Before I selected my subject for this collection I consulted with my campus librarian and mentor. I wanted to know what areas of the library she would like to grow, the idea being that the list I compile could be useful to her as well. Her immediate response was Hispanic heritage. Our school population is primarily Hispanic and teachers always want to be able to incorporate their culture, especially during Hispanic heritage month. It is valuable to students to see their culture being honored. My focus was on biographies and non-fiction texts about cultural celebrations, history, and traditions for grades K-5. After selecting my subject I sent an email out to all the teachers at my campus explaining my project and asking for their input. Were there any figures they were particularly interested in having biographies on? What celebrations would they like to have more books about? One teacher responded that he would like to see more books about Hispanic cultures and countries besides Mexico, another that she would like to see more books by Alma Flor Ada. With my subject and the teacher suggestions in mind I set to work searching titles. For the majority of the project I used Titlewave. I found it easy to navigate and full of useful information. At first I was doing basic keyword searches and then refining by selecting limiters from the sidebar menu. I found quite a few titles this way, but there is not a limiter option to sort by date or number of reviews, so many of the titles I saw that caught my eye did not qualify for inclusion in my collection due to age or lack of reviews. After doing keyword searches for Hispanic heritage, Hispanic biography, Hispanic celebrations, Hispanic countries, and searches for individual countries (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, etc.) and sifting through results to find titles that met the age and review criteria I finally noticed the advanced search option. This was a game changer. I could refine by publication date, genre, grade level, and number of reviews simultaneously. It was difficult to find Hispanic biographies that are current and grade level appropriate. Of the biographies that I found there were many repeat subjects, Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, and Frida Kahlo all showed up several times. These searches did lead me to discover my favorite additions to this list: the picture book biographies, particularly the works of Duncan Tonatiuh and Margarita Engle. When reviewing my collection I noticed that I did not have very many formats beside print books, so I did a search in Mackin of audiovisual materials relating to Hispanic heritage. I found Mackin much more difficult to navigate than Titlewave. One of the great drawbacks I encountered was that I was unable to open titles in new tabs. My method had been to scroll through the results list and open all the likely titles in new tabs to inspect further, but when I tried that in Mackin the tabs all opened as blank pages. I had to leave the results list to go to a title and could not compare titles side by side by having them both open in tabs. When I navigated back to the results list it took me to the first page of the results, even if I had already moved on to the fourth page, meaning I had to page through to find my place again and repeat the process with the next interesting title. I was, howsever, able to find a DVD for the book Separate is Never Equal through Mackin that I could not find through Titlewave. I have not seen in person or read any of the forty titles in this list, which gave me a new appreciation for how librarians must rely on reviews and summaries to develop their collections. Despite not having personally read these titles, after spending so much time finding them, reading reviews, and writing my annotations I feel that I would be able to help a patron find what they need or make informed recommendations.
