Books in this category reflect the people of the world's nations, religions, and cultures, sometimes as a central feature of the story and other times as part of the story's background.
Amelia's Road Linda Jacobs Altman (Author), Enrique O. Sanchez (Illustrator) A young girl from a migrant-worker family overcomes the hardship of their frequent moves by creating a special place for herself. [Grade Level: K - 3]
Cesar Chavez Ruth Franchere (Author), Earl Thollander (Illustrator) The biography of the Mexican American who led the nationwide boycott of grapes as part of his movement to organize farm laborers in the United States. [Grade Level: 4 - 6]
First Day in Grapes L. King Perez (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator) First Day in Grapes tells the story of Chico, a young boy and his family, migrant workers who move up and down the state of California. Every September they pick grapes and Chico starts a new school. Often Chico gets picked on because he’s always “the new kid” and because he speaks Spanish sometimes. The story focuses on Chico’s first day of third grade at a new school- things are a little different this time. Chico learns to be proud of his abilities in math and to stand up for himself when some other students bully him and make fun of his heritage. Also in Spanish, as "Primer Dia en Las Uvas." [Grade Level: K - 3]
7.
La Mariposa Francisco Jimenez (Author), Simon Silva (Illustrator) Francisco, an immigrant from Mexico and the son of migrant workers, has difficulty adjusting to first grade in a new school because he doesn't speak English and, to make matters worse, the class bully seems to have it in for him. Francisco becomes fascinated with a jar containing a caterpillar and fantasizes about flying out of the classroom like a butterfly and back to his Papa in the fields. Francisco’s interest in butterflies also inspires a drawing that earns Francisco a prize and the respect of his classmates. The author, who was himself held back in school because he did not speak English well enough, weaves Spanish, without translation, through the text. The author and illustrator are both immigrants who worked in the fields of California.
[Grade Level: K - 3]
8.
Primer Dia en Las Uvas L. King Perez (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator) Primer Dia en Las Uvas (First Day in Grapes) tells the story of Chico, a young boy and his family, migrant workers who move up and down the state of California. Every September they pick grapes and Chico starts a new school. Often Chico gets picked on because he’s always “the new kid” and because he speaks Spanish sometimes. The story focuses on Chico’s first day of third grade at a new school- things are a little different this time. Chico learns to be proud of his abilities in math and to stand up for himself when some other students bully him and make fun of his heritage. Originally written in English. [Grade Level: K - 3]
