Tag: Hispanic heritage month

A Song of Frutas (Margarita Engle)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is A Song of Frutas, written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Sara Palacios, a heartwarming love letter to family and Cuban culture.

The young narrator opens the story by enthusiastically recounting the delights of visiting her Abuelo and helping him sell frutas – fruits – in the marketplace. When she visits him in Cuba, she relishes the chance to sing out the names of the fruits, haggle prices, and watch the other pregoneros (singing vendors) sell their own exciting wares and treats. Her favorite visits are on the eve of el año nuevo, when she sells grapes and partakes of the tradition of eating all twelve at midnight, making wishes for each. She always saves a wish that friendship between Cuba and the US will grow, so that someday her Abuelo can visit her home as well.

Sweet, immersive, and touching. Engle’s text perfectly captures the colorful and exciting narrative through a child’s eyes, mixing guileless sincerity with fancy and wonder and creating everyday magic on every page. The gorgeous artwork adds to this immensely, filling the scenes with color, atmosphere, and a diverse cast of characters; the little girl and Abuelo are particularly charming. The choice to include Spanglish in the text adds authenticity, as many dual-language Spanish/English speakers use this blended dialect. Backmatter features author’s notes on the Cuban traditions and current travel restrictions mentioned in the story, which are edifying for readers young and old. The length was great for a storytime, and JJ loved this one. Overall, a heartfelt treat, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States (Sabrina Vourvoulias)

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Hello, friends! Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, and to kick things off, we’re reviewing Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States, written by Sabrina Vourvoulias and illustrated by Gloria Félix.

This collection of mini-biographies, published in partnership with the Smithsonian Institute’s Latino Center, features thirty Americans of Latin descent – immigrants and native – who have made major accomplishments in the fields of art, entertainment, science, business, activism, the military, and more. Readers can learn about community leaders César Chávez and Emma González; entertainers like Jennifer Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Celia Cruz; athletes like Laurie Hernández and Roberto Clemente; scientists like Luis Walter Álvarez and Ellen Ochoa, and dozens more.

An awesome collection. This compendium of notable Latinx Americans features a wonderfully wide range of backgrounds and fields of achievement. Each mini-biography is about one to two pages long, and features a brief summary of its subject’s early life, accomplishments, legacy, and a featured quote from the luminary themselves. I was particularly pleased to see trans activist Sylvia Rivera, a figure who is often overlooked in both LGBTQ+ and Latinx history. The portraits by Félix are gorgeous, featuring each subject against bold colorful backgrounds; indeed, nearly every page features colors traditionally associated Hispanic heritage. It’s a fascinating and informative read for middle-graders of any background, and a lovely tribute to Hispanic-American heritage. JJ enjoyed the few biographies we read through together, and she loved the portraits. Overall, a fantastic book, and Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)