Brown, M. (2004). My name is Celia: the life of celia cruz. (R. Lopez Illus.) Flagstaff:
Luna Rising.
This biographical bilingual picture book chronicles the life of Salsa singer Celia Cruz. The book begins with Cruz’s childhood in Havana, Cuba, follows her as she flees Cuba and enters the US, and describes how her love of music and Cuba made her an international Salsa superstar. The vibrant pictures bring the colorful and passionate Celia Cruz to life.
Genre: biography picture book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K-3
Awards: Pura Belpre Honor
Gonzalez, L. (2008) The storyteller’s candle. (L. Delacre Illus.) San Francisco:
Children’s Book Press
Set in the era of the Great Depression, Hildamar and her family are missing their warm homeland Puerto Rico, during the Christmas season. One day Hildamar wonders what is inside the tall building with the big windows. Her aunt is quick to tell her that it is the library and that she is not welcomed there. Soon, Hildamar meets Pura Belpre, a Puerto Rican librarian. Belpre welcomes all the children to the library, and the people of the barrio help make a festive holiday celebration. This story is based on the real life Pura Belpre, an esteemed librarian, storyteller, and author.
Genre: fiction picture book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K-3
Awards: Pura Belpre Honor
Morales, Y. (2003). Just a minute: a trickster tale and counting book. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
In this Mexican influenced tale, Grandma Beetle wakes one morning to finds Senor Calavera, death personified, knocking on her door. Before Grandma Beetle can go with Senor Calavera, she has preparations for a birthday party to make. As Grandma Beetle makes her preparations, the story counts in both Spanish and English the number of items that Grandma Beetle must prepare. A fun read aloud, children will enjoy reading how the trickster ends up being tricked. The pictures are vibrant and true to the colors of Mexican living.
Genre: fiction picture book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K-3
Awards: Pura Belpre Award, ALA Notable
Munoz Ryan, P. (2000) Esperanza rising. New York: Scholastic.
On the eve of her thirteenth birthday Esperanza’s father, a wealthy landowner in Mexico, is killed by bandits. Esperanza and her mother, having lost everything, have to flee to America. They move to California and live in a camp for farm workers. Set in 1924, the story tells the struggle of the early farm workers in California and how Esperanza’s life is forever changed, as she learns the true meaning of hard work, family, and friends.
Genre: historical fiction
Suggested Grade Level(s): 5-8
Awards: Pura Belpre Award, ALA Notable
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