Picture Books Featuring Hispanic Kids at School
Children Feeling Different Find Ways to Fit In
Dec 10, 2008
These thought provoking picture books can start conversations in the classroom about the way kids treat each other and how to deal with being different.
Teachers Use These Picture Books in the Spanish, ESOL, and Regular Classroom
Spanish instructors often use these popular picture books to illustrate a few great benefits to learning a new language—making new friends and helping kids feel accepted. ESOL teachers use these books as well to show Latin American children who feel isolated that their feelings are natural and can be dealt with in a number of constructive ways.
Picture Books Featuring Latin American Kids at School
The Rainbow Tulip by Pat Mora tells the story of a first-grade Mexican-American girl who goes by Estelita at home and by Stella at school. Occasionally, Stella is embarrassed by her quite mother who doesn’t speak English and who perseveres in her Mexican customs at home. At the May Day festival, Stella discovers how different her colorful tulip costume is from the single shade tulip outfits the other girls in her class have made. Through the support of her family and teacher, Stella is able to understand that different isn’t always bad.
La Mariposa by Francisco Jímenez opens with young Francisco on his first day at a new school. His enthusiasm is short lived though because he quickly realizes he can’t understand a word anyone is saying. The struggle to comprehend a foreign language makes Francisco’s head ache. To make matters worse, he inadvertently angers the class bully by accepting the principal’s offer of a jacket from the lost and found.
Francisco’s real trouble begins when the bully recognizes the jacket as one he misplaced weeks earlier. Francisco withdraws deeper into himself and grows to identify with the class caterpillar who’s barricaded itself into a protective cocoon. Ultimately, it’s Francisco’s artistic talent and forgiving nature that help him break free like the butterfly.
First Day in Grapes by King L. Perez tells the story of Chico who never stays in any school long because his parents are migrant workers and move with the crops to be harvested. Chico thinks of each new place only by the fruits or vegetables grown there, and that’s why he refers to his first day in third grade as “first day in grapes.” School experiences have been mixed for Chico, and his first day in grapes is no exception. He encounters an intimidating bus driver, bullies, a kind teacher, and a way to shine through his ability in mathematics.
Mi Escuela – My School by George Ancona is a bilingual picture book depicting a boy from Central America during a typical school day. Phrases pertaining to school and classroom situations can be highlighted by Spanish instructors and ESOL teachers.
If the Shoe Fits by Gary Soto begins with Rigo receiving a new pair of loafers for his ninth birthday. Accustomed to hand-me-downs from his four siblings, Rigo is excited about the present. But when a neighborhood bully picks on him and takes the coins from his new shoes, Rigo hide his present away. When he needs to wear the shoes a few months later Rigo is surprised to find they no longer fit.
Parents and teachers who found these Latin American theme story books featuring kids trying to fit in at school useful might also enjoy checking out books on Latin American kids dealing with a language barrier, Hispanic folk tales, traditional Latin American foods, and ways Hispanic people celebrate holidays such as Christmas.
