Nino Wrestles the World written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Roaring Book Press, 2013. ISBN 978-1-59643-604-6
Reader's Annotation: Nino, possibly the youngest and smallest Lucha Libre wrestler ever, bravely faces an array of frightening opponents. But when challenged by a dreadful set of twins, who just happen to be his little sisters, will he be triumphant?
Summary: Nino may appear to be an average boy, but when he swaps his regular clothes for his Lucha Libra mask and trunks (really his underwear), he becomes a fierce wrestler, ready to take on all challengers. Mummies, ghosts, and even the devil himself are no match for Nino, who uses such moves as the Tickle Tackle and the Popsicle Slick to defeat his opponents. He feels no fear, and outmaneuvers each opponent with sharp wit and lightning quick agility.
But then, Nino is confronted by his toughest match yet: the double trouble pairing of his two little sisters. Will Nino emerge as a winner, or will these ruthless challengers defeat him once and for all?
Critical Evaluation: Yuyi Morales has crafted an action-packed tale full of the dramatic spirit of Lucha Libre wrestling. Every detail in Morales' illustrations, from the typeface, the sound effects, and the stylized representation of the characters, adds to the overall authentic feel of this exciting tale.
The potentially frightening opponents are tamed by the lighthearted style utilized by Morales, and children familiar with these spooky Mexican monsters and legends will be emboldened by Nino's brave moves and triumphs.
The depictions of each of Nino's challengers on the book's endpapers provide a humorous back story for each wrestler, along with pronunciation guides for non-Spanish speakers. Included in the text are many Spanish terms which are faithful to the world of Lucha Libre, but whose meaning is easily determined through context.
This is a fun account of a boy's love for wrestling, and will appeal to children who love stories filled with action and silliness.
Age or Interest Level: Pre-K to Grade 2
Lexile Level: 260L
Awards:Pura Belpre Illustrator Award, Charlotte Zolotow Award / Highly Commended, Horn Book Fanfare, ALSC Notable Children's Book
Why Included? This is a wonderfully unique introduction to the world of Lucha Libre wrestling for those unfamiliar with this aspect of Latino culture.
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & her Family's Fight for Desegregation. Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. Abrams Books, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4197-1054-4
Reader's Annotation: "You don't belong here!" and "No Mexicans allowed!" were the harsh words that Sylvia Mendez heard as a young Mexican-American girl in 1940's California. Will her family win the battle against this discrimination so that Sylvia and her brothers can attend the nearby school?
Summary: In 1944, the Mendez family moved to Westminster, California where Sylvia's father had leased a farm. When trying to register Sylvia and her two brothers for school that fall, Mr. Mendez is dismayed to realize that his children will not be allowed to attend because they are Mexican-American. The Mendez children are sent to the "Mexican school", which lacked quality teachers, a sufficient building, and a playground.
Sylvia's father founded the Parents' Association of Mexican-American Children and, with the assistance of attorney David Marcus, dedicated all his time to ensuring that Mexican-American children in California would have access to quality, desegregated education. Other families and social justice organizations joined the effort, and the lawsuit filed to fight this injustice traveled all the way to the State Court of California where a ruling was made that forever changed our nation's history, and the opportunities available for thousands of Mexican-American children.
Critical Evaluation: Tonatiuh has crafted an account of our country's troubled history of segregation that is drawn from many primary sources, including interviews with Sylvia Mendez herself. Many informational books can focus so heavily on facts that the text becomes dry and uninteresting, but Tonatiuh has achieved the opposite effect: a factual accounting of true events that is not only interesting, but also inspiring.
The courage and tenacity of the Mendez family in the face of discrimination offers an excellent example for children facing their own battles today. As Tonatiuh points out in the author's note, educational segregation towards Black and Latino children is on the rise again, and the struggles faced by Sylvia Mendez and others like her, remain extremely relevant.
His style of hand-drawn and collaged illustrating is modeled after ancient Mexican art, and is strikingly different from most current children's book illustration. This unique work would be valuable in a study of equal rights, and could encourage empathy and fair-mindedness among children of all races.
Age or Interest Level: Grades 2 to 4
Lexile Level: 870L
Awards: 2015 NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book; 2015 Pura Belpré Award, Honor, Illustrator; 2015 Robert F. Sibert Medal, Honor Book; ALA Notable Books for Children 2015, Middle Readers
Why Included? This is a fascinating account of a little-known chapter of American history that resulted in a tremendous change of attitudes and opportunities for many, many people.