rodriguez family history, a map marking the locations of Spanish-speaking countries, and a general, world history of Latinos involved in cattle ranching help to provide the reader with a broad historical framework to Araceli’s life. The text is in both Spanish and English, with the Spanish text first.

Benatar, Raquel. (2003). Isabel Allende : Memories for a story = Recuerdos para un cuento. Houston, Tex.: Arte Publico Press.ISBN-13: 9781558853799Price: $14.95Grades: K-4Reviews: Children's Literature (May 1, 2003); Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2004)

A simple description of the childhood and youth of the Chilean author Isabel Allende.

Brown, Monica. (2004). My name is Celia : the life of Celia Cruz = Me Llamo Celia: la vida de Celia Cruz. Flagstaff, Ariz.: Rising Moon.ISBN: 9780873588720Price: $15.95Grades: K-3 Reviews: Multicultural Review (December 1, 2005); School Library Journal (January 1, 2005)


This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz's life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. Presents the life of popular salsa singer, Celia Cruz, an Afro-Cuban woman whose career brought her through Mexico to the United States.

Brown, Monica. (2007). My Name Is Gabito : The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez = Me Llamo Gabito : la Vida de Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Flagstaff, Ariz. : Luna Rising.ISBN: 9780873589086Price: $15.95Grades: K-3Reviews: Horn Book (April 1, 2008); School Library Journal starred (March 1, 2008)

Award-winning author Monica Brown presents My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a bilingual English/Spanish picturebook about the brilliant and imaginative writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Following "Gabito" from childhood to adulthood, and his evolution from a dreaming boy to a great storyteller read by millions, My Name is Gabito offers vibrant color illustrations by Raul Colon, featuring a visual texture to the color distantly reminiscent of the swirls of a fingerprint. A wonderful multicultural picturebook, My Name is Gabito features modestly involved text and is ideal for young readers who are just about ready to enjoy chapter books. The flawless Spanish text alongside the English will also appeal to Spanish-language students of all ages seeking to hone their skills and fluency.

Brown, Pam; Schloredt, Valerie. (2004). Martin Luther King : civil rights pioneer = pionero de los derechos civiles. [San Diego] : Blackbirch Press. ISBN: 9781410305060Price: $27.45Grades: 4-5Reviews: Booklist (February 15, 2004); The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (April 1, 2005)

This is a bilingual (English/Spanish) biography of Martin Luther King, a minister who advocated and practiced non-violent civil disobedience to protest prejudice, segregation, and discrimination based on color in the United States. When Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in 1955, King along with the others in the Montgomery black community organized a bus boycott that launched King into a leadership role in the civil rights movement. This book chronicles the civil rights movement from its beginning with the Montgomery bus boycott, the “Freedom Rides” during the summer of 1961, the conflicts and church bombings in Birmingham, the 1963 March on Washington where King gave his famous “I have a dream” speech, and King being honored with the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. The book ends with King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. On the last day of his life, Martin Luther King had talked of change with peace and nonviolence. At the end of the book is a time line of King’s life, a glossary of important terms used in the book, and an index.

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Abraham Lincoln = Lee sobre Abraham Lincoln. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780766026742Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (June 1, 2006); Multicultural Review (June 1, 2006)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/stephen-feinstein


These books are clearly organized, presenting one short chapter for each main area of the subject's life-usually about four pages long. One or two paragraphs of large-type text and a caption face a full-page, full-color photo, illustration, or reproduction. The sentences are to the point and fairly clinical. Lincoln is the better of the two titles. Basic facts are related for children beginning to show an interest in biographies, or for those doing simple reports. However, it's unfortunate that the "important paper that freed the slaves" is not named, nor is its description accurate. In the second book, the author sometimes attributes thoughts and feelings to his subject.Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Cesar Chavez = Lee sobre Cesar Chavez. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780766027442Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (June 1, 2006); Multicultural Review (June 1, 2006)

Chavez's experienceas a migrant farmworker after his family lost their land, andKing's experience of not being able to sit with his whitefriends on the bus or in the movie theater, guided both tostruggle for justice.Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index These books are attractive but lack substantive information or any mention of the subjects' awards or honors. This seems to be an especially noticeable omission when Feinstein neglects to mention Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize, and the text jumps from 1963 to 1968 on one page. Full-page photographs or reproductions face each page of text and add to the information. The glossaries, in the form of "Words to Know," are on the verso of the title page, a switch from the usual placement, where it is more helpful to readers. Kathleen Krull's Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez (Harcourt, 2003) and Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words (Hyperion, 2001) capture the spiritual essence of these great Americans.

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Geronimo = Lee sobre Geronimo. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780766025981Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (June 1, 2006); Multicultural Review (June 1, 2006)

Geronimo's happy childhood -- A terrible day -- Geronimo fights the Mexican army -- The




Apache lose their lands. Ceronimo returned to camp and. discoveredthat his mother, wife, and children had been killed.Distraught and angry, he led an attack against the Mexicansoldiers responsible and defeated them. Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Martin Luther King, Jr = Lee sobre Martin Luther King, Jr. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN: 0766027457Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: Criticas (June 1, 2006); School Library Journal (June 1, 2006)

Presents the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from his birth, through his education and the early days of the civil rights movement, until his death in 1968. Presents an examination of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., discussing his childhood and early life in the South, his career as a minister, and his leadership during the civil rights movement. Presented in English and Spanish.Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Sacagawea = Lee sobre Sacagawea . Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780766026742Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (June 1, 2006); School Library Journal (September 1, 2004)

These books are clearly organized, presenting one short chapter for each main area of the subject's life-usually about four pages long. One or two paragraphs of large-type text and a caption face a full-page, full-color photo, illustration, or reproduction. The sentences are to the point and fairly clinical. Lincoln is the better of the two titles. Basic facts are related for children beginning to show an interest in biographies, or for those doing simple reports. However, it's unfortunate that the "important paper that freed the slaves" is not named, nor is its description accurate. In the second book, the author sometimes attributes thoughts and feelings to his subject. For example, after stating that Sacagawea's name means "Bird Woman," the text reads, "Sacagawea wished that she could fly like a bird. Then she would be able to fly home." No sources are listed to lend accuracy to these thoughts. Another point where a proper bibliography would be helpful is when the author asserts that Sacagawea was abducted by the Minnetaree tribe. Most sources use the name Hidatsa. The book's greatest flaw, however, is that it essentially describes Sacagawea as nothing more than a translating maid for the Lewis and Clark expedition. Other books for this reading level detail her skill as an ambassador, guide, navigator, and occasional healer in addition to being a translating diplomat between the expedition members and the tribes encountered. In both books, the illustrative material is handsome and



appropriately selected.Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

Feinstein, Stephen. (2006). Read about Tiger Woods = Lee sobre Tiger Woods. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780766027435Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (June 1, 2006);

