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“A tribute to a courageous family of undocumented immigrants who went to court to secure their child’s right to a free public education.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The simple language, accessible summations of both sides’ legal arguments…The narrative effortlessly conveys Alfredo’s longing to be at school and his parents’ desperate hope for a better life for their family. . . a well-documented, age-appropriate introduction to a very emotional, divisive, and still-controversial subject.”
—Booklist, Starred Review

Free to Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School

Written by Cynthia Levinson
Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Alfredo Lopez has so many questions before starting second grade! Will his friends be in his class? Will his teacher speak Spanish? But then his parents tell him that he has to stay home, and Alfredo’s questions change. Why can’t he go to school with the other kids? And why is his family going to the courthouse?

In 1977, the school district of Tyler, Texas, informed parents that, unless they could provide proof of citizenship, they would have to pay for their children to attend public school. Four undocumented families fought back in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Alfredo was one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe, which made a difference for children all over the country for years to come.

Primary ISBN: 9781665904278
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Nonfiction, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States, Mexico

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

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