Latino Books

My almost 4 year old son LOVES this book and even my 2 year old will sit through it. We are trying to get our boys to use more Spanish (mixed heritage) and this is a great way to do that.

Every page is full of brilliant Latin colors; we could stare at the pages and be happy. The language is rich and poetic- it breathes magic (or magica). It is mostly in English, but the Spanish words and phrases are put in a way that reader and child can understand them. There's even a glossary in the back so you can know for sure what the words mean and how to pronounce them correctly. It's even forcing me to remember that high school Spanish.

Beautiful book.

I love reading this to my 3-year old daughter. The pictures are so colorful and full of detail.

The language and tone is so fine. The author slips in and out of the two languages, Spanish and English so easily. It is the best way to read a story. It is fantastic for my daughter's imagination. She is flying just like Rosalba, just like we all did when we were young.

We also love her other book "Abuela".

This book is wonderful. As I read this book to my second graders. They feel like they are flying and actually doing what the characters are doing. They really get into the book

I read this book and the author's other children's book (Abuela) with my daughters (ages 2 and 4) who both enjoyed them immensely. Dorros does a great job of mixing the Spanish phrases in and repeating words in both English and Spanish that the story flows nicely and children can pick up some Spanish very naturally along the way. The pictures are very fun as well. I highly recommend it, in fact I came here to look for more books by the same author but unfortunately, didn't find any. I hope he has more in the works, we love them!

!~Josefina learns A Lesson~!
I am writing a book called Josefina Learns a Lesson. Its about a girl who likes to read. She likes to write about her family. She has two sisters and two nephews and a dad. She gos to school to learn how to read and write better. She likes to run outside and play with her nephews. She lives in Mexico. I recommend this book to people who like to read and write. The author is Valerie Tripp .The book is from American Girl Collection. Someother characters in the collection are Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, Molly, and Felicity. There are more characters.

This is another one of the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl (almost ten!) living in the New Mexico of 1824. When a flashflood brings disaster to her father's rancho, Josefina's aunt Dolores suggests that they begin weaving blankets that they can trade. Josefina throws herself into the work, eager to help the family, but one of her sisters is holding back, and Josefina needs to find out why.

The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at schooling in New Mexico in 1824. Jean-Paul Tibbles' illustrations are nothing short of excellent, and add so much to this wonderful story.

This is another of the excellent stories that American Girls presents. This one also has a fine lesson, while the story is highly entertaining. Also, I do enjoy the way the author has realistically woven Josefina's religion into her daily life; religion is something lacking in most American Girls stories. My eleven-year-old daughter and I read this book together; we both enjoyed it, and we both recommend it to you.

I like that there is a glossary of Spanish words at the end of the book, because I know that if I ever go to Mexico, I will know how to say thank-you and stuff like that (gracias). The idea of a maid teaching Josephina and Josephina being so eager to learn makes me stunned. I think that you will very much enjoy the pictures, as I did. I did not recognize the dyes that the girls used to dye the wool, but from the pictures I understood that they were very beautiful. (Carmelle, Age 8)

Nine year old Josefina Montoya is growing up on a rancho in New Mexico in 1824. When Josefina's Tia Dolores comes to visit to Montoyas, Josefina learns about a world beyond the rancho-a world of elegance. But Josefina and her sisters begin to worry that Tia Dolores will replace Mama, who died last year. And then disaster strikes. The Montoyas lose most of their sheep in a terrible flood. Tia Dolores comes to the rescue with the suggestion that the Montoyas weave blankets to sell so that they can get new sheep. But more and more, Josefina and her sisters begin to believe that all the new ideas their aunt has brought will make them forget all that Mama taught them. Then, Tia Dolores begins to teach the girls to read and write. Mama couldn't read and write, and Josefina and her sisters aren't sure she'd approve. More and more, Josefina must face many changes-both good and bad.

An excellent book teaching students and children differences and similarities of culture. My students love it! Fun and well written. The ending is touching.

I was telling my sister-in-law about a friend's child who just started a new school and is having a hard time. My sister-in-law knew about this book and suggested I get it for my friend. She loved it! After she read it to her son, it opened up a whole discussion on what would be the same and different at his new school, and how the differences don't have to be bad. He really responded well. I read it, too, and I have to say, after just starting a new job, I found myself laughing at how appropriate this children's book is to my life. You may miss friends and things from the past, but you can learn a lot from new experiences. Ms. Miller's students are lucky to have her as a teacher.

