Yes! We Are Latinos

    Ada, Alma Flor and Campoy, Isabel F., pictures by Diaz, David. Yes! We Are Latinos. Charlesbridge, 2013. Grades 4-8

    • This collection is comprised of 12 narrative poems detailing what it means to be Latino/ Latina for the writers. Put together by a Latino team, following every poem Ada and Campoy add informative passages about the history of different Latino origins and provide further historical background about the Latino experience. The purpose of the collection is to provide representation for the Latino and Latina communities in the United States and to motivate people to become more invested in these communities and their ancestry. 
    • The intended audience of this collection are both people with a Latino/Latina ancestry, but also those who want to learn more about what it means to be a Latino/Latina. The collection is comprised of both men and women, giving us a small glimpse into their experience existing as a Latino/Latina. Some stories are funny, some are endearing, and some sad, but each highlights the latino ancestry of the writer and captures where they are currently living. The poems are short and be read independently or as a collection to get a better understanding of the Latino experience. 
    • The poems are appropriate for children and do a great job providing context for their readers. The poems all follow the pattern of introducing the writer's name, their Latino ancestry, and end by stating "I am Latino". This pattern makes it easier for readers to compare and contrast experiences and get a varied picture of what makes someone a Latino. The poems are all written in free verse, and the literary devices included further help to illustrate the writer's lived experience. Each poem is also accompanied by an illustration by David Diaz who uses the Latino Folk art style, which look like wood carvings, to add to further engage the reader. The poem's organization is laid out in the table of contents, and an index is also provided at the end of the book. Additionally, they provide resources for different groups of readers such as educators, picture books, or  This is a wonderful own-voices collection for young readers that can also be incorporated into the classroom

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