From the Fields to the Fight: How Jessica Govea Thorbourne Organized for Justice
Written by Angela Quezada Padron
Illustrated by Sol Salinas
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
When Jessica Govea Thorbourne was four years old, she began picking crops in the California fields. One resilient girl, doing what was needed to help her family. As Jessica grew up, she saw her community struggling. Farm workers were being treated unfairly. But she was just one child. What could she do?
Jessica stood up for justice and learned to organize for change, passing out flyers, speaking to crowds, and rallying other kids to petition for a neighborhood park. As an adult, she joined the United Farm Workers and played a pivotal role in the success of the California Grape Boycott. Though her journey started when she was very young, Jessica found her voice and empowered others to fight for their rights.
Jessica showed that making a difference can start with just one child.
Primary ISBN: 9781665946704
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Activism, Community Action, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Economic, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 2nd, Genre: Biography, Genre: Historical, Migrant/Seasonal Worker, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: United States (California)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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