A short biography written in both English and Spanish about championship golfer, Tiger Woods.And in the TigerWoods biography, Feinstein recounts how the 11-month-oldclimbed out of his high chair to play with his toy golf club.Young readers are exposed to the challenges these greatAmericans faced and how those challenges shaped their livesEach of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

Griswold del Castillo, Richard. (2002). César Chávez : the struggle for justice = la lucha por la justicia. Houston, Tex: Piñata Books.ISBN: 9781558853249Price: $14.95Grades: 1-3Reviews: Booklist (December 15, 2002); Children's Literature (May 1, 2002)

A simple biography of the man who worked to win fairer treatment of the migrant farm workers in California in the 1960s and to establish the United Farm Workers union. César Chávez was a great organizer and believer in the cause for fair wages and treatment for poor farm workers. He worked to help improve their lives. He organized the first union among them and fought against the discrimination they suffered. He promoted non-violent protests and was the first to call for a boycott against buying table grapes. The boycott was joined by millions of consumers. Eventually an agreement was signed between the growers and the workers. He argued for legislation that protected farm workers from violence and discrimination. Eventually this legislation was passed and was a model to other states and the federal government. Griswold has an historic tale to tell to many children who have not been exposed to the plight of the farm worker. However, the disjointed narrative Griswold writes leads to confusion about events. The story about the strike could have been told simply without reliance on many dates and still have relayed the facts. César has had a lasting influence on American labor and has a story worth telling.

Griswold del Castillo, Richard. (2010). César Chávez : The Struggle for Justice (La luncha por la justicia). CD. 25:09 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. ISBN: 9781430108344Price: $18.95Grades: 1-3Multimedia Reviews: School Library Journal (November 1, 2010);



children's audio book, with accompanying print book. César Chávez and his fight for the rights of Hispanic agricultural workers is an inspirational story about unity, justice, and perseverance. Richard Griswold del Castillo's bilingual picture-book biography (Pinata Books, 2002) briefly examines the life of this Mexican-American leader, including his first encounters with racism and his activism as an adult, with an emphasis on the use of nonviolent methods to achieve his aims of organizing the United Farm Workers. Winner of a Carter G. Woodson Book Award, the text is provided in both Spanish and English with crisp, colorful illustrations by Anthony Accardo. The CD has three tracks--Spanish/English narration with page-turn signals, English narration (no page-turn signals), and Spanish narration (no page-turn signals). Brian Armador reads the compelling text clearly and with power. Original music with a Latin flavor accompanies the production. This would make an excellent listening center and provides important insights into Hispanic civil rights.

Kirkpatrick, Rob. (2002). Jeff Gordon: NASCAR champion = campeón de NASCAR. New York: PowerKids Press & Buenas Letras.ISBN: 9780823961474Price: $22.60Grades: 3-4Reviews: Library Talk (April 1, 2001); ()

Introduces Jeff Gordon, the NASCAR driver who won the Daytona 500 in 1999. Jeff Gordon is one of the winningest drivers on the NASCAR circuit today, and one of the most recognizable sports personalities in America. He is the winner of countless championships, including four Winston Cups, a record equaled only by racing legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Originally from Vallejo, California, he now lives in New York, Florida, North Carolina, and at racetracks around the country.

Marks, Jennifer. (2010). President Barack Obama = Presidente Barack Obama. Mankato, MN : Capstone Press.ISBN: 9781429645942Price: $21.32Grades: K-3Reviews: Children's Literature (February 1, 2011); Library Media Connection (October 1, 2010)

Early readers will enjoy this book. The font is big, the text simple and there are only one or two sentences on each page. In addition, each page also has a photograph related to the content. There are a total of 353 words in the book, making it easy reading for a beginning reader. The book includes a timeline that covers the events of Barack Obamas’s life. It begins with his childhood, and continues through his early education, college activities, election campaign and up to his election as the forty-fourth president of the United States. The end of the book includes a fact page about Barack Obama and a president page, which lists all forty-four American presidents alongside their terms of office.

Rivera-Marín, Guadalupe. (2009) My papá Diego and me : memories of my father and his art = Mi papá Diego y yo : recuerdos de mi padre y su arte. San Francisco, Calif.: Childrens Book Press.ISBN: 9780892392216Price: $17.95Grades: 1-5Reviews: School Library Journal (October 1, 2009); Kirkus Reviews (November 15, 2009)

Daughter of artist Diego Rivera, Guadalupe Rivera Marín uses her father’s paintings as the springboard for providing glimpses of her childhood and information about her father’s life and the culture of Mexico. Thirteen of

http://library.garlandisd.net/cataloging/servlet/presenttitledetailform.do?siteTypeID=-2&siteID=&includeLibrary=true&includeMedia=false&mediaSiteID=&bibID=176036&walkerID=1351882599683


Rivera’s paintings are discussed by Rivera Marín in a warm, inviting bilingual (English/Spanish) narrative. About “Women Combing Their Hair,” she writes, “In this picture, a mother is braiding her daughter’s hair… Back then…it wasn’t just uncommon to wear your hair long and loose. It was scandalous!” Writing about “Orange,” in which she is the subject, she says, “When my father was painting this picture, he gave me an orange to help keep me still… He got really annoyed with me because I ate the orange before he finished the painting!” A handful of small photographs accompany the introduction and endnotes of this lively volume.

Guadalupe Rivera Marín, the daughter of acclaimed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, reveals a little-known side of her father through some of his most evocative work. "The book is not so much about Diego Rivera as it is about the theme of childhood in his work and Guadalupe's reminiscences," says Dana Goldberg, executive editor at Children's Book Press. "She has led a very interesting life even apart from her relationship with her father, but she has so many memories tied up in these paintings. They were done when she was very young, but she still has strong memories of modeling for him." Rivera Marín selected paintings that best represented her father's portrayals of children and childhood, including many portraits of herself and her sister, to accompany her touching, personal recollections. Her prose is offered in a bilingual edition that her publishers hope has broad appeal. "It was a privilege to hear her," says Goldberg."She's so warm and has the most amazing sense of humor. Our books always take a lot of work and care, but this was an effort on a whole new level for us.

