WOW Dozen: Biographies of Latin American and Latinx Activists, Politicians and Freedom Fighters
Latin American and Latinx people have a long history of fighting to make their world a better place. In the face of oppression, discrimination, or inequality leaders have emerged to work for change across generations. Sometimes they do so by working within the system as a political or military leader but sometimes they seek change by working outside the system to disrupt institutionalized injustice.
This collection contains 12 picturebook biographies of Latinx and Latin American activists, politicians, and freedom fighters working for political freedom, better working conditions, environmental justice and more. Some of these people are beloved by all, while others have controversial histories. While the causes, movements, and actions vary, each biography depicts someone passionate about their cause and focused on improving their community.
In the early 1800s, Bolívar led his native Venezuela and other South American countries in the fight for independence from Spain.
Childhood experiences influence Dolores Huerto and Cesar Chavez to join forces and fight for farmworker rights.
Activist José Martí worked for Cuban independence from Spain and the abolition of slavery in Cuba.
After serving in World War I, José helps form an organization focused on improving the treatment of Mexican Americans.
In the first part of the 1800s, Ignacio rises to prominence in the Mexican military, eventually leading the ragtag army to victory over the invading French.
Twins Julián and Joaquin build political careers rooted in family and the desire to improve their community.
Luz, a Nahua woman in Mexico, becomes an advocate and educator promoting the Nahua language and culture.
Alexandria learns to work with and for her community during her childhood in the Bronx and later becomes the youngest congresswoman in the United States.
Born a poor rubber tapper in the Amazon, Chico becomes a leader in the fight to save the rainforest.
In the 1920s Jovita Valdovinos joins revolutionaries fighting against the Mexican government in the Cristero Revolution.
Colombia’s greatest revolutionary, La Pola, was a seamstress who fought for independence from Spain.
During a tumultuous time in Mexico’s history, Benito Juárez fought for equal rights and progressive values.
WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older "must have" books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen. Use the printer icon in the upper left corner of this post to print or save this list as a PDF.
A new book that would make a good addition to this list is "Planting Hope: A Portrait of Photographer Sebastiao Salgado" by Philip Hoelzel & Renato Alarcao. It was published about a month ago and is a biography of the Brazilian photographer and activist.