Mi Escuela

Children's Literature

Part of the "Somos Latinos" bilingual Spanish/English series, this title shows and describes Christopher Alonzo participating in typical activities in his fifth grade Los Angeles classroom. The book's many appealing colorful photos enhance and expand its brief bilingual text. Each page of text begins with a Spanish paragraph, followed by the English translation and small photos and reproductions of children's drawings. A large related photo takes up the opposing page. Christopher lives with his father, who came from El Salvador, his mother, who came from Guatemala, and his younger brother. Photos and text show Christopher arriving at school, doing math problems, playing at recess, reading, eating lunch, drawing scientific diagrams, celebrating Halloween, and playing the flute. A page near the end of the book presents the family histories of Christopher's parents, followed by a map showing their past journeys and present location. The first person narrative, told from Christopher's and then from his parent's perspective, adds to the book's sense of reality and vitality. In spite of the book's brevity, the skillful interweaving of this conversational text with stunning photos helps the reader get to know and appreciate Christopher, his family and school. This book does a wonderful job of celebrating both the diversity and unity of the Latino experience. A glossary, and a page of background information on Central America are included. Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy contributed to the book. 2004, Children's Press/Scholastic, $20. Ages 5 to 10.
—Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D.