Tafolla, Carmen; Teneyuca, Sharyll. (2008). That's not fair! : Emma Tenayuca's struggle for justice = No es justo! : la lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia. San Antonio, Tex. : Wings Press.ISBN: 9780916727338Price: $17.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Booklist (July 1, 2008); School Library Journal (March 1, 2009)

Before there was Cesar Chávez, there was Emma Tenayuca. This bilingual (Spanish/English) biography about little known Emma Tenayuca’s struggle on behalf of Texas pecan shellers who were some of the lowest paid laborers in the nation is well told by Emma’s niece Ms. Teneyuca and Dr. Tafolla. As is always the case involving unjust causes, the poor peasants were oppressed Mexican Americans. Most of them were Texans of several generations, unlike the many members of the current immigration problem who are mainly illegal residents. In the 1920s and 1930s these pecan shellers worked in deplorable circumstances: twelve hour days, seven days a week, for as little as six cents per pound of pecans shelled. Furthermore, most of these workers were women. They breathed the pecan dust when working in closed quarters which made them sick. In 1938 their wages were cut in half and that was when they found in Ms. Tenayuca a champion for their cause. Emma cared enough to organize a strike and eventually the salaries were raised. Emma became a voice of hope. The illustrations by muralist Ybáñez have a decidedly Tex-Mex feel. Every page is framed by a tree and branches making for very attractive double spreads. This biography is perfect for use in the school curriculum. This is also recommended for public libraries. It is nice to have other biographies of social reformers besides the well known ones on Cesar Chávez.

Winter, Jonah. (1991). Diego. New York: Random House.ISBN-13: 978-0679856177Price: $12.99Grades: K-4Reviews: Book Links (January 1, 2006); School Library Journal (January 1, 1992)

This story of Diego Rivera, the greatest muralist of Mexico--and of the world--is told in Spanish and English. Vibrant miniature paintings convey the sense of adventure and magic that marked Rivera's early years. And the story shows how his passion for painting and love for his country combined to make a powerful art celebrating the Mexican people. Discusses the childhood of Diego Rivera and how it influenced his art.


Winter, Jonah. (2009). Sonia Sotomayor : a judge grows in the Bronx = la juex que creció en el Bronx. New York : Atheneum Books for Young ReadersISBN: 9781442403031 Price: $16.99Grades: K-3Reviews: School Library Journal (January 1, 2010); Publisher's Weekly (November 1, 2009)

Born and raised in a poor neighborhood of the South Bronx, Sotomayor has just become the first Latina Supreme Court justice, and this timely, accessible picture-book biography, which features both English and Spanish text on every page, brings Sotomayor’s exciting rags-to-riches story to young readers. The exclamatory tone is sometimes too much (“Oh, how Sonia’s mother loved her!”). But Winter lets the small details convey the drama, which is amplified in the mixed-media illustrations in warm shades of red and brown. Growing up with her loving, single-parent mom in a family that surrounded Sonia “like a warm blanket,” Sotomayor was a big reader as a child and wanted to be Nancy Drew. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she had to learn to accept her physical limits, but she graduated at the top of her high-school class and then at the top of her Princeton class. She felt different from her privileged classmates, and kids of all backgrounds will recognize the universal emotions and experiences of trying to fit in. A long author’s note fills in more biographical detail.

Weintraub, Aileen. (2006). Read about George Washington = Lee sobre George Washington. Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow Publishers.ISBN: 9780766026735Price: $21.26Grades: 1-5Reviews: Children’s Literature (February 1, 2006); School Library Journal (June 1, 2006)

As the first President of the United States of America, George Washington holds an important place in history. The reader is taken briefly through Washington's life as he grows up on a farm in Verginia, serves in two wars, and becomes President of a new nation. The book ends by discussing how we remember George Washington now, one way being the Washington Monument. This entire book is bilingual, with English words written on the top of the page and Spanish on the bottom. It is part of the "I Like Biographies! Bilingual!" series. Each page of words is followed by a page with a piece of artwork and a description under it, first in English, then Spanish. Almost all of this artwork comes from the Library of Congress. This book has an obvious connection to history, but would work very well in integrating art to history. The readers are exposed to different works of art, but they are placed in a simple and understandable context for younger students to benefit from. The book was originally written in 2004 in English, but this is the first edition of the bilingual Each of the eye-catching volumes includes color photos, atime line, a map, Internet addresses for further research, aglossary, and an index

371.87

----------------------------------------------

Ancona, George. (2004). My neighborhood = Mi barrio. New York : Children's Press.ISBN: 9780516236896Price: $20.00Grades: K-3 Reviews: School Library Journal (May 1, 2005); Library Media Connection (April 1, 2005)

Presents a study of barrios written in both English and Spanish that follows Marc as he discusses his heritage, the


neighborhood in Brooklyn where he lives, his sister and their friends, and some of the things they do after school.In MI BARRIO=MY NEIGHBORHOOD Marc Anthony tells his story about life in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. His parents emigrated from Puerto Rico. The feature for this story is about murals and the part art plays in the community. The story also highlights the market place and foods. This series would be very useful in a bilingual or ESL classroom since both English and Spanish text are used. The books also give the children an opportunity to see other children like themselves and to learn more about their own culture. But their use should not be limited to bilingual and ESL classrooms. It is important that regular classrooms have bilingual books and books depicting cultures of all the students.

Ancona, George. (2004). My family = Mi familia. New York : Children's Press.ISBN-13: 9780516236872Price: $20.00Grades: K-3Reviews: School Library Journal (May 1, 2005); Library Media Connection (April 1, 2005)

Camila, a young girl, describes her life in Miami with her Cuban mother and Puerto Rican father, and introduces the members of her extended family who have come to her home for her little brother's birthday party. Presented in English and Spanish.families that have immigrated to the United States from a Latin American country. The children in the family tell their stories in first person. The text is presented in both Spanish and English. In the back of each book is a brief history of the family told by the parent(s), a map showing the journey from the home country to the US, a dictionary of Spanish/English words used in the story, a special feature that related to the story, and author information and photos. In MI FAMILIO=MY FAMILY, the readers share her brother’s birthday. All the members of the family come over--aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. You can tell the family is large by the two birthday cakes in the picture. There is a photo of all the family together. They also get together on Sundays. Everyone loves music, and all play a musical instrument during their Sunday afternoon get-togethers. Camila’s mother is from Cuba and her father from Puerto Rico.

