Streets named César Chávez have begun to spring up in most major cities in the United States. His image and his cry of “Uvas no!” have appeared on television news programs, bumper stickers, and in various other places in our popular consciousness. His struggle lives on as an inspiration for activists and nonviolent protestors, and his supporters seek to educate people about his ideals and his non-violent protests.
Now, his life story becomes available to a younger generation in César Chávez: A Struggle for Justice/César Chávez: La lucha por la justicia. Richard Griswold del Castillo’s text follows the pioneering organizer from his childhood on a small farm in Yuma, Arizona where Chávez first encountered discrimination through the family’s experience as migrant workers during the Great Depression. The text goes on to trace the growth of these seed experiences through Chávez’ later life: in the Navy in World War II, his discovery of Mahatma Ghandi and his teachings, organizing the poor to vote during his tenure with the Community Service Organization, the founding of the United Farm Workers, and the award of the Medal of Freedom given by President Bill Clinton in Chávez’ name after his death.
Named to the Latino Literary Hall of Fame for Best Bilingual Children’s Book of 2003
Recipient, 2005 Carter G. Woodson Award
“History professor Griswold Del Castillo brings home the story of the struggle led by a brave american worker who made a difference.”
—Booklist
“This book also serves as an introduction for younger students, and can even stand as a source for short reports.”
—School Library Journal
RICHARD GRISWOLD DEL CASTILLO is a professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at San Diego State University. He is the author of César Chávez: A Triumph of Spirit (University of Oklahoma Press, 1995), The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: A Legacy of Conflict (University of Oklahoma Press, 1990), La Familia: Chicano Families in the Urban Southwest, 1848 to Present (University of Notre Dame Press, 1984), and The Los Angeles Barrio, 1850-1890: A Social History (University of California Press, 1980).
ANTHONY ACCARDO has illustrated several children’s picture books, among them Benito’s Bizcochitos / Los bizcochitos de Benito (Piñata Books, 1999) and The Last Doll / La última muñeca (Piñata Books, 2001). A New York native, he lives in Brooklyn.
AR Quiz #: 61712
ATOS English: 5.1
ATOS Spanish: 5.1
ATOS English: IL: LG
ATOS Spanish: IL: MG
