Latino Books

For true lovers of Latino Folklore, Randolph Lascurain's " Tales of Latino Heroes and Villains" is a must read and reread and reread...

For any true lover of Latino folklore, Randolph Lascurain's "Tales of Latino Heroes and Villains", is a book to read and reread and reread...

This book is brilliant. The drawings are so colorful (and funny!). It's an excellent way to get acquainted with Spanish and laugh along the way. One of my favorite children's books of all time.

So, Kieran well pretty much is the coolest kid ever... 'cept that he goes into the library just to mess around with freshman girls.

Also -- he wrote this book when he was in fourth grade. Got to give the kid some credit. He since has moved on to bigger and better things. He is currently a student at Phillips Academy Andover. Way to go Admissions Dept. Brendan on the other hand is off to join the navy. HIs illustrating skills will be put to good use when he attacks those son's of [...] in other countries. Also when he really ends up back in Mexico as a tattoo artist.

-- happy customer
Alex

Written by Simon Black and illustrated by Honorio Robledo, The Dog Child is a very special picturebook that will prove to be of particular interest to young readers with canine companions of their own. Judy is a dog whose family dresses her up in clothes, takes her to school, even gives her a birthday party. When Judy blows out the candles on her birthday cake she makes just one wish - that the McVittie family will soon have a human baby so that Judy can go back to being the family dog and enjoying the usual doggie benefits. This highly entertaining picturebook story for young readers is a welcome addition to the library picturebook shelves

With an insightful and delightful tale Simon Black creates of the world that we imagine for our dogs. In a timeless narrative he brings the altruistic nature of our housepets into the distorted shadow cast by parents who want to raise a child. I read the book over the weekend and it was one of those children's stories that the kids ask for over and over. It reminds me of Mike Mulligan and the Steamshovel in the tone. I am continuously impressed by the creativity and gentle humor of the author and wholeheartedly recommned this book.

This book has a lovely rhythm and pattern of repetition. My 5yr old loves it, and if I had found it when she was younger I know she would have loved it when she was 2 or 3. Children (and adults) learn a few Spanish words through reading the book. The book is magical, poetic, and fun!

Tiny Tortilla was picked as a prestigious Junior Library Guild selection. Also, the important children's book reviewer--Kirkus Reviews--said of the book, "Williams's charming text teaches the importance of imagination and perseverance... Karas's sunny spreads are as warm, fresh, airy and magical as the tortilla." This is a delightful book for younger children with a gentle sense of magic and adventure which gives a subtle lesson in the value of patience. A much-needed book in this age of instant gratification.

I found this at our local library and it's one of my 3 year old son's favorite books. I've now bought a copy because he knew it by heart after we returned our library copy. I've read other Gary Paulsen books and have enjoyed them as well, but this simple story with it's beautiful illustrations is one of our family favorites.

Simply but movingly Gary Paulsen honors the cycle of life. Beginning with the earth, the seeds, and then the plants, he traces the making of flour and then bread.

Thirty-two illustrations in ripe harvest colors add a richness to his story.

Ms. Alcala has created a compelling and informative novel. I was sucked in from page one. It will transport you straight into the tumultuous political climate of late 19th century Mexico under the oppressive rule of Dictator Porfirio Diaz. I think you will appreciate this book for its harsh beauty, its rich characters and its multi -layered story of loss and survival. A book that is this entertaining and at the same time educational is a rare find. I only hope that Ms. Alcala will write another book so that I can learn more about Beto and Estela and all of her other memorable characters. I recommend this book without reservation.

You can't get any better than this: a great story about a woman asserting her independence during the early 1900s in Mexico City--a time of social and political revolutions. To those of you who have read Alcala's earlier works, this is truly a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. To those who have not read the earlier works, you will only have your interest piqued. Alcala writes with authority about pre-revolutionary Mexico and the tales she spins are unforgettable accounts of strong women who persevere against personal and social challenges. This author's best achievement is the way she dispels the myth of the passive Mexican woman repeatedly in her compelling body of work.

This is the best book, academic or recreational, that I have read in a VERY long time. While I was anxious about my distance from the subject matter, I quickly realized that Contreras' ability as a writer rendered this worry obselete. He takes the immensely complicated and makes it seem simple. His explanation of love and longing is complex, yet refreshingly straightforward. I can't wait for this man's next publication.

I was drawn to this book by the intriguing title even though I am not an academic and wasn't overly familiar with the subject. Happily, I found the book to be easy to read and full of interesting connections between books, movies, artworks, and theater in ways that you don't normally see. Although it mostly focuses on Latino/Chicano texts, it also points out the power of feeling/longing/loving in our everyday lives and how that is manifested in different types of creative expressions. It really made me think!

My daughter loves this book! She is English/Spanish bilingual and laughs everytime we have read it together. Isabel Gortazar did a great job with the translation.

It is an outstanding translation to spanish. My children enjoylistening to what Porquete, Iiyoo and Puh have to say.

Many of the easy-to-organize projects in this book are centered around holidays or special events, such as Day of the Child/Day of the Book, Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, and Hispanic Heritage Month, but many of the projects involve "everyday crafts." There are step-by-step instructions for making masks, corn husk dolls, beads, paper flowers, piñatas, etc., and recipes for such delectables as sweet tamales and gorditas. The activities do not require hard-to-find or expensive materials, and they are designed for all ages, from preschoolers, to after-schoolers (over six years old), and families. (summary by South Texas Library System)
This should increase the comfort level of librarians unfamiliar with this special audience. As communities across the country increase their Hispanic populations, the need to be welcoming to this diverse group puzzles some libraries.

Kids with good reading skills and a bilingual background will enjoy Abra Cadabra, Patas de Cabra, a Spanish/English story of a ten-year-old boy's journey to take a message from one community to another. He faces trials and troubles along the way but soon proves his abilities.