Gonzales Bertrand, Diane. (2007). Ricardo's Race = la Carrera de Ricardo. Houston, Tex. : Arte Publico Press.ISBN: 9781558854819 Price: $15.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Kirkus Reviews (May 1, 2007); Multicultural Review (December 1, 2007)

An illustrated biography of Ricardo Romo; discussing his childhood, family, education, love of running, wife, and career as president of the University of Texas in San Antonio. Presented in English and Spanish.This direct and heartwarming biography follows the life of Ricardo Romo from his boyhood in San Antonio, Texas, as the son of small grocers, through his hard work and successes as a high-school and university athlete and into his adult life as a schoolteacher, professor and university president. Focusing both on family love and responsibilities, and his school successes and disappointments (his junior-high counselor suggested he not attend a college-preparatory high school), Bertrand portrays a boy and young man always ready to contribute to his family or team and prepared to push himself as far as he can. Accardo's old-fashioned and realistic artwork suits the time period—the 1940s through the 1960s—with rich colors and strong, simple lines, reminiscent of those in coloring books. Both English and Spanish texts are smooth, inviting and squarely aimed at young readers

Brown, Monica. (2010). Side by side : the story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez = Lado a lado : la historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez. New York : Rayo.ISBN: 9780061227813Price: $16.99


Grades: K-3Reviews: Booklist (November 1, 2010); School Library Journal (November 1, 2010)

Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez were two instrumental individuals who helped fight for the rights of farm workers and their children. In this bilingual book, the beginnings of their activism are presented in a straightforward and child friendly text. The accompanying illustrations are a superb supplement to the biographical account of these two crusaders. Huerta and Chavez’s initial meeting and 30 year joint venture for the betterment of working conditions and wages for farm workers in the United States is the focus of the nonfictional story. Standing side by side their passion and courage brought about these changes and it was no easy feat. The legendary 340 mile California march along with Chavez’s 36 day hunger strike is presented for young readers to understand the sacrifices made by both individuals. The English and Spanish text includes a note to parents and teachers as well as quotes from each leader. This book would be an asset to any bilingual classroom or library media center.Herrera, Juan Felipe. (1995). Calling the doves = El canto de las palomas story. San Francisco, Calif. : Children's Book Press.ISBN: 9780892391325 Price: $14.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: School Library Journal (February 1, 1996); Booklist (January 1, 1996)

A bilingual story in English and Spanish in which the author recalls his childhood in the mountains and valleys of California with his Mexican-American migrant farmworker parents who inspired him with poetry and song

The author recalls his childhood in the mountains and valleys of California with his Mexican American migrant farmworker parents who inspired him with poetry and song

In lyrical and imagistic prose, prominent Mexican American poet Juan Felipe Herrera has written a bilingual memoir of his childhood as the beloved son of migrant farmworkers traveling from harvest to harvest in a truck towing their little square loaf house along the roads winding through the mountains and valleys of California. Embraced by the love of his family, Herrera was set on his own road to becoming a writer. "As the cities came into view, I knew one day I would follow my own road. I would let my voice fly the way my mother recited poems, the way my father called the doves." Composed in the style of robust murals, Simmons' lushly colored, creamy illustrations pulsate with a multitude of images as they chart the landscapes of Herrera's childhood heartland. Certainly a welcome alternative to the usually bleak portrayal of the migrant farmworker experience, this is an inspirational self-portrait of a loving Latino family. A poetic picture-book memoir that will add beauty to any literature, Latino culture, or biography collection.

Herrera, Juan Felipe. (2000). The upside down boy = El niño de cabeza. San Francisco, Calif. : Children's Book Press.ISBN-13: 9780892391622Price: $15.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Horn Book Magazine (September 1, 2000); Multicultural Review (June 1, 2000)

Herrera's free-verse poems sing with a unique voice in both languages, his playfulness and imagination conveying humor, lyricism, love, and hope. Gómez's enchanting illustrations are reminiscent of Chagall's paintings: colorful and ethereal. . . . Not only a valuable asset for bilingual classrooms and families, The Upside Down Boy pays homage to an inspiring teacher and offers a testimony of hope for children struggling to find their own place."

This exuberant bilingual picture book chronicles Juanito’s experience of finding his feet in a new place and his voice in a new language. In a brief introductory note, Herrera (author of Calling the Doves, BCCB 12/95) explains that when he was eight years old, his mother decided it was time for the family to give up their nomadic life as


campesinos (field workers) and settle down in the city so he could go to school. Juanito’s understandable anxieties at this move are poignant and poetic; since he does not yet speak English, he especially worries about the language gap and wonders, “Will my tongue turn into a rock?” The sometimes surreal acrylic illustrations successfully convey Juanito’s nervous excitement as well as the disorientation he expresses when he later describes himself (after mistakenly eating his lunch during recess time) as “the upside down boy.” In time, however, Juanito rights himself, thanks to his parents’ appreciation of both their native Spanish and their acquired English and thanks to Juanito’s young teacher, who praises his first poem and his singing voice. A happy ending that reads the same in both English and Spanish (“475.71--------

Gleiter, Jan; Thompson, Kathleen. (1989). Hernando de Soto. Milwaukee : Raintree Publishers.ISBN-13: 9780817229030 Price: $21.40Grades: 3-5Reviews: Publishers Weekly (July 18, 1994); Children’s Literature (January 1, 1994)

A biography of the Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach the Mississippi River, explored in what is now Florida, and took part in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.Chrisman sheds some light on the life of de Soto, the Spanish explorer who led the conquest of the Inca nation and later served as the governor of Cuba. A valuable resource for social studies. Part of the "Hispanic Stories" series, the text is printed in Spanish and English.

Ancona, George. (2004). My school = Mi escuela. New York : Children's Press.ISBN-13: 9780516236865Price: $20.00Grades: K-3Reviews: School Library Journal (May 1, 2005); Library Media Connection (April 1, 2005)

Christopher, a fifth-grade student whose father came from El Salvador and mother from Guatemala, describes some of the things he and his friends do in school. Presented in English and Spanish.describes Christopher Alonzo participating in typical activities in his fifth grade Los Angeles classroom. The book’s many appealing colorful photos enhance and expand its brief bilingual text. Each page of text begins with a Spanish paragraph, followed by the English translation and small photos and reproductions of children’s drawings. A large related photo takes up the opposing page. Christopher lives with his father, who came from El Salvador, his mother, who came from Guatemala, and his younger brother. Photos and text show Christopher arriving at school, doing math problems, playing at recess, reading, eating lunch, drawing scientific diagrams, celebrating Halloween, and playing the flute. A page near the end of the book presents the family histories of Christopher’s parents, followed by a map showing their past journeys and present location. The first person narrative, told from Christopher’s and then from his parent’s perspective, adds to the book’s sense of reality and vitality. In spite of the book’s brevity, the skillful interweaving of this conversational text with stunning photos helps the reader get to know and appreciate Christopher, his family and school. This book does a wonderful job of celebrating both the diversity and unity of the Latino experience. A glossary, and a page of background information on Central America are included.

Lee, Sally. (2011). Eleanor Roosevelt. Primeras Damas/First Ladies Series. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press.


