Common Sense Media Review
By Monica Encarnacion
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Triumphant spelling bee victory reveals powerful lessons
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SPANISH IS THE LANGUAGE OF MY FAMILY is about Manolito, a boy preparing for the Spanish Spelling Bee. He enlists his "Abu" or grandma to help, and as they practice together, Abuela shares stories from her childhood, when the "rule at school was 'English only.' " Speaking Spanish, Abu says, often led to punishments like being sent home from school, being "spanked with a paddle", or even having your "mouth washed out with soap." Touched by Abuela's stories of a hurtful past, Manolo is determined to win the "Concurso de Deletreo en Español" and practices every new Spanish word carefully: O-r-g-u-l-l-o-s-o (proud), F-u-e-r-t-e (strong). He reminds himself, "tengo fuerza" and he's determined to make it out on top. On the day of the spelling bee, Manolo feels confident, in big part because of the support of his loving family. He feels "P-o-d-e-r-o-s-o" (powerful) like his Abuela! End pages include an author's note on the life of the author, the stories of his mother, and the National Spanish Spelling Bee, as well as information about the history of anti-Spanish and anti-Mexican sentiment, laws that changed the U.S. education system, and ways to celebrate and embrace literacy for kids of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. You'll also find a useful Spanish alphabet chart, complete with a helpful footnote that explains unique Spanish pronunciations.
Is It Any Good?
This beautiful and timely picture book celebrates Spanish speakers and pays loving tribute to a generation that brought societal change and hope to later generations. By exposing a shameful time in U.S. history, Spanish is the Language of My Family imparts pride in speaking Spanish -- the language of so many families. The closeness between Manolo and his Abuela adds warmth to this poignant story of triumph and reminds us that our heritage, including native language, is something to stand up for and celebrate. A great book for families to read together, no matter if they're bilingual or just practicing a new language.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their own native language and how it's similar or different from the language spoken in Spanish is the Language of My Family. What language(s) does your family speak? What's the best thing about your language?
What makes Manolo a strong, courageous character? How does he demonstrate courage, perseverance, and curiosity? How do these character strengths help him win the spelling bee?
How does Abuela demonstrate courage and strength? Why are these important character traits? How do they help her and others through hard times? Have you ever experienced a time when you had to find courage and strength?
Book Details
- Author: Michael Genhart
- Illustrator: John Parra
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Neal Porter Books
- Publication date: July 11, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: September 13, 2023
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