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SMALL ROOM, BIG DREAMS

Name: SMALL ROOM, BIG DREAMS
Author: Monica Brown
ISBN: 978-0-06-298573-6

THE JOURNEY OF JULIÁN AND JOAQUIN CASTRO

by Monica Brown ; illustrated by Mirelle Ortega ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2021

Wonderfully entertaining and inspiring.

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Before they were twins in the political arena, Julián and Joaquin Castro were kids whose mother and grandmother sowed the seeds of their big dreams.

This biographical narration of their early years traces a natural path through the seemingly inevitable political journey of the Castro brothers, who channeled their competitive personalities (challenging each other in both tennis and student senate elections) into public service and the betterment of their own community. They are seen as following the example set by the two women who came before them: their maternal grandmother, Victoriana—who crossed the border at 7 and then dropped out of school in third grade but nevertheless valued education as a means to succeed—and their single mother, Rosie, who knew she needed a seat at the decision-making table and fought to get it, breaking glass ceilings for both women and Mexican Americans. Brown includes important context on migration, the often forgotten segregation targeting Mexicans and other Spanish-speaking populations, and the poor city planning that often affects marginalized communities. Ortega complements the narrative with details in the illustrations that emphasize the struggles that the Castro family overcame to achieve their successes, beginning in the small room the twins shared with their grandmother. Some Spanish is naturally introduced in the text and supported by context clues, and a glossary in the backmatter provides translations. A Spanish edition publishes simultaneously. (This book was reviewed digitally with 12-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 43.2% of actual size.)

Wonderfully entertaining and inspiring. (author’s note, sources) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

Pub Date: May 4, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-06-298573-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
DOÑA FELA'S DREAM
by Monica Brown ; illustrated by Rosa Ibarra

- BOOK REVIEW
EL CUARTO TURQUESA / THE TURQUOISE ROOM
by Monica Brown ; translated by Cinthya Miranda-McIntosh ; illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

- BOOK REVIEW
MEET THE JOOBLES
by Monica Brown , illustrated by Emily Balsley translated by Cinthya Miranda-McIntosh

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OUR SUBWAY BABY

by Peter Mercurio ; illustrated by Leo Espinosa ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 2020

A delightful story of love and hope.

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Families are formed everywhere—including large metropolitan mass-transit systems!

Baby Kevin, initially known as “Danny ACE Doe,” was found in the New York City’s 14th Street subway station, which serves the A-C-E lines, by one of his future fathers, Danny. Kevin’s other father, Pete (author Mercurio), serves as the narrator, explaining how the two men came to add the newborn to their family. Readers are given an abridged version of the story from Danny and Pete’s point of view as they work to formally adopt Kevin and bring him home in time for Christmas. The story excels at highlighting the determination of loving fathers while still including realistic moments of hesitation, doubt, and fear that occur for new and soon-to-be parents. The language is mindful of its audience (for example using “piggy banks” instead of “bank accounts” to discuss finances) while never patronizing young readers. Espinosa’s posterlike artwork—which presents the cleanest New York readers are ever likely to see—extends the text and makes use of unexpected angles to heighten emotional scenes and moments of urgency. The diversity of skin tones, ages, and faces (Danny and Pete both present white, and Kevin has light brown skin) befits the Big Apple. Family snapshots and a closing author’s note emphasize that the most important thing in any family is love. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.3-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 43% of actual size.)

A delightful story of love and hope. (Informational picture book. 5-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020

ISBN: 978-0-525-42754-4

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: June 15, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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FRIDA KAHLO AND HER ANIMALITOS

by Monica Brown ; illustrated by John Parra ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2017

A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist.

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Frida Kahlo’s strong affection for and identification with animals form the lens through which readers view her life and work in this picture-book biography.

Each two-page spread introduces one or more of her pets, comparing her characteristics to theirs and adding biographical details. Confusingly for young readers, the beginning pages reference pets she owned as an adult, yet the illustrations and events referred to come from earlier in her life. Bonito the parrot perches in a tree overlooking young Frida and her family in her childhood home and pops up again later, just before the first mention of Diego Rivera. Granizo, the fawn, another pet from her adult years, is pictured beside a young Frida and her father along with a description of “her life as a little girl.” The author’s note adds important details about Kahlo’s life and her significance as an artist, as well as recommending specific paintings that feature her beloved animals. Expressive acrylic paintings expertly evoke Kahlo’s style and color palette. While young animal lovers will identify with her attachment to her pets and may enjoy learning about the Aztec origins of her Xolo dogs and the meaning of turkeys in ancient Mexico, the book may be of most interest to those who already have an interest in Kahlo’s life.

A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)