Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales -- Day 6

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

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss -- Day 5

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