Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States

Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States

Written by: Lori Carlson

Junior High and High School Grades

"Carlson follows up Cool Salsa (1994) with another bilingual collection of poems that appear in both Spanish and English. Included are many well-known writers, such as Gary Soto and Luis J. Rodriguez, who appeared in the first volume, as well as emerging poets. Divided into loose categories--language, identity, neighborhoods, amor, family moments, "victory"--the poems often speak about the complex challenges of being bicultural."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2005/09/author-interview-lori-m-carlson-on-red.html

Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States

Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States

Written by: Lori Carlson

Junior High and High School Grades

"As hot as jalapenos and as cool as jazz, this collection serves up "ingles con chile" and Spanish that "you feel in the blood of your soul." Lyrical, traditional poems share space with street-smart free verse, and works by the likes of Sandra Cisneros and Gary Soto are juxtaposed with entries from lesser-knowns. Illustrating the "beat and pulse" of generations of U.S. writers of Latin American heritage, the poems are presented both in the original and in translation; poems making use of both languages are easily accessible to English-only readers by virtue of an appended glossary of Spanish terms."

Publishers Weekly Review

Online Resources:
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2005/09/author-interview-lori-m-carlson-on-red.html

Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America

Diez Deditos and Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: Elisa Kleven

Elementary Grades

"Singer-songwriter Jose-Luis Orozco has assembled a collection of finger rhymes and other action songs from Latin America. Including favorites such as "The Wheels on the Bus" as well as folk songs from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, Diez Deditos is a treat for the eyes, ears, and fingers. Lyrics are presented in both English and Spanish, and easy-to-follow musical accompaniment and diagrams for the corresponding actions are also provided. As in the companion volume De Colores, bright collage illustrations by Elisa Kleven complete the appeal of this fun-filled book."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.begintoread.com/articles/reading-with-activities.html

De Colores and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children

De Colores and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: Elisa Kleven

Elementary Grades

"Fiesta-bright folk art accompanies songs from locales ranging from Argentina to the Dominican Republic. Complete with music and lyrics in both Spanish and English this bilingual collection of Latin American folk songs for children is truly a musical treasure. Each of the 27 songs is presented with background notes; lyrics in both Spanish and English; simple arrangements for the voice, piano, and guitar; and suggestions for group sing-alongs and musical games. Gathered from Spanish-speaking countries but including two of Orozco's own songs, the compilation is a programming gold mine. Included are songs for special occasions ("La pinata"), counting songs ("El chocolate"), and animal songs ("La arana pequenita"--"The Eensy, Weensy Spider" in Spanish!). There is even a handy subject index to locate appropriate songs. The book is a delight for the eye as well as the ear."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects/ninos/songsrhymes.html

Rubia and the Three Osos

Rubia and the Three Osos

Written by: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet

Elementary Grades

"A marvelous retelling of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” with a lively bilingual twist. Rubia makes herself at home while the three osos go out for a stroll. Where the original story concludes with confrontation and flight, Elya's surprise ending offers conflict resolution and friendship. The narrative includes bouncy rhythms and smoothly intersperses Spanish words into the English. This technique helps children use context to determine their meaning. The book will also help preschoolers grasp the concept of opposites while expanding their vocabularies in both languages. Spanish is printed in a purple font, and a glossary is provided in the back."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.susanelya.com/files/home.htm

No More, Por Favor

No More, Por Favor

Written by: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrated by: David Walker

Elementary Grades

"The rain forest is lush with delicious things to eat, but it’s also full of terribly picky eaters! Mangoes are too sweet for the baby iguana, bananas are just too yellow for monito (little monkey), and little quetzal can’t take even one more squishy avocado. Then fed-up Mamá Macaw has an idea that brings all the kids together to share a meal, and everyone finds exciting new foods to try. And what could be more fun than sharing a feast with friends?"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.susanelya.com/files/home.htm

Poems to Dream Together/poemas Para Sonar Juntos: Poemas Para Sonar Juntos

Poems to Dream Together/poemas Para Sonar Juntos: Poemas Para Sonar Juntos

Written by: Francisco X. Alacorn
Illustrated by: Paula Barragan

Elementary Grades

"A young boy dreams that "all humans / and all living / beings / come together / as one big family / of the Earth." So begins this delightful bilingual collection of poems by Francisco X. Alarcón. As we travel through the boy's colorful universe, we learn about his family and community working together and caring for each other and the world in which they live. Neighbors help repair adobe homes. The boy and his family share old photographs, tend their garden, and pamper Mamá who "works day and night." Tribute is paid to those who toil in the fields, and to César Chávez. Most of all, we see how dreams can take many forms, from the fantastic imaginary ones that occur while we sleep to the realistic ones that guide our lives and give us inspiration for the endless possibilities of the future."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.leeandlow.com/p/alarcon_interview.mhtml

