Bilingual

María Isabel Salazar López is a new girl in school. It’s hard enough to be a new girl, but when the teacher decides to give her another name, Mary Lopez, she is frustrated. María Isabel, who is so proud to be named after close family members, is lost without her name. When her teacher calls on her she doesn’t even recognize the name as hers. This leads to many misunderstandings that stand in the way of María Isabel’s getting along with her teacher and fitting in with the class. When María Isabel writes an essay about her greatest wish, let’s just say it comes true!

This collection of vignettes about Chicago’s Hispanic quarter are told from the point of view of Esperanza Cordero who is coming of age. Through her unique descriptions of the neighborhood and its residents, the reader is given a glimpse of the barrio as well as an understanding of Esperanza’s hopes and fears.

“El viejo,” the old man, is very good at working in his garden, but he is not so good at listening to his wife. When the old man’s wife leaves him to go to a barbecue she reminds him to bring “el puerco” (the pig). Although he can’t imagine why he should bring “la puerta” (the door) off he goes to the barbecue carrying it on his back. Each step along the way he finds himself in funny and touching situations where the door comes in handy. Although they don’t have “el puerco” to barbecue, they use “la puerta” (the door) as a table and enjoy the treats el viejo collected along the way. While being amused by this humorous tale, you’ll find yourself learning some Spanish. A glossary is included.

Tomás’s grandfather is a wonderful storyteller. No matter where his family is in their yearly migration, they gather around the fire after their work in the fields is done and are treated to the gift of a story. When Papá Grande runs out of his own stories, he sends Tomás to the library to find more. There, Tomás finds a cozy spot where his imagination soars along with his friendship with the librarian. Based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer and educator Tomás Rivera, this story is about family, friendship, and the power of stories.

Late one night, Rosalinda wakes to see her lovingly cared for lemon tree being robbed of all its fruit. The next day she sees the thief with his family — selling her limones! Then Rosalinda meets the spirit of La Anciana, The Old One, who makes things grow. She gives Rosalinda a remedy that will heal her lemon tree (and her bitter feelings). That night Rosalinda follows the spirit’s instructions and then slumbers under the lemon tree beneath a full yellow moon. When she awakes, the tree is full of fruit and her heart is full of compassion for the man who stole her lemons. This magical story gives practical messages about giving and forgiveness.

“Is someone teasing you? If so, then in Spanish they are ‘pulling your hair,’ and in English they are ‘pulling your leg.’” Use these 12 Spanish and English idioms to compare figures of speech.

Through intimate photographs, poetry, and interviews, children of migrant farmworkers tell their stories. A nine-year-old boy talks about the long hours in the fields. A ten-year-old describes living in crowded migrant housing. Nine different voices tell about gangs, discrimination, language barriers, and strong family ties.