Title and Information Annotation Price Title: Super Simple Mexican Art: Fun and Easy Art From Around the World Author: Alex Kuskowski Publisher: ABDO Pub. Co. Date: 2012 ISBN: 1-61783-213-8 Review sources: Horn Book Guide, Fall 2012 School Library Journal, April 2012 Title: Dia de los Muertos Author: Roseanne Thong Illustrator: Carles Ballesteros Publisher: AV2 by Weigl Date: 2016 ISBN: 1-48965-315-5 Review sources: Kirkus Reviews, May 2015 Publishers Weekly, August 2015 Title: Little Skeletons: Countdown to Midnight Author: Susie Jaramillo Illustrator: Publisher: Encantos Media Studios, LLC ISBN: 1-945635-06-1 Format: Toy/Moveable Review sources: Booklist, September Kirkus Reviews, January 2018 Publishers Weekly, June School Library Journal, September Title: Marco s Cinco de Mayo Author: Lisa Bullard Illustrator: Holli Conger Publisher: Millbrook Press ISBN: 1-51247-794-X Format: Audisee Interactive Book (multiuser) Review sources: Booklist, April 2012 Horn Book Guide, Fall 2012 Library Media Connection, October 2012 With easy to follow instructions and full color photographs this book is sure to engage young artists. The crafts are based on Mexican celebrations and traditions and the book gives an overview of the culture and how the different crafts are part of that culture. With colorful illustrations and lyrical rhymes this book captures the attention of young readers. As the traditions of Dia de los Muertos are explained the author seamlessly incorporates Spanish vocabulary. This accordion style book features a Spanish counting rhyme on one side, an English translation on the other. The book features stunning illustrations that introduce children to the famous imagery of Dia de los Muertos. A moveable clock face on each side of the book allows children to count along and practice telling time. Marco is nervous about dancing in the Cinco de Mayo celebration, so his cousin explains the history of the holiday to give him courage. Sidebar text gives additional information about the holiday and traditions. The interactive book format includes animations and read aloud text, perfect for projecting in a classroom lesson. $19.00 $24.05 $17.04 $46.65
School Library Journal, April 2012 Title: Mexico City Author: Joyce L. Markovics Publisher: Bearport Publishing ISBN: 1-68402-290-8 Format: ebook Review sources: Booklist, November School Library Journal, November Title: Mexico Author: Christine Juarez Publisher: Capstone Press Date: 2014 ISBN: 1-49145-778-3 Format: Capstone Interactive Book Review sources: Library Media Connection, August 2014 School Library Journal, March 2014 Title: Mexico (Countries We Come From) Author: Jessica Rudolph Publisher: Bearport Publishing ISBN: 1-62724-853-6 Review sources: Horn Book Guide, Fall 2016 School Library Journal, November 2015 Title: Foods of Mexico Author: Kevin Pearce Illustrator: Publisher: Gareth Stevens Pub. Date: 2012 ISBN: 1-43395-715-9 Format: ebook (multiuser) Review sources: Library Media Connection, March/April 2012 School Library Journal, November, 2011 Title: Island Treasures: Growing up in Cuba Author: Alma Flor Ada Illustrator: Edel Rodriguez Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers A simple overview of Mexico City is brought to life with vibrant photographs. The overview includes geography, history, cuisine, and landmarks. Interactive facts and photographs help young readers to learn about the history and culture of Mexico. Topics of interest include animals, foods, famous sights, and celebrations. While the information may be simple, the simplicity paired with the photographs is exactly what makes this book appealing for younger readers. There is enough information to spark interest and develop the beginnings of cultural awareness, without overwhelming or intimidating. This book does not merely list the types of food commonly eaten in Mexico. Readers will learn about the regional differences in cuisine and the history behind them. Students will learn that it is more than just food, it is a reflection of the regional crops and resources, the economy, the lifestyle, and the culture as a whole. In this memoir the popular author creates a vivid landscape of her childhood. You will feel welcomed into her family and share her joys and her struggles. Through it all the life and culture of Cuba shines through. $31.50 $36.99 $21.43 $35.40 $54.99