ISBN-13: 9781429661126Price: $17.99Grades: 3-5Reviews: Library Media Connection (March 1, 2011); The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 4)

Text and photographs describe the life of the popular First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, and describes her childhood, education, private life, and years of public service. Written in English and Spanish.Eleanor Roosevelt was born in 1884 to a very wealthy family, but she was a very shy child. Her parents died while she was very young, and at age eight she went to live with her grandmother, who was very strict. Later, she went to a boarding school in England. There she became more self-confident and was a very good student. Eleanor married her distant cousin, Franklin Roosevelt, in 1905, and they had six children. Franklin was elected the President of the United States in 1933, and Eleanor began to help the millions of people that were in need of jobs, homes, and food. She was very active in helping the poor and underprivileged across the country. Then World War II broke out, and again she went to the aid of people that needed help. In 1945, Franklin died, and Eleanor missed him very much. She worked for several years after his death for the United Nations. She worked to get rights for people all across the world so that they could have personal freedoms. She died in 1962 and is still remembered today for her hard work for other people that were less fortunate than she. The photographs throughout the book are in black and white and express the seriousness of Eleanor’s life. She worked hard and did much to make the country a better place for many people. She was not afraid to speak out against the way that African-Americans were being treated. Many people did not like the way she tried to get things changed. The simple text and bold pictures of Eleanor’s life remind readers of how she thought actions were much more important than just sitting at home. A time line continues through the book on each page. Events are added as the story of her life unfolds. Eleanor’s history is not dull or dry. Readers will be stirred by her energy and endurance to get things changed during her lifetime. This will make a great biography to add to any collection. It can also be used as a good starting place to begin a love for history and famous people that have helped change our country into a great nation. The added information section at the end will give students additional places to go for more material on Mrs. Roosevelt.

Raatman, Lucia. (2011). Michelle Obama. Primeras Damas/First Ladies Series. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press. ISBN: 9781429661102Price: $23.99Grades: 1-3Reviews: Library Media Connection (March 1, 2011); Children’s Literature (January 1, 2011)

Some of the interesting facts presented about Michelle Obama include her leaving her law firm job due job dissatisfaction and her wanting to help people, the planting of a vegetable garden in the White House, and her crusade to get others to volunteer in their communities. Accompanying the photographs and the bilingual text is a timeline of events in the life of the First Lady. The translations are suitable for young readers and the text is simplistic enough for either language learner. The biography includes a table of contents, glossary,

Raatman, Lucia. (2011). Jacqueline Kennedy. Primeras Damas/First Ladies Series. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press. ISBN: 9781429661119Price: $23.99Grades: 1-3


Reviews: Library Media Connection (March 1, 2011); Children’s Literature (January 1, 2011)

Young Spanish and English readers will learn about the life of Jacqueline Kennedy in this “First Ladies” series from the Pebble Bilingual plus collection of four titles. In this feature interesting facts about one of the most popular first ladies include her ability to speak three languages, being the first lady to catalog all of the artwork in the White House, her Vassar college education, and her notable newspaper reporting and editorial skills. The twenty-four pages include a table of contents, glossary, Internet sites, and an index. Along with the factual information is a timeline of her Jacqueline Kennedy’s life along with photographs of the former first lady. Other first ladies included in this series are Martha Washington, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Michelle Obama. Bilingual readers will get a succinct overview on the life of this first lady. This biography makes a suitable addition to a library collection or classroom library.

588.07-------------

Lee, Sally. (2011). Laura Bush. Primeras Damas/First Ladies Series. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press. ISBN: 9781429653251Price: $23.99Grades: 1-3Reviews: Library Media Connection (March 1, 2011); Children’s Literature (January 1, 2011)

A celebration of amazing women and the ways they worked to improve life in the United States. Striking photos and simple text give readers an up-close look at First Ladies who helped shape the country. A time line integrated at the bottom of each spread captures important events, culminating in a complete summary on the final page.

Lee, Sally. (2011). Martha Washington. Primeras Damas/First Ladies Series. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Press. ISBN: 9781429661133Price: $23.99Grades: 1-3Reviews: Library Media Connection (March 1, 2011); Children’s Literature (January 1, 2011)

Text and photographs describe the life of Martha Washington, the first woman to hold the position of First Lady of the United States. Written in English and Spanish.

The founding first lady of the United States, Martha Washington, is the feature of this four “First Ladies” Pebble Plus bilingual series. The other first ladies in this series include: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Michelle Obama. In this simplistic but informative bilingual text, young readers will get a great overview of the life and accomplishments of Martha Washington. Some of the interesting facts presented for bilingual readers are her previous marriage, her kindness, affluent upbringing, and also being called Lady Washington by the people of the nation. The Spanish translations are suitable and simplistic for either language learner. Accompanying the bilingual text are paintings and illustrations to coincide with the information. In addition, a timeline of events is found throughout the biographical pages. This book includes a table of contents, glossary, Internet sites, and an index. This book makes a suitable addition to a library collection or bilingual classroom library.

Stewart, Mark. (2002). Latino baseball's hottest hitters = Los mejores bateadores del béisbol latino. Brookfield, Conn. : Twenty-first century books.ISBN: 9780761325673


Price: $26.90Grades: 4-5Reviews: Children’s Literature (September 1, 2002); VOYA (October 1, 2002)

A history of Latino baseball players in the United States, including individual biographies of star players, with a focus on fielders. Presented in Spanish and English.

The "Dual Language Sports Books" series features a bilingual format, with Spanish and English text on facing pages. Hottest Hitters explains the beginnings of baseball as a popular sport in the United States and how those from Latin American countries became involved. Racism of the time and its effects on the game are also discussed. Pioneer hitters are profiled, and career biographies include Bobby Abreu, Moises Alou, Jose Cruz Jr., and Carlos Delgado. Eight hitters are profiled in a similar Ones to Watch section. Pages are thoroughly filled with text, color photographs, fact boxes, and quotations. Curriculum connections to U.S. and world history are possible, and use in ESL and Spanish classrooms is feasible. Although the information contained will quickly become dated, these books written in sports lingo will surely appeal to English- and Spanish-speaking baseball fans and reluctant readers. Dual Language Sports Books (Un Libro Deportivo en Ingles y Español).

