This bilingual story shows the importance of family and of reading, while also emphasizing the rewards of passing along cultural traditions. Beautiful illustrations portray the moving story of Bela and her grandma, who love to tell stories, braid hair, and play lotería with the family: “Our stories, like our braids, bind us forever.”
Latinx in US
Benito’s Sopaipillas/Las sopaipillas de Benito
As they prepare to make the traditional, pillowy bread called sopaipilla, Christina’s grandmother tells about the time her great-grandfather, aided by a scarecrow, brought an end to a drought and, in the process, helped make the first sopaipilla.
My House/Mi casa
Teaches children the names of common objects in and around the house with pages of delightful illustrations.
My Tata’s Guitar/La guitarra de mi tata
While sharing stories of their Mexican-American family’s past, a father gives his young son the guitar he received from his own father.
A Gift from Papá Diego / Un regalo de papá Diego
A border is nothing for people who love.””Sensitively told and true to the experience of many Mexican Americans, this bilingual picture book bridges the borders that separate all families who must live far apart from their loved ones.” -Booklist”…accompanied by innovative illustrations, originally modeled with clay. Reminiscent of Mexican folk art, they fit the story especially well, conveying its warmth and poignancy.” -Kirkus Reviews”A tender love story of a book…a kiss on the forehead at bedtime!” -Naomi Shihab Nye”A stylist in both poetry and prose, Sáenz has now taken his magic of flight to younger readers. This is his gift to them. Parents, snuggle up to your children at night and read this delightful tale of Dieguito.” -Gary Soto”La traduccíon al español es buena y el diseño del libro es atractivo.” -People en Español”The tender story in A Gift From Papá Diego / Un regalo de Papá Diego by Benjamin Alire Saenz is sprinkled with Spanish expressions throughout the English version, adding to the flavor of this bilingual tale. A glossary of the terms used is provided at the end of the book. In addition, a complete Spanish text is printed on each half page. Illustrations of wonderful clay figures painted with bright colors highlight the narrative and provide an attractive graphic border. This paperback original is a debut into the world of children’s books for Mr. Saenz, and he has succeeded in writing a poignant read-aloud book for young children – at once entertaining and comforting.”¿Barbara Bonds ThomasBenjamin Alire Sáenz was born in his grandmother¿s house in Picacho, New Mexico¿a farming village 40 miles north of the border between Mexico and the United States. Ben¿s parents spoke mostly Spanish at home and his grandparents spoke only Spanish, so Ben learned much of his English from his brothers and sisters, his friends, and by watching cartoons on television. When he was a little boy, he was a passionate reader of comic books¿Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and all the rest of the Super Heros. Ben thought it was cool that Superman could fly. Growing up, Ben discovered that he liked to write. He liked to draw and paint, too.
Big Enough/Bastante Grande
When a treasured pinata is threatened, little Lupita discovers that she is big enough to help her mother.
The Red Umbrella
The Red Umbrellais the moving tale of a 14-year-old girl’s journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan-an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro’s revolution. In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucecita Aacute lvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. Her friends feel like strangers. And her family is being watched. As the revolution’s impact becomes more oppressive, Lucecita’s parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States-on their own. Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucecita struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will sheeve see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl? The Red Umbrellas a moving story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home.
Carmen Learns English
The first day of school can be scary, especially when no one else speaks your language. Carmen, who speaks only Spanish, knows she must be brave. Her teacher’s Spanish is muy terrible; but with a little encouragement from la Senora, Carmen teaches the class Spanish words and numbers, and she in turn learns English from her new friends.
This book has been included in WOW’s Language and Learning: Children’s and Young Adult Fiction Booklist. For our current list, visit our Booklist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.
Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El Dia De Los Ninos/El Dia De Los Libros
Take a ride in a long submarine or fly away in a hot air balloon. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring your favorite book! Rafael López’s colorful illustrations perfectly complement Pat Mora’s lilting text in this delightful celebration of El día de los ni_os/El día de los libros; Children’s Day/Book Day. Toon! Toon!Includes a letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating El día de los ni_os/El día de los libros; Children’s Day/Book Day.Pasea por el mar en un largo submarino o viaja lejos en un globo aerostftico. No importa lo que hagas, _no olvides traer tu libro preferido! Las coloridas ilustraciones de Rafael López complementan perfectamente el texto rítmico de Pat Mora en esta encantadora celebración de El día de los ni_os/El día de los libros. _Tun! _Tun!Incluye una carta de la autora y sugerencias para celebrar El día de los ni_os/El día de los libros.The author will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to literacy initiatives related to Children’s Day/Book Day.La autora donarf una porción de las ganancias de este libro a programas para fomentar la alfabetización relacionados con El día de los ni_os/El día de los libros.
Rudy’s Memory Walk
As high school senior Rudy adjusts his attitudes toward the elderly when his senile grandmother has to move in with his family, his girlfriend encourages him to talk with a friend’s mother who has similar problems with her own mother.