Status
Available
Publication
Harry N. Abrams (2014), 40 pages
Library's review
"Alittle-known yet important story of the fight to end school discrimination against Mexican-American children is told with lively text and expressive art.
Most associate the fight for school integration with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. However, seven years earlier,
A compelling story told with impeccable care. (Informational picture book. 6-9)" A Starred Kirkus Review, www.kirkusreviews.com
Most associate the fight for school integration with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. However, seven years earlier,
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Mexican-American students in California saw an end to discrimination there. The little girl at the center of that case, Sylvia Mendez, was the daughter of parents who looked forward to sending her to the school near their newly leased farm. When her aunt attempted to register the family children, they were directed to the “Mexican school,” despite proficiency in English and citizenship. No one could explain to Mr. Mendez why his children were not allowed to attend the better-appointed school nearby. Despite the reluctance of many fellow Mexican-Americans to cause "problems," he filed a suit, receiving the support of numerous civil rights organizations. Tonatiuh masterfully combines text and folk-inspired art to add an important piece to the mosaic of U.S. civil rights history. The universality of parents’ desires for better opportunities for their children is made plain. The extensive author’s note provides context, and readers can connect with the real people in the story through photographs of Sylvia, her parents and the schools in question. Helpful backmatter includes a glossary, bibliography and index. Even the sourcing of dialogue is explained.A compelling story told with impeccable care. (Informational picture book. 6-9)" A Starred Kirkus Review, www.kirkusreviews.com
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Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2016)
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Picturebook — 2016)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Informational Books — 2016)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2017)
Bluestem Award (Nominee — 2018)
Orbis Pictus Award (Honor — 2015)
Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Winner — 2015)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2019)
Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Book Award (Nominee — 2015-2016)
Jane Addams Children's Book Award (Winner — 2015)
FOCAL Award (2015)
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (Honor Book — 2015)
Américas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature (Winner — 2015)
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award (Gold Award — 2014)
Pura Belpré Award (Honor Book — Illustration — 2015)
William C. Towner Student Award for Informational Text (Nominee — 2016)
CCBC Choices (2015)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Five to Nine — 2015)
Books From All 50 States (and Washington, D.C.!) (California)
New York Public Library Best Books: For Kids (Nonfiction — 2014)
Notable Children's Book (2015)
Nerdy Book Award (Nonfiction Picture Books — 2014)
Teacher Favorites Award (2015)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Informational Books for Younger Readers — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1419710540 / 9781419710544
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