ISBN: 1-50192-748-5 Format: Playaway All-In-One Audiobook Review sources: Kirkus Reviews, May 2015 School Library Journal, June 2015 Title: Cuba: One World, Many Countries Author: Kate A. Conley Publisher: The Child s World Date: 2016 ISBN: 1-63407-041-0 2016 School Library Journal, November 2015 Title: Ada s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay Author: Susan Hood Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport Publisher: Simon &Schuster Books for Young Readers Date: 2016 ISBN: 1-48143-095-5 Review sources: Booklist, March 2016 Horn Book Guide, Fall 2016 Kirkus Reviews, March 2016 Publishers Weekly, March 2016 School Library Journal, April 2016 Title: Growing Up Pedro Author: Matt Tavares Publisher: Candlewick Press ISBN: 1-51811-869-0 Format: FollettBound Glued Review sources: Booklist, February 2015 Horn Book Guided (starred), Fall 2015 Horn Book Magazine, January/February 2015 Kirkus Reviews, March 2015 Publishers Weekly, January 2015 School Library Journal, February 2015 Title: Albert Pujols: a Baseball Star who Cares Author: Jeff C. Young In this overview of Cuba students will be introduced to the geography, culture, holidays, food, and daily life of citizens. Attractive sidebars give interesting information. While this book presents a positive attitude of cultural appreciation, it does not gloss over or ignore the political strife that has left its mark on the country. The community of Cateura in Paraguay is situated right on top of the landfill that accepts garbage from Asunción, the capital city. In this true tale of ingenuity and perseverance a man named Favio Chávez helps the youth of Cateura craft instruments from items scrounged from the landfill. Through diligent work the recycled orchestra, as they came to be known, has achieved international acclaim. The magnificent collage illustrations of Ada s Violin beautifully capture the struggles and triumphs of these pioneering children. Growing up in the Dominican Republic in the 1980s Pedro Martínez learned baseball from his older brother Ramón. The brothers both went on to play in the major league in the United States, bringing joy and honor to their homeland, before returning to build churches, schools, and, of course, baseball fields. Baseball enthusiasts will enjoy this tale of brotherhood, hard work, and humility. $20.00 $15.49 $18.61 This sports biography is set apart from the crowd by the emphasis it places on the philanthropic contributions of the Dominican born star. Albert Pujols combines being a $19.00
Publisher: Enslow Elementary Date: 2014 ISBN: 0-7660-4228-6 2014 School Library Journal, February 2014 Title: Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert Author: Gary D. Schmidt Illustrator: David Diaz Publisher: Clarion Books Date: 2012 ISBN: 0-329-98215-X Format: FollettBound Sewn Review sources: Booklist (starred), June 2012 Horn Book Guide (starred), Spring 2013 Horn Book Magazine, September/October 2012 Kirkus Reviews, May 2012 Library Media Connection, January/February 2013 School Library Journal, July 2012 Title: Guatemala (One World, Many Countries Author: Joanna Jarc Robinson Publisher: The Child s World Date: 2016 ISBN: 1-63407-046-1 2016 School Library Journal, November 2015 Title: Peru (countries We Come From) Author: Joyce L. Markovics Publisher: Bearport Publishing ISBN: 1-944102-73-6 Review sources: Booklist, November 2016 School Library Journal, March great athlete with being a great role model, having started a foundation benefiting and supporting kids with Down Syndrome, like his own daughter. In 17 th century Peru it was not easy being poor and mixed race. That was the life that Martín was born to. Even the monks would not admit him to the monastery except as a menial laborer, despite his pious intentions. Eventually his gifts as a healer and his humility began to change the minds of those who encountered him. In 1962 Martín was canonized as the patron saint of universal brotherhood, the first black saint of the Americas. The beautiful illustrations combined with the simple, lyrical text bring the story of Martín to life in rich detail. In this overview of Guatemala students will be introduced to the geography, culture, holidays, food, and daily life of citizens. Attractive sidebars give interesting information. Simple information and bright photographs make this book an excellent introduction for young readers. Perfect for beginning research. $18.61 $20.00 $21.43
