The Farolitos of Christmas

The Farolitos of Christmas

Written and illustrated by: Rudolfo Anaya

Elementary Grades

"Richly colored full-page paintings show a lovingly individualized Chicano family that is part of a New Mexico community in the open landscape under the starlit winter sky. Anaya's upbeat story, first published in a magazine in 1987, focuses on Luz, a young girl whose father, wounded in World War II, hasn't come home yet. Her sick grandfather is not strong enough to cut the logs for the traditional luminarias (small bonfires), so Luz and her Indian friend Reina from a nearby pueblo find a way to make farolitos (lighted candles in paper bags weighted with sand) to light the way for the Christmas pilgrims. The Spanish words are a natural part of the narrative (they're explained in a glossary at the back), and if the plot's contrived (Dad returns home just in time), the image of the path of light is touching and beautiful."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://gosw.about.com/od/artscraftsandshopping/a/luminarias.htm

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Written and illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

Elementary Grades

"Winking and nodding as she goes, a Latino grandmother will charm readers as she charms Death Himself in this original counting-cum-trickster tale. When skeletal Senor Calavera appears at the door, Grandma Beetle bids him wait while she sweeps ONE house ('UNO'), makes TWO pots of tea ('DOS'), grinds THREE pounds of corn for tortillas ('TRES'), and so on, culminating in a festive birthday party at which Senor Calavera finds himself guest number TEN ('DIEZ'). As Grandma, round and brown, with sparkles in her eyes and gray hair both, bustles about, the expression on Senor Calavera's sugar-skull face grows more and more hilariously impatient -- but by party's end, he's departed, leaving a thank-you note promising to be back for Grandma Beetle's next birthday. Lit with dancing lines and warm colors, Morales' illustrations enhance the appeal of this winning story even further."

Kirkus Starred Review

Online Resources:
http://www.yuyimorales.com/just_aminute.htm

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 Land Sings: Stories from the Rio Grande

My Land Sings: Stories from the Rio Grande

Written by: Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrated by: Amy Cordova

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"This collection of stories has elements of both Mexican and Native American folklore. Anaya has included five of his own stories and retold and enhanced five traditional tales. Filled with ghosts, devils, and tricksters, these cuentos are suffused with the beliefs of the peoples in the Rio Grande region. Because of the predominating Roman Catholicism of those who settled the area, the pieces have strong elements of that religion in them as well. The tales are divided into categories such as rogues and rascals, enchantment, animals, and riddles; some are humorous, while others teach a lesson. The latter is represented by the author's story "Sipa's Choice," in which a young leader and his people are metamorphosed into golden carp because the young man failed to respect the traditional ways of his father. Anaya champions the reading of a good book or listening to a folktale as an opportunity to insert one's own experiences into the story and, hence, to nurture the imagination. This appealing volume will add diversity to folklore collections."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/chh/bio/anaya_r.htm

Los Gatos Black on Halloween

Los Gatos Black on Halloween

Written by: Marisa Montes
Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

Elementary Grades

"A cat's green eyes stare out from the book's cover. Inside, there are more of los gatos--as well as las brujas (witches), los fantasmas (ghosts), and los esqueletos (skeletons looking like they have come from a Dia de los Muertos celebration. The pithy, rhyming text tells a frightening, if familiar, story. The ghosts and ghoulies are off to a Monsters' Ball at Haunted Hall, and though there's plenty of scary stuff around, the guests are most frightened by the children who come knocking at the door for trick-or-treat. Montes' evocative poem deserves exceptional artwork, and Morales obliges. Her soft-edged paintings glow with the luminosity of jewels, and her witches, werewolves, and corpses are frighteningly executed. Therein lies what may be a problem for preschoolers. These fiends aren't particularly kid-friendly; they are dead-eyed, Day of the Dead folk who scare. For slightly older children, however, this spookiness is what Halloween is all about. The Spanish is neatly integrated into the text, but for those who need clarification, a glossary is appended."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.marisamontes.com/GatosBlack.htm

Downtown Boy

Downtown Boy

Written by: Juan Felipe Herrera

Junior High and High School Grades

"Juanito Paloma, his mother Lucha, and his elderly father Felipe, are a tiny family who, after years of working in the fields of California's Central Valley, move to San Francisco's Latin Mission District to live with relatives. Juanito longs to be in one place, rather than "going, going, going," and pines for the love of his often-absent father. This family story of growing up Latino will resonate with readers of all backgrounds."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=3035
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/books/review/Burt2-t.html?_r=2&oref=slogin

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/

A Library for Juana: The World of Sor Juana Ines

A Library for Juana: The World of Sor Juana Ines

Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Beatriz Vidal

Elementary Grades

"This attractive picture-book biography introduces Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz--Mexican child prodigy turned renowned seventeenth-century scholar and poet. After teaching herself to read at age three, Juana Ines studied at the university in Mexico City and then at the viceroy's palace, where she earned a national reputation for her vast knowledge. Finally, she became a nun, devoting her life to poetry and study. Children will enjoy Mora's inspiring, anecdote-filled account of a Latin American woman who loved learning during a time when few women were educated."