Ancona, George. (2004). My friends = Mis amigos. New York : Children's Press.ISBN-13: 9780516236902Price: $20.00Grades: K-3Reviews: School Library Journal (May 1, 2005); Library Media Connection (April 1, 2005)

Part of the “Somos Latinos” bilingual Spanish/English series, this title shows Amelia Moyer Perez engaging with a variety of friends in a variety of activities. Amelia, who seems to be around nine years old, lives with her older brother, her Dominican-American mother, and is visited by her European-American father. The book’s many appealing photos enhance and expand its brief bilingual text. Each page of text begins with a Spanish paragraph, followed by an English translation and small photos and reproductions of children’s drawings. A large related photo takes up all of the opposing page. Photos and text show Amelia, her family and many friends of both sexes and a variety of ethnicities and ages, interacting in many different activities: drawing, fixing breakfast at school, building sandcastles, playing basketball, climbing trees, dressing up like fairies and reading in bed. A page near the end of the book presents the family history of Amelia’s mother, followed by a map showing her journey from the Dominican Republic to California. The first person narrative, told from Amelia’s and then her mother’s perspective, adds to the book’s sense of reality and vitality. In spite of the book’s brevity, the skillful interweaving of this conversational text with stunning photos helps the reader to get to know and appreciate Amelia, her family and friends, and their activities. This book does a wonderful job of celebrating both the diversity and unity of the Latino experience.

******De Anda, Diane. (2001). Dancing Miranda = Baila, Miranda, Baila. Houston, Tex. : Piñata Books.ISBN: 9781558853249Price: $14.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Children’s Literature; The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 4)

Miranda, a young Hispanic-American girl dances with grace and enthusiasm everywhere she can. Soon she must dance in front of hundreds of people, including the mayor, to celebrate Children's Day. One day Miranda is upset after overhearing her mother talking to her dance instructor about how her mother's poliomyelitis prevented her from


dancing as a girl. Miranda must overcome her sorrow in order to rehearse and dance successfully on that special day. The text appears in both Spanish and English on each page. The artist uses a rich, warm palette to echo the closeness between mother and daughter. The story provides an empathetic view of a physical handicap and how one person's gift can enrich others. The illustrations are very appropriate for the story. The illustrator does a tremendous job of capturing the mood of the characters in a very realistic way. All of the illustrations are colorful and hold the attention of the reader.

Stewart, Mark. (2002). Latino baseball's finest fieldersSpanish text by Manuel Kalmanovitz = Los más destacados guantes del béisbol latino. Brookfield, Conn. : Millbrook Press.ISBN: 9780761317494Price: $26.90Grades: 4-5Reviews: Children’s Literature (September 1, 2002); VOYA (October 1, 2002)

This is a terrific sports-book idea, because it gives young Latino fans some heroes to root for and a list of up-and-coming players to watch--and it does so in both Spanish and English. The stories of Nomar Garciaparra, Javy Lopez, Ivan Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar and other hot-gloved players are told bilingually, on facing pages, which gives Hispanic-American kids a chance to practice their Spanish reading skills. The authors also provide an interesting introduction to the ways the sport caught on in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and other countries--and reminds kids that from 1871 to 1947, fewer than four dozen Latino ballplayers made the majors because of the color bar. In addition, the book explains that the game is played differently in the Latino culture, which focuses more on strategy and stylish defense than swinging for the fence or pursuing no-hitters.

Treviño Hart, Elva. (1999). Barefoot heart : stories of a migrant child. Tempe, Ariz. : Bilingual Press/Editorial Bilingüe. ISBN: 9780927534819Price: $17.00Grades: 5Reviews: English Education (July 1, 2002); VOYA (December 1, 1999)

I am nobody. And my story is the same as a million others.... Poor Mexican-American.... Some of us grow up and move to cities. Others of us stay. I don't know which is better." With this introduction, Hart lures the reader into a journey through her childhood. Seven children and a life of poverty has drained her Ama (mother), leaving no strength for expressions of love for little Elva. Apa (father), strong and hard-working, expects the same from his children, but he also has a dream for them--a high school diploma. He will not keep them in the fields when school starts in the fall; each summer they return, literally, to the wrong side of the tracks in their segregated Texas town for the first day of school. Hart paints an extraordinarily clear picture of a shy little girl, playing at the edge of a field all alone, waiting for the signal to bring water to her family. Reminiscent of The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez, (University of New Mexico Press, 1997), Barefoot Heart carries the reader deep into the heart and soul of her Mexican-American migrant family. Quiet dignity, stoic acceptance, longing, and fear radiate from the pages. Hart fulfilled her father's dream and more, earning a master's degree in computer science/engineering. Her story is the triumph of a soul.

Lomas Garza, Carmen. (1990). Family pictures paintings = Cuadros de familia / cuadros. San Francisco, Calif. : Children's Book Press. ISBN: 9780892390502Price: $12.95Grades: K-3


Reviews: Kirkus Reviews (October 1, 1990); The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (October 1, 1990)

Not a picture book, this is instead an album of paintings accompanied by explanatory captions. Drawn from the artist's memories of growing up in a small Texas town, the paintings are naively styled, straightforward depictions of what life was like in her Hispanic community: celebrating a birthday, picking cactus, making tamales, going to church. This would be nostalgic but for the specificity of the images and memories: "This is my grandparents' backyard. My grandmother is killing a chicken for dinner. My grandfather is in the chicken coop trying to catch another chicken. Later, my family will sit down to eat Sunday dinner--chicken soup." The painting shows grandmother calmly breaking a chicken's neck while one surprised child spills his snowcone. Another shows people playing "cakewalk," a musical-chairs game "to raise money to send Mexican Americans to the university." The paintings are filled with small patterns and details, with each leaf and blade of grass sharply defined. The flat perspective iconographically places the activities on a two-dimensional plane that gives each scene a formalized dignity. This is an honest portrayal of a culture rarely seen in children's books, and (more important as far as children are concerned) every page offers a lot to look at. The text is in both English and Spanish.

Brown, Monica. (2009) Pelé, king of soccer = Pelé, el rey del fútbol. New York : Rayo. ISBN: 006122779XPrice: $17.99Grades: 2-5Reviews: Booklist (November 15, 2008); Kirkus Reviews (November 15, 2008)

The life of Pelé, “King of Soccer,” begins in a town in Brazil, where he has to work hard to help his poor family. He plays soccer with his friends and with his father, promising his father to win a World Cup for him and for Brazil some day. At fifteen, Pelé is invited to join a professional team; at seventeen he plays in the World Cup final and fulfills his vow. Pelé helps win two more World Cups for Brazil, and becomes the first player to score a thousand goals. The tale is told clearly and succinctly in both languages. Visualized in mixed media on double pages teeming with additional images from life, the story’s impression is one of intense, fluid color. Shapes flow into bands of decorations across the pages with pictures of Pelé in action dominating his teammates and crowds as he races after a ball or kicks a pass. From the expanding spiral on the jacket to the end of his famous “bicycle kick,” emotions are kept at high pitch.

Gleiter, Jan; Thompson, Kathleen. (1989). Marti, Jose. Milwaukee : Raintree Publishers. ISBN-13: 9780817229061Price: $21.40Grades: 5Reviews: Children’s Literature (January 1, 1994); Publishers Weekly (July 18, 1994);

Jailed and exiled many times for his work and writings, Martí founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party and dedicated himself to Cuba's fight for independence from Spanish rule. Dual English/Spanish text that highlights the contribution of this famous leader make this text a valuable resource for social studies.

