One of the most important things about reading a book is it opens your world to an experience beyond yours. Whether the book is about a gothic mystery set in London or about a love story in New Delhi or a biography about an important historical figure in Argentina, you should also learn your author’s worldview.
Authenticity is the key to learning about the experiences of other cultures, countries and beyond. Club Leo, Scholastic Reading Club’s Spanish-language club, is currently providing a variety of Latino/Latina experiences by authors, artists and editors from a different Latin and Central American countries. It’s important to show Spanish-speaking children and children learning Spanish in school and at home the array of voices, experiences, and even dialects, of Spanish-speaking countries.
Remember, kids are looking for books that not only make them laugh, but also books with characters that look like them (Source: Kids & Family Reading Report, 5th edition). As our country grows in its diversity, it’s important ALL children have access to books that tells THEIR story.
Here are some offerings from our current Club Leo flyer and a little about each author. Happy reading! Expect more diverse voices to come in the September “Back to School Flyer.”
“Abre un mundo de posibildades.”
Animaletras, written by Francisca Palacios and illustrated by Alejandra Oviedo (both artists are from Chile).
Sabores de América, by Ana María Pavez and Contanza Recart. Illustrated by Isabel Hojas (all three artists are from Chile).
Pablo Neruda Poet of the People, written by Monica Brown (an author of American-Peruvian heritage). She also wrote Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match: Marisol McDonald no combina.
Hola Mar/Hello Ocean,by Pam Muñoz Ryan (an award winning novelist of Mexican-American heritage).
Tortillas are Round, by John Parra (an award-winning illustrator of Hispanic Heritage).
Book Fiesta!written by Pat Mora (a Mexican-American poet and teacher) and illustrated by Rafael López (an award winning illustrator born in Mexico City, Mexico).
Colores de la vida, curated by Cynthia Weill and all the art and figurines in her Mexican Folk Art Series are created by Oaxacan artists
La perrita que amaba las tortillas/The Dog who Loved Tortillas, by Benjamin Saenz.Saenz (a Mexican-American author).
The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred, written and illustrated by Rafael López (an award-winning illustrator born in Mexico City, Mexico).
María had a Little Llama/María tenía una llamita, by Angela Dominguez (Mexican born, raised in America)
Niño Wrestles the World, by Yuyi Morales(an award-winning illustrator born in Xalapa, Mexico).
Cuentos bilingües/Bilingual Tales, adaptation and illustrations by Spanish authors/artists.
Chica confetti, (Confetti Girl), by Diana López (an author and teacher of Hispanic Heritage).
Historia de la gaviota y el gato que la enseñó a volar(The Story Of A Seagull And The Cat Who Taught Her To Fly), by Luis Sepúlveda (born in Ovalle, Chile).
Eric & Julieta Series, by Isabel Muñoz (from Argentina) and illustrated by Gustavo Mazali (from Argentina)
Cantaba la rana/The Frog was Singing, written by Rita Rosa Ruesga (born in Cuba) and iillustrated by Soledad Sebastián (born in Chile).
Colección Mundo colorido / Colorful World Collection and Paquete Para mí / Just Me Pack, by Yani Canetti (Cuban author and photographer).
Scholastic.com
