Title: Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico! Americas' Sproutings
Bibliography:
Mora, P. (2007). Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico!: America's Sproutings. Lee & Low Books Incorporated.
ISBN: 978-1584302711
Summary:
In Yum! Mmmm! Que Rico!: Americas’ Sproutings, the author introduces foods native to the Americas using beautiful poems which describe them in detail. From blueberries which “fill your mouth with blue” to chili peppers with their “green mouth fire”, and chocolate described as “brown magic” which “melts on your tongue,” Pat Mora offers the reader mouth-watering descriptions of fourteen different types of food and gives details about their particular region of origin.
Critical Analysis:
Pat Mora did an excellent job combining beautiful lyrics and poetry while presenting foods native to the Americas. Each food is introduced with an entertaining poem. The foods presented in this book are from different regions of the Americas, which makes it a great tool to use when wanting to introduce children to foods and cultures around the world.
Cultural markers are evident in the Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story. Multicultural themes are also observable in the way the foods are arranged and with the use of the complimentary colors which make the foods stand out in delicious appeal. The people in the illustrations have black hair, a variety of skin colors, and features common to Hispanic cultures. Animal characters are depicted in bold colors and designs unique to Hispanic culture as well.
The illustrations are beautiful. The illustrator has used bright colors to create humorous pictures which make this book fun to read or just look at. While the factual information at the edges of the pages might lose the interest of a younger group, they will certainly be attracted by its vibrant colors and fun illustrations. This book is sure to capture the attention of children and adults.
Review Excerpts:
"This inventive stew of food haiku celebrates the indigenous foods of the Americas." --Booklist
"Teachers will find this a welcome addition to their social-studies units, but it should also win a broad general audience for its inventive, fun-filled approach to an ever-popular topic: food." --School Library Journal
Connections:
Other books by Pat Mora:
Gracias • Thanks
A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas
Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day; Celebremos El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros
Related books:
Comiendo el Arcoíris - Eating the Rainbow: A Bilingual Spanish English Book for Learning Food and Colors ISBN: 978-1736312803
Title: Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir
Bibliography:
Sánchez, E. L. (2022). Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir. Penguin Publishing Group.
ISBN: 978-0593296936
Summary:
Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir is a series of essays in which Erika L. Sanchez reflects on moments of her life. The essays present moments of desperation and moments of hope. They cover topics such as anxiety and depression, but they also celebrate the moments of clarity in her life. and how the challenges she faced, helped shape her identity and personal growth. The title of the book, "Crying in the Bathroom" symbolizes the private struggles many face behind closed doors.
Critical Analysis:
Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir is a touching autobiography recounting the personal journey through various challenges and triumphs. The book goes into the author's experiences with mental health struggles, identity crises, and the search for self-acceptance. It explores themes of blame, resilience, and the impact of expectations set by society, on a person’s life.
The cultural markers are very evident throughout the book. Words in Spanish are used in most chapters. Additionally, words describing skin tones such as in, “a man with a beautiful brown face began flirting with me”, are also used. Cultural expectations are also mentioned. The author repeatedly describes how her family had certain cultural beliefs and how she would disappoint them if she did not conform to them.
Overall, Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir is a wonderful read. It is a raw and emotional account of the author’s journey but at the same time, it helps the reader submerge into the experiences detailed and allows a better understanding of what it is like to be in the middle of two worlds. Erika L. Sanchez allows us to dig deep into her life as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Through this memoir, she empowers and speaks to young women of color who may be facing similar situations and who may feel hopeless. I truly enjoyed reading this boo.
Review Excerpts:
“Her ability to relate to readers on a personal, intellectual, and cultural levels is one of the book’s greatest achievements…An engrossing, accessible, heart-opening recollection of a fascinating life.” --Booklist
"Her writing shines with a deep humility wrought from the hard-won nature of her personal peace. The result is another satisfying addition to Sánchez's deeply moving body of works."--Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Other books by Erika L. Sánchez:
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Lessons on Expulsion: Poems
Related books:
The Education of a Wetback ISBN: 978-1732003569
And She Was Never the Same Again: A Multigenerational Memoir
ISBN: 979-8989544301
Title: Viva Frida
Bibliography:
Morales, Y. (2014). Viva Frida! Roaring Brook Press.