Animal Poems of the Iguazu/Animalario del Iguazu

Animal Poems of the Iguazu/Animalario del Iguazu

Written by: Francisco X. Alacorn
Illustrated by: Maya Christina Gonzalez

Elementary Grades

"In the lush rainforest of the Iguazú National Park, toucans and butterflies flit through the trees while sleek jaguars prowl the jungle floor. Dazzling waterfalls provide a thunderous backdrop while great dusky swifts keep watch overhead. In this magical journey through one of the wonders of the natural world, renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón follows the Amerindian oral tradition, allowing the animals to speak for themselves in their own roaring, soaring, fluttering voices. Maya Christina Gonzalez’s glorious mixed media illustrations bring the vibrant colors and textures of the rainforest to life."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.iguazuargentina.com/espanol/

Abuelita Full of Life/Abuelita Llena de Vida

Abuelita Full of Life/Abuelita Llena de Vida

Written by: Amy Costales
Illustrated by: Martha Aviles

Elementary Grades

"José's grandmother is coming to live in his house and he does not know what to expect. First he has to move some of his belongings to make room for his abuelita, since she will be sharing his room. Then he has to give up some of the backyard where he plays ball so abuelita can grow a vegetable garden. He does not mind in the end since he gets to savor the sweet corn, pumpkin, and other produce. Abuelita changes his life in other ways, all for the better."

Children's Literature Review

Online Resources:
http://www.amycostales.com/connect.htm
http://labloga.blogspot.com/2007/09/interview-with-author-amy-costales.html

Opuestos: Mexican Folk Art Opposites in English and Spanish

Opuestos: Mexican Folk Art Opposites in English and Spanish

Written by: Cynthia Weill

Illustrated by: Martín Santiago, and Quirino Santiago

Elementary Grades

"Oaxacan folk art in the form of hand-carved wood sculptures abounds in this bilingual concept book about opposites. Contrasting concepts include inside and outside, high and low, and left and right, to name a few. At the turn of each page, readers see brightly painted wood characters set against equally vibrantly colored background pages that effortlessly convey the concept the author sets out to teach. On each spread, the English and Spanish words for a single concept face the opposing concept. This attractive volume conveys the concept in a unique and inviting fashion and provides youngsters with an introduction to some Mexican art in the process."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.cincopuntos.com/teacher_resources.sstg
http://maisonceleste.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/932/

ABeCedarios: Mexican Folk Art ABCs in English and Spanish

ABeCedarios: Mexican Folk Art ABCs in English and Spanish

Written by: Cynthia Weill
Illustrated by: Moisés Jiménez, Armando Jiménez, K.B. Basseches (Photographer)

Elementary Grades

"Every ABC book worth its cover price is bound to have bright colors and big letters. But not every ABC book has magical hand-carved animals to illustrate every letter. And very few alphabet books present those letters in more varieties than English! Very few alphabet books except the ABeCedarios, that is! In this brightly colored book, the alphabet is presented in both Spanish and English, and includes the four additional letters—and whimsical animals—that make the Spanish alphabet so much fun.

The famous folk artists, brothers Moisés and Armando Jiménez, carved the wonderful animal figures that illustrate each letter in ABeCedarios. Working with their wives and children in the beautiful village of Arrazola in Oaxaca, Mexico, they carved and painted each enchanting animal by hand. For many centuries, people in Oaxaca have carved wood to make toys and household objects. However, it was Moisés and Armando’s grandfather Manuel who started making animal figures. Now more than sixty families in Arrazola make their living from wood carving."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.cincopuntos.com/teacher_resources.sstg
http://maisonceleste.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/932/

The Bakery Lady / La señora de la panadería

The Bakery Lady / La señora de la panadería

Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Pablo Torrecilla

Elementary Grades

"Mónica spends her life around a bakery, not just because she likes the sweets, but also because she loves her grandparents, the baker and the bakery lady. She watches the bustle of la panadería, and she knows that she will one day be the baker.

Her first real test comes as she and her beloved grandparents prepare for the coming celebration of January sixth, El Día de los Reyes Magos, the Feats of the Three Kings. When Mónica finds the baby in the round bread ring, the King's Ring, it becomes her responsibility to plan the celebration: invitations, decorations, and most important of all, the lemon cookies that Mónica will bake especially for her family and friends. And though she wants to do it all herself, she realizes that the love and help of family can make any job a joy."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/bakerylady.htm

Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Written by: Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy, Alice Schertle
Illustrated by: Vivi Escrivia

Elementary Grades

El sol es de oro
la luna es de plata
y las estrellitas
son de hoja de lata.

The sun's a gold medallion.
The moon's a silver ball.
The little stars are only tin;
I love them best of all.

