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32 pp.
| Cavendish
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-6135-7$17.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Tonya Engel.
One of Mexico's most beloved stories is treated both reverently and poetically in this retelling. Bernier-Grand's rich language captures the humility of the poor Aztec Juan Diego who witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, in sixteenth-century Mexico. Engel's soft illustrations have a luminous feel perfectly suited to this religious miracle story.
64 pp.
| Amazon
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-6177-7$19.99
(3)
YA
Illustrated by
David Diaz.
Free verse poems chronicle the dramatic life of modern art's pinnacle figure. Rather than glossing over Picasso's flaws--his womanizing, his self-absorption, etc.--they are Bernier-Grand's intriguing focus. The poetry is powerful but challenging, though extensive back matter clarifies biographical details. Diaz's acrylic, charcoal, and varnish illustrations are commanding; some reproductions of Picasso's most famous works are also included. Timeline. Bib., glos.
64 pp.
| Cavendish
| September, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5562-2$19.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Raúl Colón.
Short poems detail the life of the famous Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso. The text describes her early years, her courage in dancing after becoming partially blind, creation of the Ballet de Cuba, flight when Batista took power, and her return under Castro; detailed notes are appended. Colón's textured illustrations are full of movement and life. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos.
48 pp.
| Cavendish
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5795-4$17.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Thomas Gonzalez.
This illustrated biography in verse details the life of Ms. Sotomayor from her childhood in New York City to her rise to Supreme Court Justice. The text, punctuated by the occasional Spanish word, can be ponderous or choppy, though it does do a good job of scene-setting. Mixed-media illustrations breathe life into the story. Concurrently published in Spanish. Timeline. Bib., glos.
48 pp.
| Cavendish
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5801-2$17.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Thomas Gonzalez.
This illustrated biography in verse details the life of Ms. Sotomayor from her childhood in New York City to her rise to Supreme Court Justice. Though the text does a good job of depicting setting, it can be ponderous or choppy (however, it does flow better than the concurrently published English-language version). Mixed-media illustrations breathe life into the story. Timeline. Bib., glos.
64 pp.
| Cavendish
| March, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5383-3$18.99
(2)
YA
Illustrated by
David Diaz.
In free verse, Bernier-Grand (Frida: ¡Viva la Vida! / Long Live Life!, César) chronicles the childhood of Mexican painter Diego Rivera, before highlighting the passions (art, women, politics) of his adult life. These vignettes are appropriately accompanied by Diaz's vibrantly colored mixed-media silhouettes and occasionally--and to great effect--Rivera's own paintings. An author's note and quotes by Rivera are appended. Timeline. Bib., glos.
Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2009
64 pp.
| Cavendish
| November, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5336-9$18.99
(3)
YA
Chronologically arranged poems outline the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Written mostly from Kahlo's point of view, the free-verse poems incorporate many biographical details while accurately (and, at times, graphically) reflecting the violence, turmoil, and despair in her life. Photographs of Kahlo, as well as numerous full-color reproductions of Kahlo's and Diego Rivera's artwork, accompany the writing. Timeline. Bib., glos.
48 pp.
| Cavendish
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-7614-5172-2$16.95
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
David Diaz.
A series of nineteen free-verse poems depict César Chávez's life and legacy, focusing on his legendary fight against injustice toward farm workers. Some Spanish words and sentences appearing within the poems add authenticity but may disturb the flow for readers who must look up their meaning in the book's glossary. Diaz's rather bland digital art frames key images in yellow. Timeline, websites. Bib.
186 pp.
| April, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-531-30154-0$$15.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-531-33154-7$$16.99
(4)
4-6
Puerto Rican fourth-grader Teresa's ambitious mother gets her admitted to an exclusive private school. Once there, Teresa neglects her best friend Ana, whose complexion is darker than her own, in favor of her lighter-skinned classmates--but then Teresa herself experiences discrimination. A belaboring of issues mars this novel of friendship, but the island setting is vividly described.