ISBN: 978-1596436039
Summary:
In Viva Frida!, Yuyi Morales fascinatingly presents Frida’s creative process. Frida Kahlo, which is one of the world's most famous artists, had a distinct way of painting. She painted inspired by laughter, love, and tragedy throughout her life.
Critical Analysis:
Viva Frida! shares the story of Frida Kahlo and how she was inspired throughout her life. This wonderful picture book which includes simple, lyrical words and enchanting illustrations, delights the reader with bilingual phrases that portray the uniqueness of this wonderful artist.
Cultural markers are well evident throughout the book. The entire story is both in English and Spanish. The illustrations display clothes, hairstyles, and items such as “papel picado” decorations, which are authentic to Mexican culture. Her skin tone and hair color also depict her ethnicity and race.
I have always loved Frida Kahlo's artwork so to see her story and inspirations in a children's book, made me so happy. Because of the simple text and incredible illustrations, I think children will enjoy this wonderful book.
Review Excerpts:
“Morales artistically distills the essence of the remarkable Frida Kahlo in this esoteric, multigenre picture book.” ―Booklist
“*There have been several books for young readers about Frida Kahlo, but none has come close to the emotional aesthetic Morales brings to her subjects . . . an ingenious tour de force.” ―The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“This luminescent homage to Frida Kahlo doesn't hew to her artwork's mood but entrances on its own merit . . . Visually radiant.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Connections:
Other books by Yuyi Morales:
Dreamers
Niño Wrestles the World
Bright Star
Related books:
I am Sacagawea ISBN: 978-0525428534
I am Amelia Earhart ISBN: 978-0803740822
Title: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass
Bibliography:
Medina, M. (2014). Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 978-0763671648
Summary:
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, by Meg Medina, is a story about Piddy Sanchez, a teenage girl of Latina descent, who finds herself targeted by a bully named Yaqui Delgado at her new high school in Queens, New York. Piddy learns from a classmate that Yaqui Delgado, a girl she doesn't even know, is after her and wants to "kick her ass." This shocks and terrifies Piddy, as she is simultaneously facing other personal struggles. Throughout the novel, Piddy experiences a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and anger to resilience and self-discovery. Sadly, Piddy is indeed beaten up by Yaqui and it is all recorded. Piddy seeks support from friends, family members, and school staff as she tries to find ways to handle Yaqui's bullying and reclaim her sense of safety. In the end, Piddy is informed that Yaqui can be expelled but her group of friends cannot, so Piddy is advised to to apply for a transfer to another school, and so she does. Piddy is finally able to adjust.
Critical Analysis:
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass is a young adult novel that digs into themes like bullying, identity, and resilience. It touches on topics that are relevant and real for our youth. The story itself feels very honest. All the issues that Piddy is facing are common and relatable.
This novel certainly included cultural markers. Piddy's mother and her aunt provide various cultural references throughout the story. Latin music, food, and language are all infused into the story in a great way that just makes it feel authentic. At the same time, this novel is still relatable to readers of any ethnicity. The story is about a kid dealing with a bully, and that, unfortunately, is something that youth of any race struggle with in real life.
Ultimately, this novel is a moving and powerful exploration of the impact of bullying on young people's lives. At the same time, it stresses the importance of community, self-acceptance, and standing up against injustice. This is a must-read for young adults.
Review Excerpts:
A nuanced, heart-wrenching and ultimately empowering story about bullying….Interweaving themes of identity, escapism and body image, Medina takes what could be a didactic morality tale and spins it into something beautiful: a story rich in depth and heart…Far more than just a problem novel, this book sheds light on a serious issue without ever losing sight of its craft.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Yaqui may think she’s tough, but it’s Piddy and some of the other female characters, namely Piddy’s mother and her mother’s flamboyant best friend Lila, who make more lasting impressions. Medina’s setting stands out as well…Teens will identify with Piddy’s struggle.—The Horn Book (starred review)
The Latino cultural milieu adds a richness and texture that lifts this up above many problem novels. The plot points are dexterously intertwined, and the characters are distinct. A real bonus for those looking for a bullying book for older readers that is not simplistic.—School Library Journal (starred review)
Connections:
Other books by Meg Medina:
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Mango, Abuela, and Me
The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind
Related books:
Know Your Enemy ISBN: 978-2494309180
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