Nuestra América

As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent exhibit on influential Latinos in 2021. Charged with the task of telling the long, complicated relationship of Latinos in the U.S.--a relationship so long, it predates the country--the gallery offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and experiences of Latinas and Latinos throughout the U.S. today. Nuestra America highlights the incredible contributions of the following:Sylvia AcevedoLuis AlvarezPura BelpreMartha E. BernalJulia de BurgosCesar ChavezSandra CisnerosRoberto ClementeCelia CruzOlga E. CustodioOscar de la RentaJaima EscalanteMarcario GarciaEmma GonzalezLaurie HernandezJuan Felipe HerreraDolores HuertaJennifer LopezXiuhtezcatl MartinezSylvia MendezLin-Manuel MirandaC. David MolinaRita MorenoEllen OchoaJorge RamosSylvia RiveraMaria Elena SalinasSonia SotomayorDara TorresRoberto Unanue

Vibrant illustrations and a lively narrative come together to spotlight the stories of 30 Latinas and Latinos. These men and women have worked in a wide variety of fields, overcome great obstacles, and have contributed to the world in significant ways. Trailblazers include engineer Sylvia Acevedo, clinical psychologist Martha E. Bernal, baseball player Roberto Clemente, and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Marcario García. Three to four pages are dedicated to each profile, with one page featuring an illustrated portrait of the individual against a colorful background. The text provides information about the early life of each person along with personal milestones, such as education, paths to careers, and accomplishments. Their struggles and contributions to the community are also listed. Each profile flows smoothly; the fascinating narratives are conversational in tone. Readers will gain an understanding of the obstacles these individuals faced as well as the role their heritage and culture played in their lives. A glossary is included as well as a reader's guide that includes a QR code. Discussion questions encourage thought and action with suggested activities. VERDICT: An excellent nonfiction title focusing on luminous Latinas and Latinos, whose stories are sure to encourage and inspire hope in young readers everywhere.--School Library Journal, starred review, A project of the Smithsonian Latino Center, this collection, also released in a Spanish edition, features 30 biographies of men and women who have made their mark in entertainment, sports, education, politics, advocacy, music, science, and social justice. Skillfully rendered short portraits introduce readers to influential figures such as Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library, who wrote children's books retelling Puerto Rican folktales after seeing a need for wider cultural representation. Familiar figures such as labor leader Dolores Huerta and baseball player Roberto Clemente appear alongside lesser-known subjects such as military pilot Olga Custodio and climate activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez. Highlighted by Gloria Félix's lush, realistic art, the book's message, "Latino history is American history," rings out on every page.--Publisher's Weekly, While this book will educate all readers, it importantly provides Latinx American children with inspirational role models from a diverse array of professions. A valuable title to have on the shelf. --Booklist

Sabrina Vourvoulias is an award-winning Latina news editor, writer, and digital storyteller. An American citizen from birth, she grew up in Guatemala during the armed internal conflict and moved to the United States when she was fifteen. Her journalism and editing have garnered an Emmy, and an Edward R. Murrow award, as well as multiple José Martí, Keystone, and New York Press Association awards. In addition to publishing short fiction and poetry, she is also the author of Ink, which was named to Latinidad's Best Books of 2012. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and a dog who believes she is the one ring to rule them all.Gloria Felix was born and raised in Uruapan, a beautiful small city in Michoacán, Mexico, one of her biggest inspirations when it comes to Art. Her favorite things to do growing up were drawing, watchingcartoons, and eating, which still are some of her favorite things to do. Currently, she lives and paints in Los Angeles.