Title: 20 Fun Facts About Machu Picchu Author: Janey Levy Publisher: Gareth Stevens Publishing Date: 2014 ISBN: 1-48240-453-2 Format: ebook (multi-user) Review sources: Library Media Connection, March/April 2015 School Library Journal, April 2014 Title: Machu Picchu (Ancient Wonders) Author: Elizabeth Raum Publisher: Amicus High Interest ISBN: 1-60753-468-1 2015 Library Media Connection, March/April 2015 Title: Parrots Over Puerto Rico Author: Susan L. Roth, Cindy Trumbore Illustrator: Susan L. Roth Publisher: Lee & Low Books Inc. Date: 2013 ISBN: 1-62014-004-7 Review sources: Booklist (starred), November 2013 Horn Book Guide (starred), Spring 2014 Horn Book Magazine, January/February 2014 Kirkus Reviews (starred), September 2013 Publishers Weekly, August 2013 School Library Journal, October, 2013 Title: Miguel s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and his Dream of Don Quixote Author: Margarita Engle Illustrator: Raul Colon Publisher: Peachtree ISBN: 1-56145-856-2 Review sources: Booklist (starred), August The combination of fascinating information with incredible photos and illustrations are sure to capture the interest and imagination of readers of all ages. With features such as diagrams, maps, cutaways, and sidebars there is no shortage of visual and textual literacy opportunities. Not only will students learn about this incredible landmark, they will be given an overview of how it fits in with the broader history of the Inca civilization. A perfect introduction to the wonders of the ancient world for young readers. Vibrant photographs catch the eye while concise information catches the mind. The book contains information about the history, significance, and current state of Machu Picchu. The story of Puerto Rico and the story of the Puerto Rican parrot are woven together to highlight not only the beauty of Puerto Rican wildlife, but the impact made by human activity. Breath taking illustrations created from fabric and paper are presented vertically to capture the contrast between the world of parrots, in the treetops, and the world of humans far below. This book is both a celebration of Puerto Rico and a reminder that humans must be more conscious of conservation. Fifteen captivating free verse poems narrate fifteen important events in the life of Miguel Cervantes, the author of what is considered the first modern novel: Don Quixote. Told from the perspective of the young Cervantes the poems are enhanced with rich illustrations. One review states Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra is to Spanish literature what William Shakespeare is to English literature $37.88 $22.51 $17.16 $15.46
Kirkus Reviews (starred), August Publishers Weekly, July School Library Journal, September Title: A Journey with Hernan Cortes Author: L. L. Owens Publisher: Lerner Publications Date: 2018 ISBN: 1-51241-098-5 Format: ebook (multi-user) Review sources: Booklist, September School Library Journal, November Title: Lionel Messi: A Soccer Star Who Cares (Sports Stars Who Care) Author: Kimberly Gatto Publisher: Enslow Elementary Date: 2013 ISBN: 1-46461-277-3 Format: ebook (multiuser) 2014 School Library Journal, February 2014 Title: Francisco Goya (Artists Through the Ages) Author: Alix Wood Publisher: Windmill Books Date: 2013 ISBN: 1-61533-624-9 Review sources: Booklist, April 2013 School Library Journal, April 2013 Title: Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & her Family s Fight for Desegregation Author: Duncan Tonatiuh Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers Date: 2014 ISBN: 9781629236896 Format: DVD Review sources: Booklist, May 2014 Horn Book Guide (starred), Fall 2014 Horn Book Magazine, July/August 2014 Kirkus Reviews (starred), June 2014 The history of the Spanish conquistadors is fraught with exploitation of indigenous peoples and destruction of ancient civilizations and ways of life, a fact that is too often ignored. This book, however, includes not only information about Hernan Cortes s life and exploration, but takes into consideration the devastation he brought along with him. Additionally this book does an excellent job of introducing the concept of primary source material, presenting many examples. $46.65 This is not your typical sports biography. Instead of focusing on pages of stats and athletic accomplishments the highlight is the fact that Messi has used his stardom to help others by creating the Leo Messi Foundation, which helps children access education and healthcare. Biographical information about Goya is presented alongside analysis of his art. This book is accessible for students while still providing substantial information. Before Brown v. Board of Education there was Mendez v. Westminster. This story of the desegregation of California centers on the young Sylvia Mendez, a girl of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, whose family decides to take a stand and fight for justice. $30.60 $21.24 $38.99
