LatinaLista — Aside from parents and teachers, role models are an essential part of every student’s learning experience. The Latino community is lucky to have many inspiring role models and next month more students will get the chance to learn about these accomplished individuals in a new nonfiction book geared to ages 8-12 titled Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes.
From familiar icons such as Sonia Sotomayor, who graces the cover, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to trailblazers like Desi Arnaz, Helen Rodriguez Trias, Jaime Escalante and Roberto Clemente, the book features the life stories of 20 different iconic Latino role models. Yet, what makes this installment of Penguin’s American Heroes series unique is the book’s writer and illustrator.
Each story is written by California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera who keeps readers enthralled as they learn little known facts, along with, the famous accomplishments of these Hispanic trailblazers. Hand-in-hand with Herrera’s narration are the captivating illustrations by award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón.
Capturing the essence of the person, Colón creates a visual that cements the stories of these iconic individuals in the minds of anyone who reads the 90-page book — children and adults!
Scheduled for released on August 7, the new title is a welcome addition to the ongoing #WeNeedDiverseBooks social media movement.