Description:
A bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty-- the abolishment of slavery, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence from colonialism--for all Latinos. Written in verse with excerpts from Martí's seminal work, Versos sencillos.
Una biografía bilingüe de José Martí, quien dedicó su vida a la promoción de la libertad: la abolición de la esclavitud, la independencia política de Cuba y la independencia intelectual del colonialismo para todos los latinoamericanos. Escrita en verso con fragmentos de su obra fundamental, Versos sencillos.
Brief description:
Emma Otheguy made her authorial debut with Martí's Song for Freedom. She is the author of the picture books Martina Has Too Many Tías and A Sled for Gabo, as well as the early reader series Reina Ramos, and the middle-grade novels Cousins in the Time of Magic, Adventure in the City of Stories, and Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene. Visit her at emmaotheguy.com.
Review Quotes:
* "Otheguy and Vidal tell a timely story that will inspire many to fight for equality and sings songs for freedom." -- Booklist, starred review
* "In bringing an important life back into the conversation during divided political times, this book spotlights a steadfast hero and brilliant writer still worth admiring today." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Otheguy debuts with a bilingual story, written in gentle and measured verse, about activist José Martí... Excerpts from Martí's Versos sencillos thoughtfully underscore this moving account of his crusade for justice." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "A sensitive and poignant tribute to one of Latin America's most important historical figures that will encourage readers of all ages to fight for freedom and peace." -- School Library Journal, starred review
* "Discover: A direct and approachable introduction to the life and works of Cuban poet and freedom fighter José Martí." -- Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Otheguy's verse is seamlessly combined with excerpts from Martí's own Versos sencillos. Vidal's gouache folk art-style illustrations are soft yet evocative; they bring to life the rich countryside of Cuba with its palmas reales as well as the lush autumn foliage of the Catskills. This is a gorgeous bilingual tribute to the life of Cuba's hero-poet." -- The Horn Book
Américas Award - Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs
Best Books - Kirkus Reviews
Best Books of the Year - School Library Journal
CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Junior Library Guild Selection
North American Academy of the Spanish Language Award - Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española
Tejas Star Reading List - Texas Library Association (TLA)