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rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Martí's incomplete biography is peppered with his [b:Versos Sencillos: Simple Verses|1073063|Versos Sencillos Simple Verses|José Martí|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347662381l/1073063._SY75_.jpg|1059758] and gorgeous illustrations by Beatriz Vidal.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful book! Translated in both English and Spanish, this book stays true to Marti's origins. The illustrations are stunning, and the prose is absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely a great way to teach your children and young readers about Cuba, oppression, and a famous writer.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
johnnymacaroni's review against another edition
4.0
Such an interesting story and told in two languages. Beautifully done with folk art style illustrations.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=14063
This beautiful bilingual biography deserves all the praise it is receiving. The beautiful pieces of art that accompany the poetic verses turns this picture book biography into a piece of art! I also loved that not only is Martí’s biography in Spanish and English, but so is the author’s back matter.
I also am so glad that I learned about José Martí! I didn’t know anything about the Cuban war for independence and emancipation from slavery. Cuba has such an extensive history that is not taught here, so this story definitely fills a gap in history education. While the story teaches primarily of Martí’s life, the back matter goes deeper into Cuban independence and reading both is definitely going to pique interests to learn more. I think this book would pair nicely with books about our Civil War to compare the United States to other countries’ fights for freedom.
This beautiful bilingual biography deserves all the praise it is receiving. The beautiful pieces of art that accompany the poetic verses turns this picture book biography into a piece of art! I also loved that not only is Martí’s biography in Spanish and English, but so is the author’s back matter.
I also am so glad that I learned about José Martí! I didn’t know anything about the Cuban war for independence and emancipation from slavery. Cuba has such an extensive history that is not taught here, so this story definitely fills a gap in history education. While the story teaches primarily of Martí’s life, the back matter goes deeper into Cuban independence and reading both is definitely going to pique interests to learn more. I think this book would pair nicely with books about our Civil War to compare the United States to other countries’ fights for freedom.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Lee and Low for the review copy of this title.
This bilingual biography is written in a poetic format with both the main story and the back matter written in English alongside Spanish. The illustrations are soft and colorful. For those familiar with Jose Marti, this is a beautiful tribute. For those unfamiliar with his life and work, this is a wonderful introduction in a very accessible format. The bilingual presentation is much appreciated for use in library collections and classrooms.
This bilingual biography is written in a poetic format with both the main story and the back matter written in English alongside Spanish. The illustrations are soft and colorful. For those familiar with Jose Marti, this is a beautiful tribute. For those unfamiliar with his life and work, this is a wonderful introduction in a very accessible format. The bilingual presentation is much appreciated for use in library collections and classrooms.
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
4.0
A nice introduction about José Martí and his fight for freedom in Cuba. I loved that it was bilingual and for young Spanish/English learners would make an excellent addition to ESL or Spanish language learning lessons.
dominiquejl's review against another edition
5.0
Such a fantastic introduction to Martí for young readers!! Beautiful bilingual text really helps to highlight both the relatable humanity and the heroic exceptionalism of Martí's life. Beautiful illustrations and a stirring message of peace, advocacy, and activism. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
ginaperry's review against another edition
5.0
Emma Otheguy's debut picture book is a bilingual biography, written in verse. The story is at once poetic and profound. I had no prior knowledge of José Martí and found this to be a lush, lyrical, and intriguing primer on his story. José Martí's love for Cuba and New York, and the sacrifices he made for emancipation and Cuba's independence from Spain make for a captivating read. The illustrations are rich yet formal, adding to the weight of the story.
backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
Written in both English and Spanish, Otheguy introduces young readers to Cuban poet and freedom fighter José Martí. As a boy, Martí was introduced to the beauty of the Cuban countryside by his father, and he fell in love with it. But he also realized that not everything was wonderful when he saw enclaved people cutting sugarcane, but wanting to the free. Martí wished to end slavery in Cuba, however, Spain ruled the country and didn't care about the diverse people of Cuba. When the Cubans began a war against Spain, Martí supported them, writing pamphlets and newspaper articles, for which he was arrested. At 17, he was released from jail on condition that he leave Cuba forever. Martí settled in New York, continuing to support Cuba's fight for freedom. He found solace in writing verses about nature in the Catskill Mountains, but his heart never left Cuba. And, he felt that Cuba needed him, that it was time to fight Spain for its freedom again. Martí returned home and served as a soldier, and though he died before Cuba won its freedom, the fight was finished by friends who kept his dream alive. Written in short free verse stanzas, similar to Martí's own poetry, Otheguy introduces the reader to this hero of Cuba freedom who never strayed from his belief that the Cuban people deserved their independence. The poetry is supported by Vidal's beautiful gouache illustrations, in colors reminiscent of bright, sunny, warm hues of the Cuban landscape. Back matter is included.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
I heard of Jose Marti when I read The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya. Arturo's grandparents loved Marti's poetry and his place in Cuban history. The excerpts that Arturo read within the story made me curious, so when I saw a picture book biography of Marti, I had to read it. The bilingual nature of the text makes sense, since Marti lived in the United States for years during his exile from Cuba, and he helped to make the U.S. and other countries around the world aware of conditions in Cuba and the struggle for independence taking place there. The gouache illustrations depict key scenes from Marti's life - seeing the treatment of slaves in the cane fields, working in the quarry after his arrest, giving speeches, walking in the Catskills during his time in New York, and Battle of Two Rivers where he was killed. But the pictures also show the things about Cuba that he loved so much. The palmas reales, the diversity of Cuba's population, even the iconic metal grill-work decorations on windows and pastel colors on the buildings provide a look at the country he held dear. Readers can also see the beauty of the Catskill Mountains, the street scenes of New York, and Marti writing at his desk. The illustration that Marti himself would treasure most is the crowd celebrating Cuba's independence; there are people waving their hats in the air, playing guitar and drums, even a couple dancing. It is a party he would have been proud to join.
The text works in pieces from Marti's poetry, as well as using images from his poems to bring his passion to life. An afterword and author's note provide additional information, and an excerpt from his Versos Sencillos is included. After finishing this biography, many readers will want to find a full length copy of his poems to read. This is a solid addition to school libraries and could be used in history lessons as well as language arts classes.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
The text works in pieces from Marti's poetry, as well as using images from his poems to bring his passion to life. An afterword and author's note provide additional information, and an excerpt from his Versos Sencillos is included. After finishing this biography, many readers will want to find a full length copy of his poems to read. This is a solid addition to school libraries and could be used in history lessons as well as language arts classes.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.