Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: Pura Belpre Honor Book
Grade Level:2nd - 5th grade
Cesario Estrada Chavez, later known as Cesar Chavez, was born in 1927 to a father who believed in honorable deeds and to a mother who taught of God's love. Although there were happy moments in Cesar's childhood, his family had to continuously work for their necessities. Cesar's moved from field to field chasing work, picking lettuce, and attended 30 schools. As Cesar got older, he became aware of the unfair dirty work conditions; for his mother told him," to do justice, to love kindness." Cesar began to stand up for injustice, spreading his messages, persuading mexican-americans to vote, organize a union, fasting, and was a part of peaceful protest, strikes, and marches. Gathering farmers and people to participate in protest, boycotts, bring awareness and draw attention of the difficulties. The book ends with the accomplishments Cesar Chavez's brought about; better working conditions, higher wages, banned tools, as well as the gain of self- respect and dignity.
I would not use this book in my classroom since it is not age-appropriate. However, this book could be used in various ways in the classroom. Cesario's whole life is told through these poems. Students could choose a poem to analyze and expand on, or they could use theses poems as mentor text. Students could chose an important figure and write poems about that persons life.
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