A biography of the Cuban patriot, author, and journalist, who dedicated his life to Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain.

794.14-----

Brown, Monica. (2005). My name is Gabriela : the life of Gabriela Mistral = Me llamo Gabriela : la vida de Gabriela Mistral. Flagstaff, Ariz. : Luna Rising, ISBN: 9780873588591


Price: $15.95Grades: 4-5Reviews: Multicultural Review (Spring 2006); School Library Journal (February 2006)

Gabriela Mistral, was the name Lucía Godoy Alcayaga gave herself because she liked the sound of it. Mistral loved words, teaching, and learning. She was the first Latin American writer to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. In this quiet and poetic picture book, we learn through Parra’s imaginative illustrations and Brown’s prose what her life was like. Not many children’s books deal with Nobel Prize winners in this manner, but this is an exquisite picture book biography. The palette, though subdued, richly conveys bygone times. The text is in both English and Spanish.

Lomas Garza, Carmen. (1996). In my family : paintings and stories = En mi Familia : cuadros y relatos. San Francisco, CA : Children's Book, ISBN-13: 9780892391639Price: $16.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Book Links (March 1, 2004); Horn Book Magazine (November 1, 1996)

The author describes, in bilingual text and illustrations, her experiences growing up in an Hispanic community in Texas.Following the best-selling Family Pictures, In My Family/En mi familia is Carmen Lomas Garza's continuing tribute to the family and community that shaped her childhood and her life. Lomas Garza's vibrant paintings and warm personal stories depict memories of growing up in the traditional Mexican-American community of her hometown of Kingsville, Texas.The author describes, in bilingual text and illustrations, her experiences growing up in an Hispanic community in Texas. 843.99-----

Winter, Jonah. (2002). Frida. New York : Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN-13: 9780590203203Price: $16.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Booklist (March 1, 2002); Parents Guide (Fall 2002)

Drawing saves her from being sad. . . . Instead of crying, she paints herself crying." This picture-book biography of Frida Kahlo is about the great Mexican painter who transformed her childhood illness and catastrophic injury into art. While the quiet words tell of the struggle with polio that kept Kahlo bedridden for months ("That's when Frida teaches herself how to draw") and of the bus accident that left her always in pain, brilliantly colored, acrylic illustrations, in Mexican folk-art style, show the imaginary animals and mythical creatures that kept her company. One powerful double-page spread is like a fairy tale with the young maiden caught in the thorny branches of a tree spreading across the night sky. The author's note at the end refers to Kahlo's marriage to Diego Rivera, but the focus here is on her youth and her roots. It's great that there's no heavy message. It's the magic realism that shows and tells the richness of the inner life that makes the painter strong and beautiful.

Children will be fascinated by life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as presented in this stunning picture book biography that blends lush, highly charged art evocative of Kahlo's own work with a spare, understated narrative. Despite its restraint, the text delivers a bounty of information about Kahlo in short, beautifully weighted sentences that convey more than mere fact: "For little Frida, the world is Mexico." Kahlo was plagued by illness as a child. As


a young adult, she was terribly injured in a bus accident. Art began as her diversion from loneliness and pain. It grew into a spiritual, soul-deep need that illustrator Ana Juan has captured in her fanciful, haunted paintings for this striking book. Both playful and frightening, they convey Kahlo's escape from physical trauma through her incredibly rich life of the mind, which in turn inspired the artwork she created. A brief author's note provides additional information on Kahlo's life, such as her marriage to Diego Rivera, to supplement a narrative that focuses on the relationship of this singular artist to her art.

860.94--

Davila Martinez, Diana. (2003). A school named for someone like me = Una escuela con un nombre como el mío. Houston, Tex. : Piñata Books.ISBN-13: 9781558853348Price: $7.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Catholic Library World (Jun 1, 2006); School Library Journal (May 1, 2005)

This book presents a moving tribute to the author’s brother, Jaime Dávila, who became a role model for many in the community where he grew up. Readers are given a brief history of the Dávila family, their immigration to the United States from Mexico in the 1950s, and the childhood of the author and her brother. In spite of occasional boyhood rebellions, Jaime continuously strove to make his parents proud. He excelled in baseball, karate, public speaking, and academics. He also understood the importance of volunteering in community projects. He not only went on to graduate from Harvard but he later earned a law degree from the University of Texas Law School. Over the course of the book, astute readers might pick up on the fact that Jaime is always mentioned in the past tense and thereby realize that something unfortunate happened. In fact, the author does relate the sad news that her brother drown during a tubing trip down a river with some lawyer friends. But she uses her brother’s successes to encourage children, especially those in Hispanic communities, to put as much effort as they can into their own educational efforts. Because of Jaime’s drive to use his education for the betterment of his community, a scholarship and an elementary school were named after him. This book would be an excellent tool for demonstrating to students that everyone is capable of achieving their goals through hard word and dedication

868.89

Ancona, George. (1994). The piñata maker = El piñatero. San Diego : Harcourt BraceISBN-13: 9780152000608Price: $16.95Grades: 2-5Reviews: Booklist (February 15, 1994); Kirkus Reviews (February 1, 1994)

In lucid color photos and a simple bilingual text, the work of 77-year-old Don Ricardo ("Tio Rico"), a Mexican craftsman who "started creating pÞatas fifteen years ago when...making felt sombreros became too hard for him." Beginning with a small boy delivering some of Tio Rico's materials (old newpapers and paper bags), Ancona leads into a detailed depiction of making of an unusual swan pÞata. Forming a shape of cardboard and banana leaves, incorporating a clay pot, and applying decorative covering are all explained so clearly -- in both the text and the admirable photos -- that readers will be able to follow up by making their own pÞatas (Ancona also offers some alternative construction methods). Creating a couple of other shapes and a party where one of them meets its intended end round out an attractive presentation.

Don Riendo has been the pinata maker of a small village in Mexico for fifteen years. Even now at 77 years of age the children still love him and invite him to nearly all of the parties. From the beautiful photographs and the informative text we get a glimpse of how pinatas are made and how they are enjoyed by the children at parties in a


Mexican village.

