Krull, K. (2003). Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. San Diego: Harcourt Inc.Summary
Cesar Chavez's life comes alive in this biography about how he fought for the rights of migrant farm workers. Geared for younger children with illustrations by Montes, this book tells Chavez life story from when he was a child to an adult advocate for rights. Readers see that though Chavez was shy, he still stood up and spoke out for what he believed in.
My Impressions
I loved this book. I didn't know much about the life of Cesar Chavez before I read this book, which is what motivated me to pick up this biography. Not only is it beautifully written and illustrated, but the book is both educational and interesting. You are rooting for Chavez to win in his fight for better rights. The fact that he was able to start the National Farm Workers Association, a union that helps promote the rights of farm workers, is both impressive and understandable after reading this biography.
Professional Reviews
Gr. 2-4. When Cesar Chavez was 10 years old, drought forced his family to leave its Arizona ranch and move to California. The family became migrant workers, poorly paid and badly treated. As an adult, Chavez organized a nonviolent revolt, culminating in a 300-mile protest march that produced the first farmworkers' contract. Krull's language demonstrates a poetic sensibility (The eighty acres of their ranch were an island in the shimmering Arizona desert, and the stars were all their own. ), but the vocabulary will challenge young children, and a few socio-cultural details aren't made clear: some kids will wonder about the White Trade Only signs and why Chavez couldn't speak Spanish in school. But Morales' gorgeous paintings, with their rounded, organic forms and lush, gemstone hues, more than make up for glitches as they draw children deeply into an inspiring picture-book account of a young boy who grew up to change the world. --Booklist; Traci Todd; 2003. (Retrieved from http://catalog.lapl.org/carlweb/)
Gr 3-6-The dramatic story of Chavez's 340-mile march to protest the working conditions of migrant farmworkers in California is the centerpiece of this well-told biography. Readers meet Chavez at his grandparents' home in Arizona where he lived happily amid a large extended family. His childhood was cut short when, due to financial difficulties, the family was forced to move to California to seek employment. After years of laboring in the fields, Chavez became increasingly disturbed by the inhuman living conditions imposed by the growers. The historic 1965 strike against grape growers and the subsequent march for "La Causa" are vividly recounted, and Chavez's victory-the agreement by the growers granting the workers better conditions and higher pay-is palpable. While sufficient background information is provided to support the story and encourage further research, focusing on one event makes the story appealing to younger readers. The text is largely limited to one side of a spread; beautifully rendered earth-toned illustrations flow out from behind the words and onto the facing page. A fine addition to any collection. --School Library Journal; Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA; 2003. (Retrieved from http://catalog.lapl.org/carlweb/)
Suggested Use in Library
Because I live in California, we have a state holiday on March 31st which is Cesar Chavez Day. This book would be great to include in a library display to celebrate this holiday and commemorate the life of Chavez. It's also a wonderful book to read at a story time about great leaders or even a story time in honor of Cesar Chavez Day. This book may also lead to more discussion about the life and times of Chavez and his importance in California history.
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SLIS 5420/Module 12
Biography and Autobiography
November 8-14, 2010
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