Just Like Home is unlike any other book I've ever encountered for ESL and Bilingual curriculum. It's patterned, alternating format is perfectly designed for English and Spanish language learners alike.

It is moving, engaging, and an honest account of the challenges and joys faced by every child who is faced with two cultures or two languages.

It is a must read!

I just received an early edition of this wonderful children's book.

This eloquently written and beautifully illustrated children's book effectively describes what it is like for a child to move to a new place.

While this book is about a girl who moves to a new country, it can be used to help any child who is faced with moving to a new place and adapting to a different life.

The writing is fast-paced and kept my young child interested. And the pictures are colorful; they really help to tell this story.

Since the book is in Spanish and English, it is a great teaching tool for ESL classes and Spanish classes alike. And the well-thought-out glossary in the back of the book makes it an effective study book for an English class.

I could not find any other children's books by the brilliant author, Elizabeth I. Miller, so I'm guessing that this is her first book. My son and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next

ONCE I GOT THIS BOOK I STARTED TO READ IT AND I SERIOUSLY SAT DOWN FOR FOUR HOURS WITHOUT GETTING UP TO EAT OR ANYTHING... AND IT WAS WORTH IT. I WISH I HAD READ THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. GREAT BOOK. IT WOULD BE COOL IF THERE WAS A MOVIE MADE ABOUT IT TOO!

Maggie Castillo, a Cuban girl living in Florida, picks a jasmine every morning from the vine that grows outside her home. On the last petal on the flower reveals her fortune for the day. She is head over heals for this guy named Zach but maybe she will find out another boy id better. She is to shy to confide in her mother, a bust nurse, and her best friend is to busy with her new boyfriend to even listen to Maggie. Maybe she can confide in Mrs. Maxwell , the elderly lady she takes care of after school, about her new friend Justin. Mayeb she will find she has been asking her jasmine the wrong question all along?

this book is a great book if you are struggleing in a relationship or you are a young teenage girl who is lovesick, or in need of love. the book is about a cuban girl maggie and her life she incorperates other stuff into it but it is mostly a love story for teens, i know that i wanted it to keep going, in most romances there is way too much goosh but this one was not, it was perfect! i borrowed it from the library but as soon as i finished it i wanted to buy it so i could read it over and over again! i am not one to re-read books but i want to read this one billions of times.

I think, "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" is a really good story because I understand how Maggie feels. I mean, this is relatable and this happens with people.

Maggie Castillo likes this guy Zach Sherwood, only he doesn't really notice her. Maggie doesn't really see Zach's true nature because she's so blind thinking of him as a God. Then there's Justin Bentley, the new guy from a private school. When Maggie's with Justin she has fun and there is a certain thrill. But which guy does Maggie really like and can she recognize whom she really likes in time?

This book is not really adventurous but I really like it, because Maggie explores herself and learns more about herself. In a way, I think this is a powerful book because of how it shows people. There are some issues that this book explores and I would recommend this book to all readers!

This is a delightful collection of odes to ordinary things, in the tradition of Neruda, but written in language much more accessible to elementary and/or middle school students and accompanied by charming woodcut designs. This book would be useful in introducing poetry, especially to native Spanish speaking students, in that most of the vocabulary is fairly unintimidating and many of the subjects spring from experiences as universal as eating snow cones in the summer, watching fireworks, tennis shoes, and visiting the library. Also useful is the short glossary of terms for the Spanish-impaired ;-)

I love this book for so many reasons! The poems are great and students will be able to relate to them. Teachers will have so many ways to incorporate these and should be able to come up with great activities to do with the poems. The papel picado-like artwork is great, too!

This book was a fantastic support when teaching 5th graders to move beyond "recipe" poetry. The ode structure helps them find the poetry in their day to day experiences. They thoroughly enjoyed listening to Gary Soto's odes, and were eager to write their own.

This book was a fantastic support when teaching 5th graders to move beyond "recipe" poetry. The ode structure helps them find the poetry in their day to day experiences. They thoroughly enjoyed listening to Gary Soto's odes, and were eager to write their own.

An informative and entertaining read that captures the essence of Latino NYC in its many and diverse manifestations, making it the rare guide that is indispensable for both natives and newcomers alike. These guys truly know their stuff. Highly recommended.

