    | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 11/01/2014 Gr 4–8—A dazzling collection of short biographies on 20 Latino men and women who have shaped United States history. Profiled chronologically, each entry provides a succinct but lyrical description of how these heroes have made their mark. From the arts (Desi Arnaz, Joan Baez, Rita Moreno) to the sciences (Luis W. Alvarez and Ellen Ochoa), the breadth of influence covered is vast and aptly demonstrates the diversity within the Hispanic community. Inclusion of the usual suspects (César Chávez, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente) is appreciated, but what sets this work truly apart is the memorialization of little-known figures, such as Julia de Burgos (poet), Judith F. Baca (artist), and Ignacio E. Lozano (journalist). California Poet Laureate Herrera packs relevant info and kid-appropriate details (Tomás Rivera meeting the "library lady" for the first time; Dennis "Dionisio" Chavez being bullied because of his name) without overwhelming the work, infusing the narratives with engaging text. Colon's portraits are luminous. His use of watercolor and pencils gives each entry an ethereal cast, elevating the subjects to an almost beatific place of honor. This is especially true in the case of "Hero Street U.S.A.," one of the last chapters, about a street in Silvis, IL, that was renamed in remembrance of eight American soldiers of Mexican descent. Complete with helpful recommended reading, suggestions and source notes, this visually and textually stunning title is one to cherish and celebrate.—Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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