Hispanic Awards

Krull, Kathleen. (2003). Harvesting hope: the story of Cesar Chavez. (Y. Morales, Illus.). New York: Harcourt, Inc.

Summary:
Harvesting Hope is the story of the life of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez grew up on a family farm in Arizona, but when he was ten his family lost everything to a drought and had to become migrant workers in California. After years of being embarrassed in school and treated badly by farmers, Cesar created La Causa – a movement that led to better working conditions for migrant workers. Kathleen Krull focuses on his 340 mile march through California to help migrant farm workers. This event leads to the recognition of the National Farm Workers Association and better working conditions for grape workers. The author’s note at the end allows readers to learn more about Cesar Chavez. Not only will the story inspire readers, but Yuyi Morales’s illustrations will. Her use of two-page spreads help to tell the story of Cesar Chavez.

Genre: Biography
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2004 Pura Belpre Award Honor Book – Illustrations
2004-2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Montes, Marisa. (2000). Juan BoBo goes to work: a Puerto Rican folktale. (J. Cepeda, Illus.). New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary:
Marisa Montes tells the story of Juan BoBo, a boy who cannot get anything right. Juan BoBo’s mother sends him to find work and gives him specific instructions on how to carry home his pay. Of course, Juan BoBo gets confused and ends of losing his pay. Every day he goes to find work and his mother instructs him on how to carry home his pay and every day he comes home empty handed. One day his confusion leads to a fruitful surprise – a free ham every Sunday.

Genre: Folktale
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2002 Pura Belpre Award Honor Book - Illustrations