Great collection of a good Latino time in the Big Apple

In such an exciting but big city, we need guides. This guide in particular is a whole experience and an invitation to adventure. It has become my weekend companion. It has taken me to great places and has taught me tons. It is really helpful and well done.

For anyone who wants to discover all that Latin New York has to offer, this is the book for you. Loved it!

I believe that third and fourth graders would really enjoy this text about this Mexican American youngster. Children would also enjoy the occasional Spanish included in the text. The only problem: Soto does not include a glossary this time. Oh well, Soto does a great job of portraying a family that understands what it means to really work for a living and teaches kids not to take everything for granted. Soto stays away from the sterotypical "lazy mexican".

The Pool Party by Gary Soto is a great story of a little hispanic boy named Rudy that gets invited to a pool party of a wealthy friend. Rudy's family is concerned that Rudy will not fit in and proceed to give him advice on what way he should act at the party. In the mean time Rudy decided that he is going to take an inner tube to the party against the wishes of his sister who told him that in a pool party, people don't actually go into the water and just chat by the side of the pool. Rudy listens to everyones advice, but at the end he does what he thinks is right and goes to the party and just does what is right for himself. The inner tube that he takes to the party is well received by everyone and he has a good time. This book is great for children in the fifth grade and on to read because it teaches them that being yourself is the right thing to do.

Gary Soto expresses the issue of fitting in and family life while using Rudy to guide us in a humorous way. This book is a great choice for young readers because they are able to relate with Rudy's dilema of fitting in and being liked by a new group of friends. One major concern was when Rudy finally goes to the pool party with his inner tube. One can't help but think of poor Rudy returning home early from the party crying and feeling dreadfull. The family unity is prevelant through out this book and it is expressed with how everyone is trying to give Rudy advice on how to act, talk and greet people while he's at the party. Over all this book is a great book that I had the pleasure of reading. I would recommend it to any student regardless of their ethnic background.

I remember being so captivated when reading this book in the fifth grade that I read it in one sitting! I had hated reading books before that. Soto is a great author and his story's will appeal to all kids.

I enjoyed this book so much. Coincidently I finished it just before seeing a ceremony in honor of Roberto Clemente with his widow Vera present at the 2006 MLB All-Star game. From reading this book I understand why the word "Pride" is always used when discussing Roberto Clemente. This book carres the theme of Roberto's pride from beginning to end. Pride not only in himself but in his family and country. Many may say this is not a book about baseball, but those who know the magic of baseball understand that you can't seperate the game from the players. It is the great person in the player that makes the game of baseball so wonderful. Roberto was a great baseball player and an even greater man. Puerto Rico should feel honored in having him as one of their native sons.

My 12-yr old son read this book for a report.
He didn't complain too much and finished pretty quickly so I guess he liked it.

He palyed for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the youngest in his family, just like me. His dad made alot of money compared to the others that lived around them. Roberto rode his bike to another town to try out for a softball team. It was only a couple of miles from his home. His school was trying to teach him to speak English, and he didn't do very good, but he tried.

It was so good that when I received it, I could not put it down till the end. That night I went to bed at 4:33AM. Mr.Robert Walker, 2 thumbs up to a well documented piece of art. Again THANK YOU for this biography.

I write that as a title because if you look into these children's eyes there is hope and sadness. It bothers me to see how these children and their families are forced to live. I live in the N CA wine country and I see the same thing going on here. Exploitation of the workers, inadequite housing, awful pay.
I would LOVE to see a follow up book about these families now that it is 10 years later to see how they have fared. The young gang member who left his gang, the teenage mother who dreams of going to college, the little boy who wants to buy his parents a car. Did any of them make it?

I have recommended this book to teachers, counselors, therapists, social workers, politicians and law enforcement officials. It takes you inside migrant families lives and lets you share with them their success, sacrifice, and nostalgia. Beth Atkins captures more than images in her photographs. She captures pride, hard work, and nostalgic happy lives away from home (Mexico).

Originario de Moroleon, GTO Mexico

I used this book as an extension book for a thematic unit I created over Mexican Migrant Farmers. It is great to bring home the idea that this is not history but is still going on in present day!