Publishers Weekly, March 2014 School Library Journal, May 2014 Title: Bravo! Author: Margarita Engle Illustrator: Rafael Lopez Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Company ISBN: 1-54902-732-8 Format: FollettBound Glued Review sources: Booklist, November 2016 Horn Book Guide, Fall Kirkus Reviews, December 2016 Publishers Weekly, January School Library Journal, January Title: Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes Author: Juan Felipe Herrera Illustrator: Raul Colon Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers Date: 2014 ISBN: 1-48986-215-3 Format: FollettBound Glued Review sources: Kirkus Reviews, May 2015 Publishers Weekly, August 2014 Publishers Weekly Annex, August 2014 School Library Journal, November 2014 Title: Cesar Chavez Author: Christine Juarez Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 1-51571-911-1 Format: Capstone Interactive Book School Library Journal, November 2016 Title: Sonia Sotomayor Author: Erika L. Shores Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 1-51573-262-2 Format: Capstone Interactive Book The lives and contributions of eighteen Latinos are highlighted and honored in this book of poetry. There is a biographical poem accompanied by a beautiful portrait for each honoree. The book also includes a supplementary list of additional Latino figures of note for readers to explore. Twenty inspiring Hispanic Americans are depicted in stunning watercolor portraits. Each portrait is followed by a brief biography of their life and accomplishments. Subjects range from the renowned and well known figure of Sonia Sotomayor to the less familiar Ignacio E. Lozano. The early life and education of Cesar Chavez is highlighted as paving the way for his future accomplishments. A timeline keeps information organized and clear. Photos of Sonia Sotomayor as a child create a connection with students. This book provides a simple to understand, kid friendly overview of the life of one of our great Hispanic influencers. $20.01 $20.71 $34.99 $34.99
School Library Journal, November 2016 Title: Ellen Ochoa Author: Christine Juarez Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 1-51571-907-3 Format: Capstone Interactive Book School Library Journal, November 2016 Title: Sonia Sotomayor (Women who Broke the Rules) Author: Kathleen Krull Illustrator: Angela N. Dominguez Publisher: Bloomsbury ISBN: 0-8027-3797-8 Review sources: Horn Book Guide, Fall 2015 School Library Journal, March 2015 Title: Danza!: Amalia Hernandez and el Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Author: Duncan Tonatiah Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers ISBN: 1-41972-532-7 Review sources: Booklist (starred), August Horn Book Magazine, September/October Kirkus Reviews (starred), July Publishers Weekly Annex, August School Library Journal Xpress, September Title: Funny Bones: Posada and his Day of the Dead Calaveras Author: Duncan Tonatiuh Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers ISBN: 1-51811-864-X There is a distinct lack of women and minorities in STEM fields. As a Hispanic woman astronaut Ellen Ochoa serves as a true inspiration. This clear and concise overview of her life and achievements is kid friendly, especially in the interactive electronic format. The positive and friendly text paired with the inviting illustrations will attract young readers. As the first Hispanic supreme court justice Sonia Sotomayor s achievements are many and will inspire readers to pursue their education and leave their mark on history. This picture book biography tells the story of Amalia Hernandez, the founder of El Ballet Folklórico de México. Amalia combined the ballet and modern dance styles with the traditional Mexican dances. Her legacy of celebrating Mexican culture and inspiring artists is upheld in this beautifully illustrated book. This biographical picture book features Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, most well-known for his calavera images. Posada was an artist who worked in a variety of mediums, each of which are illustrated and explained. The explanation of the social impact of Posada s art will $34.99 $14.64 $16.31 $20.01
