AUTHOR: JONAH WINTER ILLUSTRATOR: EDEL RODRIGUEZ DESCRIPTION: The historic rise of a brilliant woman from humble beginnings in New York to a seat on the highest court in the land is a story of hard work, sacrifice and the love of family. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Americans of Latino descent are largely overlooked for…

AUTHOR: SARAH WARREN ILLUSTRATOR: ROBERT CASILLA DESCRIPTION: The story of a courageous teacher turned activist who fought for who cared enough to help found a movement to fight for the economic and civil rights of migrant workers. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Dolores Huerta had a major impact on the Farm Workers movement in the…

AUTHOR: MARGARITA ENGLE ILLUSTRATOR: RAFAEL LO’PEZ DESCRIPTION: The story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga and her quest to play the instrument she loved despite the ban because she was a girl.  WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: The idea of a girl drum player may be unusual in some parts but is definitely a known commodity on…

AUTHOR: MONICA BROWN ILLUSTRATOR: MAGALY MORELES DESCRIPTION: A girl in love with bubble gum goes on a fantastical journey into the world that creates her favorite treat. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Chavela loves no treat more than the chicle or many flavored bubble gum she chews every chance she gets. She enjoys blowing bubbles…

AUTHOR: RENE COLADO LAINEZ ILLUSTRATOR: JILL ARENA DESCRIPTION: A young boy anticipates a hard time visiting his grandmother in Mexico since his Spanish and her English are very limited. He is in for a surprise when he arrives and accompanies his Grandmother to her fun filled Loteria stand. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Lainez’s fun…

AUTHOR: MONICA BROWN ILLUSTRATOR: THELMA MURAIDA DESCRIPTION: What do parents do when their children misbehave so badly they reach the end of their rope? Well, you send them to the curandera of course! WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: I was surprised and delighted by the contents of this book and the gentle reminder of the…

AUTHOR: MONICA BROWN ILLUSTRATOR: JOHN PARRA DESCRIPTION: Bookmobiles often roll on wheels but sometimes they travel on four legs. Read a story about a dedicated librarian who brought the library to the children on the back of a burro! WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: The real life story of Luis Soriano Bohorquez and his heroic…

AUTHOR: JOE HAYES ILLUSTRATOR: ESAU ANDREDA VALENCIA DESCRIPTION: Rosa and Blanca are generous to a fault but when they start overloading their Mama with more vegetables than she can use she has to put a stop to this gifting before it gets out of hand! WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Rosa and Blanca are sisters…

AUTHOR: MONICA BROWN ILLUSTRATOR: RAFAEL LO’PEZ DESCRIPTION: When you hear tambourines, horns and drums that make you want to move your feet and a salsa breaks out on the dance floor it’s a sure sign that the Mambo King is in the house! WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Tito Puente was born to make music…

AUTHOR: MARA ROCKCLIFF ILLUSTRATOR: ANN TANKSLEY DESCRIPTION: Sometimes the best gifts are those that come from people who have little but give all they have. That was the heart behind this true story of a little girl from the Cameroons who reached out to America during one of its darkest periods; the Great Depression.  WHY…

AUTHOR: CARMEN TAFOLLA ILLUSTRATOR: MAGALY MORALES DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood children delight in the appearance of the Paleta Man and explore all the ways to enjoy the delicious treats he brings to their close knit and beloved neighborhood. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: A childlike joy leaps from each page of this marvelous story of children, families,…

AUTHOR: HELEN RECORVITS ILLUSTRATOR: GABI SWIATKOWSKA DESCRIPTION: Yoon whose name means shining wisdom struggles to find her place in a new country when all she wants is to return to her own. WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: Yoon touched my heart from page one because she took me back to a very special child in…