Books
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
A 1984 novel by Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros. Structured as a series of vignettes, it tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Chicana girl growing up in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago.
Latinos in Michigan by David A. Badillo
The history of Latinos in Michigan is one of cultural diversity, institutional formation, and an ongoing search for leadership in the midst of unique, often intractable circumstances. Latinos have shared a vision of the American Dream–made all the more difficult by the contemporary challenge of cultural assimilation. The complexity of their local struggles, moreover, reflects far-reaching developments on the national stage, and suggests the outlines of a common identity. While facing adversity as rural and urban immigrants, exiles, and citizens, Latinos have contributed culturally, economically, and socially to many important developments in Michigan’s history.
My Time Among the Whites: Notes from an Unfinished Education by Jennine Capó Crucet
This this sharp and candid collection of essays, first-generation American Jennine Capó Crucet explores the condition of finding herself a stranger in the country where she was born. Raised in Miami and the daughter of Cuban refugees, Crucet examines the political and personal contours of American identity and the physical places where those contours find themselves smashed: be it a rodeo town in Nebraska, a university campus in upstate New York, or Disney World in Florida. Crucet illuminates how she came to see her exclusion from aspects of the theoretical American Dream, despite her family’s attempts to fit in with white American culture—beginning with their ill-fated plan to name her after the winner of the Miss America pageant
Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero
For five hundred years, Latina/o culture and identity have been shaped by their challenges to the religious, socio-economic, and political status quo, whether in opposition to Spanish colonialism, Latin American dictatorships, US imperialism in Central America, the oppression of farmworkers, or the current exploitation of undocumented immigrants. Christianity has played a significant role in that movement at every stage.
Robert is the son of a Mexican father and a Chinese immigrant mother, explores the history and theology of what he terms the “Brown Church.” He considers how this movement has responded to these and other injustices throughout its history by appealing to the belief that God’s vision for redemption includes not only heavenly promises but also the transformation of every aspect of our lives and the world. Walking through this history of activism and faith, readers will discover that Latina/o Christians have a heart after God’s own.
Children’s Books
Portraits of Hispanics American Heros by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Raul Colon With its gorgeous artwork and engaging facts, Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes brings 20 notable Hispanic men and women to life for young readers. Keep a lookout for the profiles of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, and more! Pick it up for your older readers or use it as a supplement to your picture book adventures with little ones.
Waiting for the Biblioburron by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
In this picture book, readers meet a young Colombian girl named Ana who loves reading but doesn’t have access to new books. Luckily, librarian Luis Soriano arrives in her village with plenty of books in tow — on the backs of two (appropriately named) donkeys, Alfa and Beto. A simple story, based on a real-life traveling librarian, that incorporates Spanish words throughout the text and reminds us of the universal value of reading
Mango Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Mia is thrilled when her grandmother, who has always lived far away, comes to stay with Mia and her family. Mia soon finds out her (grandmother) doesn’t speak English, but over time they teach one another their native languages and form a close bond. Families will love reading the English and Spanish words that make up this sweet cross-generational story about a young girl getting to know her grandmother.
Turning Pages by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre
If your family doesn’t know the life story of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and Latina Supreme Court Justice, this picture book autobiography is a must-read. Although her childhood involved grief and difficulty, which included her father’s death and her diagnosis of diabetes, Sotomayor found inspiration and comfort in books. Here, she passes on that love for reading while giving us a glimpse of life in public service.
Movies:
Immigration Nation– A deep look at the state of U.S. immigration, utilizing unprecedented access to ICE operations and moving portraits of immigrants.
Underwater Dreams– Exploring how the sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants learned how to build an underwater robot from Home Depot parts.
A Class Apart– After World War II, Mexican Americans fight to dismantle discrimination.
McFarland, USA– Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California’s Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions
Under the Same Moon– Single mother Rosario leaves her young son Carlitos in the care of his grandmother and illegally crosses the border into the U.S. Though she hopes to eventually make a better life for herself and her son, she toils in a dead-end job as a cleaning lady in Los Angeles. When Carlitos’ grandmother passes away some years later, the boy begins a difficult and dangerous journey to join her.
Dolores – Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in American history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century.
Videos
The Braceros- Oregon Experience
https://www.pbs.org/video/oregon-experience-the-braceros/
Terms Every Latino, HIspanic, and Latinx Want You to Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6hbQ3Zs1v8
Evangelical Covenant Church – Latino Heritage Month https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lmgeh2tjVEt3F7Q0I8buVND8CZO5bO2v/view
Displaced. (5min. documentary from the southern border) https://www.facebook.com/1464649803/videos/10218361940587586/
Articles
Sotomayor, A Trailblazer and a Dreamer
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/us/politics/27websotomayor.html
Voice of Justice, Following the Gospel : Cesar Chavez: His faith and commitment to nonviolence brought dignity to farm workers across the Southwest
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-25-op-27069-story.html
Art & Culture:
Detroit Institute of Arts- (hosts Fresco by Diego Rivera)- 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
El Museo Del Norte- 412 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216
National Museum of Mexican Art – 1852 W. 19th street, Chicago, IL 60608