Latina and Latino Voices
Latina and Latino Voices in Literture for Children and Teenagers by Frances Ann Day is a unique collection of writing by Latino authors for early teen readers. The Latin community is composed of a blend of European, Indian and African peoples with a variety of religious backgrounds. Though Spanish is the common language, there are many different versions of it with different words that mean the same thing.
Poetry, fiction and nonfiction are used to shed light on the Latino experience. The timeless qualities of love, death and family are shared along with issues of discrimination and racism. There is a glossary of Spanish terms in the back that can help explain things.
One of the stories is a funny look at a first communion fiasco.Another story focuses on the arrival of a young man from Guatemala and the fear and racism he faces every day. The poetry also varies from humorous to compassionate. A poem dealing with a small Mexican girl and the isolation she feels at school, is a common theme for all kids.
