Informational Text- Book Review
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2003. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Ill. By Yuyi Morales. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152014373
PLOT SUMMARY
This inspiring biography examines the life of Cesar Chavez. The picture book biography starts with his birth on the family farm in Arizona where he thought “that the whole world belonged to his family” to at the age of ten losing the family farm as a result a drought. This drought forever changed the life of Cesar Chavez and many others. Cesar traveled with his family to the lush green valleys of California where he soon found his new home. This new home was not what he was used to; this new home was “overcrowded and dirty”. He worked by the side of his family in the fields of misery, where fierce work was required. It was in these fields of California that Cesar Chavez developed his strong belief that all people should be treated fairly. It was with his peaceful strength that he took a stand for the well being of the some of the “poorest as human beings” the migrant farmers of America.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Katherine Krull’s picture book biography is kid friendly and coveys an authentic look a Cesar Chavez’s cause to better the life of migrant workers discrimination and poor working conditions. She gives the readers real life examples that they can understand and connect to like “ A teacher hung a sign on him that read , I am a clown, I speak Spanish.” And “The grapevines sprayed with bug-killing chemicals made his eyes sting and his lungs wheeze”. These connections with the reader keep them engaged to Cesar Chavez’s cause “Huelga”.
Krull’s attention to the importance of accurate information is noted by including a two page Author’s Note which follows more of a birth to death account of Cesar Chavez. She leaves the reader with these parting words- “that many see him as a hero for his utter sincerity, his belief that peaceful dedication to a cause is more effective than force, and his self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.”
Krull’s attention to the importance of accurate information is noted by including a two page Author’s Note which follows more of a birth to death account of Cesar Chavez. She leaves the reader with these parting words- “that many see him as a hero for his utter sincerity, his belief that peaceful dedication to a cause is more effective than force, and his self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.”
Morales’ mixed media acrylic paintings are full of vibrant, southwestern flavors that submerse the reader into the Hispanic culture. Each page offers support to the reader explaining the spirit that gave support to this historical movement. Morales’ pictures show the bonds of family by actually superimposing a real photograph that hangs on the wall of one of her illustrations, sprinkling in religious images and her illuminating images that signify hope such as: in the doorways of supporter’s homes or the spell bounding illustration of Cesar gazing at the night sky.
Readers will be inspired that they too can make a difference in the world.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
-Starred Review School Library Journal- A fine addition to any collection
-Horn Books- A powerfully moving tribute to an important person in U.S. history
-Horn Books- A powerfully moving tribute to an important person in U.S. history
CONNECTIONS
This powerful story of remarkable character would be a great story through a Readers Theater. Let the children create the roles and lines as an extension.
Other Books By The Author:
Krull, Kathleen. The Other Side: How Kids Line in a California Latino Neighborhood. ISBN 0525674381.
Krull, Kathleen. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman. ISBN 0152012672
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