Comments on: Interview with Xavier Garza, Part 3

By: Janine Schall

Janine Schall — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:15:54 +0000

I grew up in a place where people only spoke English and didn’t really have any exposure to other languages until high school. It would have been great to have bilingual books in that particular context–although I wouldn’t have been able to read the other language, I think it would have given me a curiosity about other languages. It’s important to have access to bilingual literature not just for the students who are learning English as an additional language, but for English-speaking students as well!

By: Yazmin Garcia

Yazmin Garcia — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:23:43 +0000

Last semester I was visiting a classroom from the Pharr San Juan , Alamo School district working on my masters research project, and mentioned to the teacher about one project I had in mind. I planned to video record the reactions towards multicultural literature, from her bilingual second grade students . As I gathered as many books as I could, I checked out multicultural books from the library. I was anxious about how would students react towards the books , since they had no experience in reading multicultural books. Yet the results from that project satisfied my expectations, the majority of female students where fighting for books “El Chupacabras”, “Lucha Libre” from Xavier Garza” . The boys run to get the books by Xavier Garza as well; they were very interested for frightening stories. I believe students need to be exposed to books that are appealing, they will show a great interest to read.

By: Rogelio Rios

Rogelio Rios — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:16:34 +0000

I could not agree more with Xavier Garza on the aspect of being bilingual. I believe that those of us that have the ability to speak both languages should embrace it. His books are very appealing to the students and the fact that they are bilingual makes it even better.

By: Sarah Alvarez

Sarah Alvarez — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:37:04 +0000

I agree with the comments about bilingual education. Growing up, I spoke a little Spanish, but once I started school I stopped. I think it would have been beneficial to have more bilingual activities, books, and integration in school. Garza’s books are great since more students are familiar with the tale and can make personal connections with the text.

By: Luz Maria Cantu

Luz Maria Cantu — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:28:55 +0000

I agree with Mr.Garza’s views on bilingualism. It is really refreshing to hear someone being so honest about not giving up your “ancestors’ tongue”. I also am a firm believer in bilingual education, and I’m glad to have found one of many authors that also shares my point of view.

By: Gracia T.Garcia

Gracia T.Garcia — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:19:47 +0000

Mr. Garza, I have to thank you for helping our students connect to our culture with your book on Lucha Libre, I was very happy to see my hero in your book after so many years. Congratulations and keep up your good work!

By: Yadira

Yadira — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:51:00 +0000

I am a strong advocate of bilingualism. Growing up I did not have an opportunity to express myself in my first language, instead, I was encouraged to speak only English because “I was in America.” I simply would not accept this, of course, I kept my beautiful Spanish language and added the English into my system. Living in the Rio Grande Valley, one would think that the Spanish language would be passed on, fact of the matter is that many people try to “erase” the Spanish language and not make it part of their lives, such a shame.

By: Yemin Sanchez

Yemin Sanchez — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:56:24 +0000

I consider extremely important for students to maintain their bilingualism especially if they live here in the Rio Grande Valley were both languages share, to some extent, the same degree of importance. I am a very strong advocate of bilingualism and I can only see it as a tool for a prosperous and marketable career.

By: Yemin Sanchez

Yemin Sanchez — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:28:40 +0000

I feel very excited to know that authors like Xavier are representing the voices of the valley and of our ancestors through the popular legends like the lechuzas and the chupacabras. The bilingual books he has written are excellent especially for our LEP population who enjoy reading about their own culture and reinforce their English and Spanish consequently.

By: Maryela Garza

Maryela Garza — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:23:22 +0000

I read Luch Libre to my bilingual class in English first and my students really enjoyed it. In the afternoon, I read it again in Spanish and they loved it. It was really great to be able to read to them in both languages.