Most adults will have heard of Cesar
Chavez but perhaps not know about the span of his life and work as an activist.
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez chronicles for young readers
his life from childhood on his family’s farm in Arizona, through their
drought-forced move to California as part of the migrant worker population, to
his role as a labor rights advocate. Overcoming a natural shyness, Chavez
provided much-needed nonviolent leadership in a campaign to identify the
extremely harsh conditions under which farm workers suffered. In the mid-1960s
he led a 340-mile peaceful protest to Sacramento that sparked “La Causa,”
resulting in better conditions for numberless migrant workers. Kathryn Krull’s
inspiring picture book biography is brought to life by Yuyi Morales’s luminous
illustrations. This book could easily be paired with Dolores Huerta: A Hero
to Migrant Workers, by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla. Ages
7-10.
Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
Once upon a time the Once-ler came upon
a glorious place with creatures such as Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba-loots,
Humming-fishes… But what really enthralled him were the Truffula Trees, which
he cut down and cut down to produce Thneeds. Soon the trees were gone and the
landscape’s inhabitants disappeared, despite the fact that the small yellow
Lorax spoke for the trees, “for the trees have no tongue.” Thankfully, the
now-remorseful Once-ler had saved one Truffula Tree seed, and there is hope for
a greener future. The Lorax has been a favorite of kids and parents
alike since it was published in 1971. Its message still rings true:
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get
better. It's not." Ages 6 up.
Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
Ada Twist,
Scientist, by Andrea
Beaty and David Roberts, is a delightful testament to the value of a child
asking “Why?” and then inventing pathways to find out for herself. Fortunately,
Ada has parents who support her quest with all its trials and errors, though
she does spend time in The Thinking Chair reflecting on her methods. This
wonderful rhyming picture book addresses true scientific inquiry through a
memorable character, and, luckily, it is one of several books Beaty and Roberts
have created featuring curious young girls. Ages 5-8.
Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
