Novel!! I loved reading this style of novel where it felt much more personal because of the pictures, poems, and real letters included. I think a picture essay also helps the pace of the story. I think for many students and families these stories could feel connectable. I would love to find more picture essays if I teach in a higher 4-5 grade classroom. ( )

Este libro tiene historias de personas algunas solas otras con familias que viene a trabajar a los Estados Unidos en los Campos para cosechar fresas

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This a documentary book about real people immigrating to America to work the fields in California. Many of these people go to Northern California and work in the Salinas valley. Many stories are of their family lives and background are told. ( )

I'm re-reading right now as I read Esperanza Rising again with my kids. Not much has changed for migrant farmers in the last 70 years save for more efforts by outside agencies to try to help the children; it's so unfair to the kids and makes me sad, but they seem content with their fate and the programs aren't always that effective. Perhaps I'm just projecting my middle-class ideals on these workers, but it seems to me that the kids have little choice but to perpetuate the cycle of migrant work and poverty. ( )