Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

Illustrated by Raul Colón
$8.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Dial Books
On sale Aug 07, 2014 | 9780698179202
Age 8-12 years
Sales rights: World
An inspiring tribute to Hispanic Americans who have made a positive impact on the world

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics.  Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation.

In this volume: Adelina Otero-Warren, Bernardo de Galvez, Cesar Chavez, David Farragut, Dennis Chavez, Desi Arnaz, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, Helen Rodríguez Trías, Hero Street USA, Ignacio Lozano, Jaime Escalante, Joan Baez, Judy Baca, Julia de Burgos, Luis Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Roberte Clemente, Sonia Sotomayor, and Tomas Rivera
  • HONOR | 2015
    Pura Belpre Author Honor Book

A “hero,” un héroe, was rarely in my vocabulary growing up as an only child of two tireless and kind California farmworkers. Speaking and reading only Spanish when I began school made my hero discoveries more difficult.

Yet, my library was rich with storytelling and other “oral” forms of history about Latina and Latino bravery, voyages, and experiments. And it still is the way many Hispanic Americans learn about their heroes. To this day, I sing the corridos,xs ballads of the Mexican Revolución, that Mamá taught me. And my papí’s harmonica—I play it sweetly.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the grape boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta roused a generation of Latina and Latino students, scholars, and community activists to ask: Are the stories about our Latino and Latina heroes, those who came or were born here in the United States, in our libraries? Most of the books had to be written. And they were—filled with lives in search of change, justice, and innovation—and a place they could call home. The books diamond-sparkled with unimaginable heroism.

A 2015 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book

"This visually and textually stunning title is one to cherish and celebrate." –SLJ, starred review

About

An inspiring tribute to Hispanic Americans who have made a positive impact on the world

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics.  Gorgeous portraits complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation.

In this volume: Adelina Otero-Warren, Bernardo de Galvez, Cesar Chavez, David Farragut, Dennis Chavez, Desi Arnaz, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, Helen Rodríguez Trías, Hero Street USA, Ignacio Lozano, Jaime Escalante, Joan Baez, Judy Baca, Julia de Burgos, Luis Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Roberte Clemente, Sonia Sotomayor, and Tomas Rivera

Awards

  • HONOR | 2015
    Pura Belpre Author Honor Book

Excerpt

A “hero,” un héroe, was rarely in my vocabulary growing up as an only child of two tireless and kind California farmworkers. Speaking and reading only Spanish when I began school made my hero discoveries more difficult.

Yet, my library was rich with storytelling and other “oral” forms of history about Latina and Latino bravery, voyages, and experiments. And it still is the way many Hispanic Americans learn about their heroes. To this day, I sing the corridos,xs ballads of the Mexican Revolución, that Mamá taught me. And my papí’s harmonica—I play it sweetly.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the grape boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta roused a generation of Latina and Latino students, scholars, and community activists to ask: Are the stories about our Latino and Latina heroes, those who came or were born here in the United States, in our libraries? Most of the books had to be written. And they were—filled with lives in search of change, justice, and innovation—and a place they could call home. The books diamond-sparkled with unimaginable heroism.

Praise

A 2015 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book

"This visually and textually stunning title is one to cherish and celebrate." –SLJ, starred review