"Here is a groundbreaking bilingual collection of traditional rhymes that celebrates childhood and Spanish and Latin American heritage. From playing dress up to making tortillas, and from rising at daybreak to falling asleep, these joyful rhymes are sure to delight young readers."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/1913

Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children's Day/ Book Day Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros

Book Fiesta!
Celebrate Children's Day Book Day/Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros

Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Rafael Lopez

Elementary Grades

"Mora encourages teachers, parents, and librarians to celebrate Children's Day/Book Day (April 30th) and includes ideas for observing the festivities. Written in English and Spanish, the text shows children reading in a variety of places, going to the library, listening to stories, and enjoying books. López's acrylic illustrations fill the pages with color. His upbeat iconic style shows how much fun this celebration can be and portrays round-faced kids reading to a variety of pets and riding an elephant or sailing with a whale. Students will be encouraged to join in the book-based activities. This lively selection will motivate and excite children about the adventures they can go on through reading."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.patmora.com/dia/dia_song.htm

Quinito, Day and Night/Quinito, dia y noche

Quinito, Day and Night/Quinito, dia y noche

Written by: Ina Cumpiano
Illustrated by: Jose Ramirez

Elementary Grades

"The author-illustrator team that created Quinito’s Neighborhood (2005) now focuses on family fun in a book about opposites, which is also a celebration of differences. English and Spanish appear on each double-page spread, accompanied by large, bright acrylic illustrations, with shapes thickly outlined in black, that picture Quinito as the middle kid in his family. He and his brother and little sister are young; Grandma and Grandpa are old. Papi is neat; Quinito’s little brother, who leaves his toys everywhere, is messy. When it’s rainy, Quinito is stuck inside and sad; when it’s sunny, he happily cycles outdoors. The appended bilingual glossary of opposites will inspire them to return to the exuberant scenarios in the book."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://pbskids.org/martha/parentsteachers/activities/oppositeday.html

Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi

Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: David Diaz

Elementary Grades

"This lively bilingual Spanish-English picture book depicts how everyday family activities such as cooking, singing, and storytelling prepare children for reading and life."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.joseluisorozco.com/

Estrellita de oro/Little Gold Star: A Cinderella Cuento

Estrellita de oro/Little Gold Star: A Cinderella Cuento

Written by: Joe Hayes
Illustrated by: Gloria Osuna Perez & Lucia Angela Perez

Elementary Grades

"In this Cinderella tale from the Southwest, each of the sisters has an encounter with a magical hawk, but the heroine is kind to the bird and receives a gold star on her forehead. Her spiteful stepsisters go in search of their own gold stars but are rewarded with a donkey's ear and a cow's horn. You can imagine which sister the prince marries!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=13868

The First Tortilla: A Bilingual Story

The First Tortilla: A Bilingual Story

Written by: Rudolpho Anaya
Illustrated by: Amy Cordova

Elementary Grades

"The First Tortilla is a moving, bilingual story of courage and discovery. A small Mexican village is near starvation. There is no rain, and the bean and squash plants are dying. Jade, a young village girl, is told by a blue hummingbird to take a gift to the Mountain Spirit. Then it will send the needed rain. Burning lava threatens her, but Jade reaches the top of the volcano. The Mountain Spirit is pleased. It allows the ants in a nearby cave to share their corn with Jade. The corn was sweet and delicious and Jade took some back to save the village. Jade grinds the dry corn, adds water, and makes dough. She pats the masa and places it on hot stones near the fire. She has made the first tortilla. Soon the making of corn tortillas spreads throughout Mexico and beyond."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.readingtokids.org/Books/BookView.php?pag=3&bookID=00000718

Los tres cerdos / The Three Pigs: Nacho, Tito y Miguel

Los tres cerdos / The Three Pigs: Nacho, Tito y Miguel

Written and illustrated by: Bobbi Salinas

"This book offers a spicy retelling of the familiar tale of the three little pigs. In this version, they are named Nacho, Tito, and Miguel. They eat fresh tortillas and roast corn. They cook green chile stew (recipe included) and prefer to dress in zoot suits, cowboy hats, and guayaberas (a traditional men's shirt). The landscape they inhabit is definitely Southwestern, as are their speech patterns. Violence has been toned down from the original folk tale. Although the wolf still dreams of eating the pigs ("Chicharrones and carnitas sound good!") the most violent scene shows the wolf getting bowled over by a runaway barrel. The excellent illustrations are entertaining, intelligent, and witty, offering lots of visual jokes and cross-cultural references to the likes of Elvis Presley, Frida Kahlo, and Cesar Chavez. This book is meant to be read out loud. Aside from the recipe for green chile stew, it also offers costume ideas for classroom plays, a glossary, and biographical notes about the author."

Publishers Weekly Review

Online Resources:
http://www.riverabookaward.info/page/Salinas,+Bobbi

My Very Own Room/Mi propio cuartito

My Very Own Room/Mi propio cuartito

Written by: Amada Irma Perez
Illustrated by:

Elementary Grades

"I woke up one morning in a crowded bed in a crowded room," begins this warm bilingual story of a young Mexican American girl's search for her own space in an overflowing house. Because the eight-year-old narrator shares a room with five brothers, she climbs trees to find quiet and longs for a room of her own. Behind a flour-sack curtain, she finds a storage closet with possibilities: "I imagined it with my own bed, table, and lamp--a place where I could read the books I loved, write in my diary, and dream." Working together "like a mighty team of powerful ants," the family moves the closet's contents to the back porch and helps the girl create her own room. The naive-style, tropical-colored paintings, reminiscent in places of mural art, illustrate the frustrations of too-little space, the tenderness between the girl and her mother, and the family's loving resourcefulness within the cheerful chaos. An excellent choice for libraries in Hispanic and migrant communities, this book will resonate with all young ones growing up with limited space and resources."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.amadairmaperez.com/