885.84----

901.79--

Benatar, Raquel. (2009). Yes, You Can Too!/¡Tú también puedes!: The Life of Barack Obama/La vida de Barack Obama. Englewood, N.J. : Laredo Pub.ISBN: 9781564923653Price: $16.95Grades: 5Reviews: Children’s Literature (September 1, 2010); School Library Journal (September 1, 2010)

follows Obama's life from his somewhat turbulent childhood to his election as the first African-American President of the United States. The focus is on his rising above personal challenges stemming from a fragmented family life to develop self-confidence, gathering strength from those close to him, and in being successful in school. The author also explores how Obama's passion for helping others developed over time into a desire to make a difference in the world. An expert on biographical illustration, Levitas uses watercolor and pencil illustrations, mostly in earth tones and shades of green and red, to portray key aspects of Obama's life. The Spanish and English texts flow nicely and could be used as a source for intermediate language study.

918.74----

*Treviño Hart, Elva. (1999). Barefoot heart : stories of a migrant child. Tempe, Ariz. : Bilingual Press. ISBN-13: 9780927534819Price: $17.99Grades: 5Reviews: Library Journal (July 1, 1999); School Library Journal (November 1, 1999)

I am nobody. And my story is the same as a million others.... Poor Mexican-American.... Some of us grow up and move to cities. Others of us stay. I don't know which is better." With this introduction, Hart lures the reader into a journey through her childhood. Seven children and a life of poverty has drained her Ama (mother), leaving no strength for expressions of love for little Elva. Apa (father), strong and hard-working, expects the same from his children, but he also has a dream for them--a high school diploma. He will not keep them in the fields when school starts in the fall; each summer they return, literally, to the wrong side of the tracks in their segregated Texas town for the first day of school. Hart paints an extraordinarily clear picture of a shy little girl, playing at the edge of a field all alone, waiting for the signal to bring water to her family. Reminiscent of The Circuit by Francisco Jiménez, (University of New Mexico Press, 1997), Barefoot Heart carries the reader deep into the heart and soul of her Mexican-American migrant family. Quiet dignity, stoic acceptance, longing, and fear radiate from the pages. Hart fulfilled her father's dream and more, earning a master's degree in computer science/engineering. Her story is the triumph of a soul. Watch for more from this fledgling author.

936.73---

Moriarty, J.T. (2003). Phillis Wheatley : African American poet = poeta afroamericana. New York : Rosen Pub. Group.ISBN-13: 9780823941674


Price: $20.95Grades: 3-5Reviews: Booklist (February 15, 1997); School Library Journal (July 1, 2001)

A biography of the African slave who was taken in and educated by a Boston couple and became well-known because of the poetry she wrote.

A practical, well-documented introduction to the life and work of the poet. Salisbury chronicles what is known about her subject and places it in the context of the times. In the process, she describes slavery, Christian New England, and the American Revolution. The main events of Wheatley's life are related in a clear fashion; the text is organized into interesting subheadings and accompanied by period maps and reproductions. Readers may be inspired to learn more about this remarkable woman.

957.68--

Goodwin, David. (1991). Cesar Chavez : hope for the people = César Chávez : la esperanza para el pueblo. New York : Fawcett Columbine.ISBN: 9780449906262Price: $11.99Grades: 5Reviews: Children’s Literature (February 1, 1992); KLIATT Review (April 1, 1992)

The son of poor Mexican Americans, Cesar Chavez grew up in grinding poverty. In 1962, he set out to do what many before him had tried and failed to do -- organize a trade union for farm workers. With courage and determination, he transformed the plight of the workers into an international cause.

This review was written to address three books in the "Great Lives" series which provide biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sandra Day O'Connor and Thomas Jefferson. There are at least 17 books in this new series of biographies written for middle school readers. The subjects are categorized as "Great Explorers," "Leaders of 20th Century Politics and Government," and "Great Americans." The covers feature pastel portraits. Inside are a few grainy photographs. Each book contains a table of contents, eight or ten chapters, a short bibliography, and a paragraph about the author. The O'Connor book also includes an appendix that explains how the Supreme Court works and the Jefferson book includes a copy of the Declaration of Independence. The Chavez book is a bilingual edition, Spanish on the left-hand page and English on the right. I found that a useful arrangement for trying to expand my limited knowledge of Spanish. The translation is by Maria Teresa Gonzales. The book makes clear how Chavez neglected his own family in his zeal for "La Causa" but it also makes clear the urgency of that cause. None of the books is a laudatory whitewash of the character, as so many biographies for young readers have been in the past. The O'Connor book makes such a sincere attempt at simplifying the complicated cases she dealt with that it left me confused. The Jefferson book provides perspective for numerous famous episodes in our country's history. I would have liked to see crediting for some of the information, but recognize that it would be inappropriate for a short book for young readers to be replete with footnotes. A few minor typos don't interfere with these books being useful for their intended purpose

969.67---

Thatcher Murcia, Rebecca. (2011). What it's like to be-- Marta Vieira = Qué se siente al ser-- Marta Vieira. Hockessin, Del. : Mitchell Lane Publishers.ISBN: 9781584158523 Price: $25.79


Grades: 1-3Reviews: Booklist (October 15, 2010); School Library Journal (January 1, 2011)

Celebrity series are not only omnipresent, they’re largely interchangeable. What gives these titles in the What It’s Like to Be / Qué se siente al ser . . . series a larger reach is the bilingual focus. Each layout carves out spaces for both English and Spanish, and though the asymmetrical placement isn’t especially conducive to word-to-word comparison, it is nonetheless a sturdy translation that will be appreciated by bilingual learners. The expected puffery pairs fairly dense blocks of cheery text with both staged publicity shots and grainier candids. The layout is simple but effective, with insets spotlighting secondary characters as well as oversized arrows clarifying group shots. Marta Vieira describes the four-time FIFA World Player of the Year as she performs admirably on and off the soccer field. No source notes here, but a list of further reading will aid report writers in these titles good for entry-level celebrity worship. Grades 1-3Series:

995.46----

+25.79 = 1021.25-16.95=1004.30-15.95=988.35

Gange, Tammy. (2011). What it's like to be-- Sonia Sotomayor = Qué se siente al ser-- Sonia Sotomayor. Hockessin, Del. : Mitchell Lane Publishers.ISBN: 9781584158530Price: $25.79Grades: 1-3Reviews: Booklist (October 15, 2010); School Library Journal (January 1, 2011)

These titles cover the lives of contemporary women who excel in very different fields. Each book chronicles the individual's childhood, education, and current achievements. For instance, children learn about Sonia Sotomayor's birth in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, her studies at Princeton and Yale, and her work for the New York State Court System before being appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Shakira readers discover how a childhood memory of homeless kids wandering in a park moved the superstar to help needy children in her native Colombia. Each book treats women with the same attention to detail and relevant photos, and child-friendly bilingual texts illustrate each point. Youngsters will enjoy learning about these personalities.

martinez bilingual biographybooks

Documents

book reviews

kirkus reviews

texas reviews

life of celia cruz

life of gabriel garcia

bilingual book

celia cruzs life

school library journal