Voices From The Fields is about nine different children all of which are Mexican/Spanish. Each tells a different story about their life. All of these children have one thing in common, they work in the fields or they have a close relative that works in a field. Their stories range from being involved with gangs to the difficulty of moving up in society. As different as these nine children may be, they all care very much for their families and believe nothing is more important. Throughout the book there are photographs of the children and their families. Photographs aid the text in describing conditions and emotions of the people being discussed. Through this mix of text and photographs emotions can be amplified. Children most importantly can aid from photographs being provided since they may not understand certain things they read; yet photographs may open the doors for them. The can better see different feelings such as joy or anger as well as people of different cultures in their own environment. It can also become apparent to children who read the book just how important family is to each of the nine children. They are all care for each other very deeply and this is obvious through the photographs. Julia Hirsch says "A far more complex and elusive relationship between text and image occurs in those books which use snapshots, or other similarly dramatic image: pictures which contain some emotional charge, such as a gesture caught in midstride, an object viewed from an unusual angle, an enigmatic facial expression, a blurred background, or deep shadows and diffuse lighting."(Hirsch, 142) Manuel Araiza talks about his home in the book and such details such as the home being comprised of one room with a kitchen. Next to the text where he is discussing these conditions is a picture of the house. Immediately we feel more sympathetic towards Manuel since we are able to see with our own eyes what he is describing to us. The photographs in this book allow children readers to "experience" a minority culture that most children otherwise would never be exposed to. Hirsch later goes on to say, "Photography in recent years has also given "visibility" to yet other aspects of the human condition which have formerly been kept from most children."(Hirsch 150) One example of these "human conditions" is presented in the book for children to learn about. This condition is the life of migrant farm workers and their families. The photographs in this book depicting ethnic minorities, which also happen to be largely immigrants, provide for an excellent learning experience for children. Books focusing on different cultures and ways of life especially ones with such rich and detailed photography are good for children. These books help to educate on material that is beyond the classroom. Emotions, feelings, and different situations are better understood. It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so by supplementing photographs with the text of the book children take with them a great deal more than would have been without photographs.

Mr. Melendez's book is well-written and gives the reader a great feel for what it was like living through 60s and 70s NYC as a latino. I'm old enough to remember hearing the stories on the news, but reading them in detail is a different experience altogether.

I hope Mr. Melendez and his former colleagues publish more stories of these times and of the Young Lords. The work they did is still not part of regular curricula in NYC schools; more publications help to establish our history here in NYC.

I gre up during the 80's in west harlem, later the BX, went to manhattan center high school on 116 & pleasant ave .... you can't grow up anywhere in new york city and not recognize puerto rican pride, all you have to do is head up to Orchard Beach after memorial day, but it's a powerful part of the NY experience ....... I picked this up because of the Lincoln hospital story, and garbage offensives, these men and women are patriots of the black and latin community! The New York City minority community! great read, I learned about them in a american history class @ laguardia comm college, and was surprised I'd never heard of them before, I'd passed by lincoln hospital over 100 times, to hear about them being reason for it being built! I'll say it's a different time period now, but the children of NYC need to learn about this group, and movements like these, to learn discipline, and study the pride but learning journey of mister Melendez, then kids wouldn't get lost, because we are losing our city now as the rents are escalating, people are hurting now, and this knowledge is key to a new generation that needs to move forward and stand for something, not just accept circumstances, this book is excellent, powerful, and informative! True "hood", cultural, minority heroes! I'm glad and insprired by it

Miguel Melendez has given us a thoughtful,inspirational, and sensitive account of the Young Lords Party and also of the many pivotal events of his own life. I loved reading this book full of cultural tidbits and an insider's history of a group of dedicated individuals. This book offers important lessons for today's youth, many of whom feel no connection to the larger society. It serves as a tremendous contribution to young people by sharing positive ways to channel rage and frustration with one's social and emotional condition. The writer brilliantly shows what it is to search for meaning and purpose in one's life as he questions events occurring around him.

Quiero agradecerle a Mickey para haber escrito un libro tan bello que demuestra que todos tenemos el derecho a la humanidad y dignidad.

Micky Melendez has written an excellent easy to read history of Puerto Rican efforts for social, political and economic empowerment from the Young Lords Party in the 1960's to today's struggle for a Latino mayor of Nueva York. This monograph by Micky Melendez is a powerful weapon in Boricua's long walk to freedom. palante