A passionate nine year old boy from Mexico City, loves to paint murals like his hero, the legendary 20th century Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. He dreams of the day he will become as famous as Diego Rivera so he can take care of his family and never have to watch his father clean other people’s buildings ever again. However, because of this single-minded quest, Manuel learns how his actions can affect the lives of others in ways he never imagined. Manuel takes a solo journey to learn more about Diego Rivera’s art, but what he finds is a greater understanding of his own culture. The theme of this picture book revolves around family; however, an appreciation of who we are emerges as colorful as the soul that is Mexico.
Fiction
Fiction genre
Mascot
Six eighth graders outside Washington, DC, navigate through conflict and division focused on their school district’s Native American mascot.
The Nicest Gift
A little boy living in a Los Angeles barrio is desolate when Christmas Day arrives and his lost dog still hasn’t been found.
Juanita
Juanita takes the dove she received for her fourth birthday to the Old Mission Church for the blessing of the animals.
A Snake Falls To Earth
Fifteen-year-olds Nina and Oli come from different words–she is a Lipan Apache living in Texas and he is a cottonmouth from the Reflecting World–but their lives intersect when Oli journeys to Earth to find a cure for his ailing friend and they end up helping each other save their families.
Dream Feather
Guided by the wisdom within the Grandfathers’ words, a young boy follows the Dream Feather from the quiet of night to the awakening that radiates from the other side of the Sun.
Circle Of Wonder
A mute Indian child has an extraordinary experience one Christmas when, following a figure who seems to be his beloved grandfather who has died, he becomes part of a circle in which he, animals, nature, and all the world join in a moment of peace and good will.
Pedro, The Angel Of Olvera Street
Little Pedro, who sings like an angel, is allowed to lead the Christmas procession, known as La Posada, through the old Mexican section of downtown Los Angeles.
Carlos Y La Feria/ Carlos And The Carnival
Carlos ignores his father’s advice about being careful how he spends his money at the carnival, and soon his pockets are empty.