Format: FolletBound Sewn Review sources: Booklist (starred), July 2015 Horn Book Magazine, November/December 2015 Kirkus Reviews (starred), June 2015 Publishers Weekly, July 2015 School Library Journal, September 2015 Title: Esquivel!: Space-Age Sound Artist Author: Susan Wook Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh Publisher: Charlesbridge Date: 2016 ISBN: 1-53792-211-4 Format: FollettBound Glued Grade Level: K--3 Review sources: Booklist, August 2016 Horn Book Magazine, November/December 2016 Kirkus Reviews, July 2016 Publishers Weekly, August 2016 School Library Journal, September 2016 Title: Viva Frida Author: Yuyi Morales Publisher: Roaring Brook Press Date: 2014 ISBN: 1-59643-603-4, Spanish language Review sources: Booklist, September 2014 Horn Book Guide (starred), Spring 2015 Horn Book Magazine, September/October 2014 Kirkus Reviews, August 2014 Publishers Weekly, June 2014 School Library Journal, August 2014 Title: Marti s Song for Freedom = Marti y sus Versos por la Independencia Author: Emma Otheguy Illustrator: Beatriz Vidal Publisher: Children s Book Press ISBN: 0-89239-375-0, Spanish language encourage young artists to consider their own power to create change. This picture book biography will introduce students to Esquivel, a groundbreaking Mexican musician. The story follows Esquivel as he is inspired at a young age to pursue music, his determined practice, and his rise to stardom. Back matter provides further information and references for continued research. Brief glimpses into the life and mind of Frida Kahlo are presented in deceptively simple, brilliantly referential illustrations. An excellent hook to get young readers curious about the famous artist, while still providing older readers with a great deal to absorb and decipher. José Martí was a staunch fighter for freedom and social justice. He knew at a young age that the way that Cuba was being governed was wrong. This book incorporates the writings of José Martí into the text as it tells the story of how he used those very writings to help bring about change for Cuba. $19.25 $15.49 $15.45
Review sources: Booklist (starred), May Horn Book Magazine, November/December Kirkus Reviews (starred), April Publishers Weekly, May School Library Journal, June Title: Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos Author: Monica Brown Illustrator: John Parra Publisher: North South ISBN: 0-7358-4269-8 Review sources: Booklist, October Kirkus Reviews, July Publishers Weekly, August School Library Journal, August Title: The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist Author: Margarita Engle Illustrator: Aliona Bereghici Publisher: Two Lions ISBN: 1-47782-633-5 Review sources: Booklist, September 2015 Horn Book Guide, Fall 2015 Publishers Weekly, April 2015 School Library Journal, May 2015 Title: The Flying Girl: How Aida de Acosta Learned to Soar Author: Margarita Engle Illustrator: Sara Palacios Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Date: 2018 ISBN: 1-48144-502-2 Review sources: Booklist, December Kirkus Reviews (starred), December Publishers Weekly, February 2018 School Library Journal, December Readers will enjoy meeting Frida Kahlo s pets, her animalitos, in every page of this book. As she grows and develops as an artist analogies are drawn between her and her pets, such as how her imagination flies high like her eagle. Louis Fuertes had a passion for birds and wanted to paint them in their natural habitats. This collection of free verse poems written from the Fuertes s perspective give insight into his remarkable career while the vivid illustrations showcase the birds that he so loved. Before the Wright brothers flew over Kitty Hawk, Aida de Acosta soared over Paris. Despite being told that women should not be piloting machines, the teenage Hispanic American girl took lessons in flying from inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont. The poetic writing and colorful illustrations will draw readers in and leave them hungry for more information about the astonishing Aida, which they can find using the resources given in the author s note. $15.46 $15.49 $15.49
Title: Mexican American Civil Rights Movement Author: Christine Honders Publisher: PowerKids Press ISBN: 1-49942-906-1 Format: ebook (multiuser) Review sources: School Library Connection, October School Library Journal, April Title: Miro s Magic Animals Author: Antony Penrose Illustrator: Joan Miro Publisher: Thames & Hudson Date: 2016 ISBN: 0-500-65066-7 School Library Journal, June 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. was not the only one fighting for civil rights, and not everyone fighting was black. Mexican Americans also experienced heavy discrimination. This title introduces students to the issues being fought over as well as important figures such as Dolores Huerta and Rodolpho Corky Gonzales. Readers are encouraged to consider how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. The life of surrealist artist Joan Miró is honored in this biography. A combination of informational text, photographs of Miró s work, and original art painted by children in Miró s style makes this book unique and memorable. $39.38 $12.91 Total 996.25