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heisereads's review against another edition
4.0
Though I loved the concept and how much I learned from this book, the individual poems themselves didn't speak to me as much as I thought they would. They read more biographical than poetic to me, but that would not stop me from using this fantastic collection in a classroom for sure. The poems pair fabulously with the additional "Notes About the Lives" at the end - don't miss the back matter.
choirqueer's review against another edition
5.0
As the introduction states, "This is not a book about the most famous Hispanics." The people in this book may not all be well-known, but this book will let you know why they should be! I loved how each person's story was illuminated in free verse and the lovingly-rendered illustrations of each one. I think many young readers (and older ones too!) would read this book and find themselves wanting to do some research to learn more about some of the people they find most interesting!
sayrawww's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent little poetry book that highlights 18 different Latino historical figures through poetry and colorful illustrations. The poems are introduced in chronological order by date from the early 17th century to the 1900s. There is also helpful biographical information about each person at the end of the book that provides some insight into their lives. I only wish that the book included more than 18 people, but it does have some great information about other Latinos and their success after the poems.
maidmarianlib's review
5.0
Love the range of individuals highlighted here and how the poems capture snapshots of their lives. The illustrations really add.
garibae's review against another edition
5.0
Every single Latino household should have a copy of this book.
khaleesi987's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the concept behind this book, but I wasn't a fan of the execution. I loved learning about lesser-known bad ass Hispanics from different countries, but I wish there had been more information on each one in the poems themselves.
cweichel's review against another edition
5.0
I've read it at least three times and pored over the illustrations. The book contains poems about eighteen important hispanic individuals who lived in what is now known as the United States of America. The earliest character, Juan De Miralles, was born in the early 1700's and one of the most recent, Baruj Benacerraf, died in 2011. Women and men are highlighted. Many of them are mixes of African and indigenous peoples. Their contributions are diverse. Some, but not all of them are famous. I knew of a few of these people, but most were new to me. The back matter contains short biographies of each of them.
The poetry is exquisite. I was already a Margarita Engle fan, but her work here is profound. If you don't know her wordsmithing, you are in for a treat. She manages to reveal much about each person with her straight forward deceptively simple free verse. The first person narrative has lines that will blow your mind.
Rafael López' art is as gorgeous as the poetry. Each portrait reveals information about the individual's character. Other details hint as to their time and place.
The poetry is exquisite. I was already a Margarita Engle fan, but her work here is profound. If you don't know her wordsmithing, you are in for a treat. She manages to reveal much about each person with her straight forward deceptively simple free verse. The first person narrative has lines that will blow your mind.
Rafael López' art is as gorgeous as the poetry. Each portrait reveals information about the individual's character. Other details hint as to their time and place.
like_unto_a_leopard's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
tashrow's review
5.0
Latino heroes and heroines are depicted in poetry in this nonfiction picture book. From countries around the world and a variety of backgrounds, these people are inspirational and influential. The poems celebrate their accomplishments with clarity and focus, offering a glimpse into their lives. Engle’s poetry is readable and interesting, inviting you to turn the page to discover yet another amazing person. Some of them readers will be familiar with and others will be new. Readers can find more information on each of the people at the end of the book.
Lopez’s illustrations are done in “a combination of acrylic on wood, pen and ink, watercolor, construction paper, and Adobe Photoshop.” The results are rich illustrations with a clever feel of being vintage in their textures. Each illustration speaks to the person themselves, clearly tying them to their passion and cause.
An important book for public libraries, this is a celebration of Latino impact on the world as a whole. Appropriate for ages 8-12.
Lopez’s illustrations are done in “a combination of acrylic on wood, pen and ink, watercolor, construction paper, and Adobe Photoshop.” The results are rich illustrations with a clever feel of being vintage in their textures. Each illustration speaks to the person themselves, clearly tying them to their passion and cause.
An important book for public libraries, this is a celebration of Latino impact on the world as a whole. Appropriate for ages 8-12.
melerihaf's review
4.0
It's a good, but I wanted more. I wanted longer poems, more poems, just...more. Still good, though.