¡Hola a todos! Here is the week’s latest in diverse literature for young readers!
– Latinxs in Kid Lit recommend the book Danza!: Amalia Hernandéz and El Ballet Folklórico de México by Dunan Tonatiuh. During their discussion, they explained that Tonatiuh’s biography introduces an important figure (Amalia) who’s barely talked about but who marked the beginning of an era in México. Their piece complements our own review from earlier this week!
– With Women’s History Month upon us, now’s a good time to check out this Women’s Empowerment Book List for Grades PreK-8 by our friends at Lee & Low. It is expected that “the characters featured in these titles are role models that will engage all children.”
— Also in honor of Women’s History Month, the Zinn Education Project (jointly run by Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change) has a slew of resources for putting women back into history. In particular, we want to call your attention to their resources on Berta Cáceres, the Honduran environmental activist who was assassinated in 2016. Cáceres was “one of the leading organizers for indigenous land rights in Central America, she co-founded the National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH).”
– And for those of you wondering What Do the Allegations Against Sherman Alexie Mean for Native Literature? You might want to check out Electric Lit’s point of view that “This question highlights the gates that tend to surround Native lit, their complicity in maintaining them, and the consequences of their actions — actions which are akin to literary colonialism.”
– Felicidades a los 20 libros ganadores del Premio Fundación Cuatrogatos 2018.
– Just in case you missed it, on March 6th Google Celebrates Colombian Author Gabriel García Márquez with a colorful Birthday Doodle. You can still view it along with comments (courtesy of People Magazine).
– The Pirate Tree highlighted The People Shall Continue, 40th Anniversary Special Edition, written by Simon J. Ortiz and illustrated by Sharol Graves. The book, “originally published in 1977, … honors the tenacity of Native Peoples while celebrating the wisdom, strength, and love of the land by both ancestors and present-day Natives who work to ensure that the People will always continue.”
– Lastly, you might appreciate knowing about Graphic Novels to Share: Bingo Love, published by Image Comics. This great post highlights an important coming-out story but also talks about the importance of graphic novels as a whole. This particular novel is the story of Hazel and Mari and their life in the closet before they share their orientation publicly. Not only that but it also encourages “shades, body types, ages, and sexual identities in one space enjoying life and celebrating love.”
Abrazos,
Alin Badillo
Image: Nopales II. Reprinted from Flickr user Dom Paulo under CC©.
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