Booklist Review

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

Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon

Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon

Written by: Susanna Reich
Illustrated by: Raul Colon

Elementary Grades

"This picture-book biography tells the story of Jose Limon, who became a legendary figure in the history of American dance. Reich punctuates the scenes of Limon's childhood in Mexico with sensory details, especially sounds: the "TRILLIA-WEET! TRILLIA-WEET!" of his grandmother's canary singing; the clicking heels of flamenco dancers; the cries of "Ole! Ole! Ole!" at the bullfight; and his mama's bedtime lullaby: "SORA-SORA-SO, SORA-SO." Later, Reich shows how the rhythmic sounds from Limon's childhood became inspirations for movements expressed in his dance.

When civil war in Mexico leads to fighting in the streets of their town, Linon's family flees to the U.S. In elementary school, laughter at his poor English fires his determination to succeed. As an adult, he moves to New York City, discovers his passion for dance, and works hard to become a dancer and choreographer. Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, this picture book offers a soaring portrayal of achievement."

Booklist Review

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

The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans

The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans

High School Grades

Written by: Carmen Tafolla

"Readers will be rewarded by the wisdom, wit, and hope in these 16 short stories. The selections range from the mystical appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in "The Holy Tortilla" to the haunting yet empowering story of a victim in "The Stuff to Scream With." Other stories include the importance and power of cultural heritage in "Inheritance"; a frisky housewife and doubting husband in "Federico and Elfiria"; and the strong sense of community in "Black Leather Lu." What all of these stories have in common is the optimism that comes from taking emotional risks and forming relationships with family, friends, and community. Most of them take place in San Antonio and are peppered with Spanish words and phrases, giving the stories an authentic feeling of place. A well-organized glossary is provided. This collection will be sought after by both teens and teachers looking for strong characters and an eloquent voice in Chicana literature."

School Library Journal Review

Online resources:
http://www.wingspress.com/book.cfm/91/The-Holy-Tortilla-and-a-Pot-of-Beans/Carmen-Tafolla/

He Forgot to Say Goodbye

He Forgot to Say Goodbye
Written by: Benjamin Alire Saenz

High School Grades (strong language)

This novel is the second young adult novel from author Benjamin Alire Saenz which follows the lives of several high school aged characters as they navigate through cultural and social issues in their El Paso, Texas neighborhoods. It would appear Ramiro Lopez from “Dizzyland”, a working class Mexican-American barrio, and Jake Upthegrove from the upper West Side of El Paso would have little in common. A tragic twist of events including the drug related death of a family member bring Ramiro and Jake together creating an unlikely friendship that flourishes in spite of the cultural differences that exist between both characters. What transpires is a well-written novel that shows how family, culture, and social class barriers can be broken down allowing adolescents to break free of some of the stereotypes that exist in society. The author of this book uses strong and conversational language high school students will identify with. Adolescent readers will be drawn to the “realness” and relevancy of this book.

Jennie's Review

Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi Leon

Written by: Pam Munoz Ryan

Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Naomi and her brother Owen have been living happily for seven years with Gram, their great-grandmother, at Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho in Lemon Tree, California. When the mother who abandoned them shows up after a long absence, eleven-year-old Naomi is confused about her feelings. Soon Naomi learns about her mother's true motives, comes to trust Gram's ongoing devotion more than ever, and starts to unravel the mystery surrounding her father Santiago. A whirlwind trailer ride to Mexico, a new extended family that embraces her, and her participation in a local festival all help Naomi understand her León heritage and develop her own strength and determination. As these events unfold, Naomi begins to prepare for her greatest test — the day in court when her very future depends on speaking her truth — and she becomes who she is meant to be — the Naomi Soledad León Outlaw, Naomi the lioness, of her wildest dreams."

Scholastic Press

Web Resources:
http://www.pammunozryan.com/naomi.html
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1431

Tomas and the Library Lady

Tomas and the Library Lady
Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Raul Colon

Elementary Grades - Available in English and Spanish

"Tomás and the Library Lady is the story of a Mexican American boy named Tomás during one summer in Iowa and the impact that a kind librarian and a multitude of books had on his life.

The story is even more affecting when we realize it is a fictionalized account of one summer in the life of a real person. An afterword reveals that the story is based on the childhood experiences of Tomás Rivera, a migrant worker whose desire to learn led him to a career as a writer and educator. He died in 1984, while serving as the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside."

Children's Picture Book Review

Awards:
Texas Bluebonnet Master List Title, 1999-2000

Web Resources:
www.patmora.com

In My Family

In My Family

Written and Illustrated by: Carmen Lomas Garza

Available in English and Spanish - Elementary

Taken from the introduction of In My Family: "When I was growing up, a lot of us were punished for speaking Spanish. We were punished for being who we were, and we were made to feel ashamed of our culture. That was very wrong. My art is a way of healing these wounds."

This is a very touching auto-biographical story told in pictures of how the author dealt with cultural issues related to growing up in a Mexican-American community in Texas. If you loved her first book, Family Pictures, you'll love sharing more of the stories and images that remain so vividly in Carmen's memory, and that have influenced so much of her art.

Winner of the Pura Belpre Honor Book, 1997
Texas Bluebonnett Master List, 1997-1998