Latino Books

Truth, it has been said, can set a person free. But can such truth, once brought to light, change (or in this case, reaffirm) our perception of a region or a nation? The stark reality of life for Latino immigrants in the mythological American Heartland is revealed, in all of its too often mischaracterized and unromantic glory, in Apple Pie and Enchiladas: Latino Newcomers in the Rural Midwest (2004) by Ann V. Millard and Jorge Chapa. Featuring collaborations among and between a large team of authors including Millard, Chapa, Eileen Diaz McConnell, Catalina Burillo, Rogelio Saenz, Refugio I. Rochín, Maríalena D. Jefferds,, Ken R. Crane, and Isidore Flores, this sobering text presents a historical and contemporary examination of the lives and experiences of Latinos in the region known as the Middle West. An opening photo essay allows the reader to visually locate Latinos in rural, rather than urban, spaces; openly and unabashedly suggesting the importance, relevance, and existence of Latino individuals and communities within areas believed to be one-hundred percent "white" in four Midwestern states: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Nebraska. The essays that follow are interdisciplinary snapshots of Latino life; topics include history, demographics, qualitative methodologies, prejudice, institutional discrimination, jobs in food processing, high school students, churches, policy and community studies. We have access to survey questions, an interview guide used during the study, and an essay on community studies methodologies. Millard and Chapas choice of a food metaphor, "apple pie and enchiladas," to describe what they see as "a new combination in the dynamic contemporary encounter of peoples and cultures," is apt as well as accurate. (p. 1) Latino life, we come to learn, does not begin and end at the Mexican restaurant (a frequent, yet stereotypical, point of access for "anglos" into the vibrant nuances of Latino culture). The text successfully weaves quantitative and qualitative data together in a rich fabric; texturally dense yet vibrantly illuminated with the lived experiences, and more importantly, the voices themselves, of a group that occupies a liminal space within the larger demographic that populates the Midwest. Easily the greatest strength of this text is its reliance upon Latino voice and the way it uses this voice to document and exemplify the life experiences of people like "Sofia, a Latina working in a food processing plant in Fall County, Michigan," or "Ruben, a Latino newcomer in Wheelerton, Indiana." (pp. 125, 111). By merging the voices of their informants with small offerings from their field notes, this text represents what is exceptional about ethnography from the inside; this is insiders studying insiders and the results are remarkably fabulous. Nor is the text limited in terms of age, social class or gender; women and men are equally represented, social class, networks, and relations are discussed, and emphasis is placed upon experiences of young newcomers as well as old timers. Concluding that "Anglos in the rural Midwest disapprove of the Latino newcomers to their communities," Millard and Chapa successfully put words to a sentiment all to often ignored in the homogeneity of Midwestern discourse, but their revelation that some communities (Lingonier, Indiana is the one mentioned) are devoting time and effort "to improve conditions for Latinos" provides a small measure of hope that this group, so instrumental to the success of their communities, will one day no longer experience prejudice and discrimination. (pp. 204-206). Their insistence upon, and joint desire for, "the whole enchilada," that is, "changes in immigration policy" and "actions by local governments, schools, landlords, employers, service provides, and others to accommodate Midwestern communities to Latino newcomers and vice versa," is amplified by the wealth of evidence presented mandating that change, as well as acceptance, must be considered or "the consequences will be a furthering of the racism currently shaping much of Anglo-Latino relations and the creation of a low-income stratum of Latinos in rural areas who are disenfranchised and denied a chance for the American dream." (p. 221) Regardless of the contributions of their culture, labor, and lives, there are still those who come to American in search of the dream, only to find themselves locked out. By juxtaposing the experience of Latinos against the backdrop of a region known for one-hundred percent Americanism, this is an appropriate and useful text for Ethnic Studies, Latino Studies, American Studies, Labor Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology.

Kellie Hogue
Indiana University

I read this book in school years ago and now have bought it for my cousin. We love it. Its nice to have some kind of cultural re interpretation like this and just nice to hear Taino stories for once on paper!

This book written by Mr. Longoria is a unique sports narrative which gives any sports fan another aspect on the history of professional football. Aptly entitled "Athletes Remembered," Mr. Longoria documents the stories of the Latino athletes in a positive and very interesting style. I personally was unfamiliar with many of these athletes; however, I enjoyed reading their stories and learning about these talented players. My professional background is education and I firmly believe that this book would be a tremendous reading experience, not only for Latino children, but for children from all ethinic backgrounds. While Latino children will more readly identify with these athletes, they are really establishing role models for all children, regardless of their ethnicity.

Si usted no comprende el sistema escolar americano, no se preocupe. No es el único o la única. Incluso los americanos no lo comprenden del todo. Este libro explica lo que se espera de usted como padre o madre por parte de los educadores de las escuelas públicas. Cuenta cómo usted puede involucrarse en la educación de su hijo y conseguir que el niño tenga éxito en la clase. Interesante, ameno y sencillo de leer.

My son has had this book since 6 months old. He is now 1 and it is still his favorite book. He can sit for 15-20 minutes just flipping the pages back and forth (he is not one to sit still normally...) I definitely recommend it.

I bought this for my students and they loved the story and illustrations...a wonderful reading experience!

Though I'm not one for buying up every new mystery novel that comes out each year, I had a particular interest in "The Ballad of Rocky Ruiz" by Manuel Ramos because, as with Ramos, I am an attorney, a Chicano and a fiction writer. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Because this is a mystery with a fine, surprising ending, let me just say that I enjoyed the voice of the hardened, divorced, booze-loving protagonist, Luis Montez, a solo practitioner who finds his old friends from El Movimiento - the Chicano political movement - dying all around him. Throw in a beautiful, mysterious Chicana and things really start hopping. This short, tight novel will keep you guessing until the last pages. I highly recommend this book.

The collaborative work of authors Tyler Norman and Jose Perez,The Banjoman / El Hombre de Banjo is a bilingual English/Spanish picturebook by about a wandering musician who travels to entertain children. When a broken string on his banjo stops his music, nothing seems able to replace it -until help from a most unexpected source provides harmony for his music to play once again. Warm color illustrations by Perez of children, animals, and the devoted musician add a touch of life to this gentle tale of cooperation and renewal.

I love this book. This is real literature that Mexican/Mexican American children can relate to; Not only children with Mexican backgrounds, but immigrant children overall. My favorite part is page 10 where Jose stares at the mural painted by the Salvadoran painter (Salvadoran struggles are rarely depicted in literature). This book moved me so much that I am motivated to visit Mission District, San Francisco to experience that beautiful atmosphere first hand.

Thank you, A Southern Californian (Latina)Elementary School Teacher

This one is the real deal. Philip Garrison is not talking about idealized images of a people. He is talking to the people who are moving from one culture to another and trying to make sense of it all. And Garrison is trying to make sense of their worldview. If you really want to get beyond the trite slogans about migrant labor, read this book.