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“A brilliant example of how family ties can lead to great accomplishments as one embraces their cultural heritage.”
—School Library Journal

Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julian and Joaquin Castro

Written by Monica Brown
Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
Published by HarperCollins Publishers

An informative, inspirational picture book biography about twins Julián and Joaquin Castro, who rose from poverty to become leaders for positive change in America.
The story of political powerhouse twins Julián and Joaquin Castro began in the small room that they shared with their grandmother Victoriana in San Antonio, Texas. Victoriana crossed the border from Mexico into Texas as a six-year-old orphan, marking the start of the family’s American journey. Her daughter Rosie, Julián and Joaquin’s mom, was an activist who helped the barrio through local government.

The strong women in their family inspired the twins to get involved in politics. Julián and Joaquin have been working at the local, state, and national level—as a former presidential candidate, mayor and member of President Obama’s Cabinet, and a U.S. Congressman, respectively—to make the country a better place for everyone.

Acclaimed author Monica Brown and illustrator Mirelle Ortega depict the Castros’ political and personal accomplishments in this must-read picture book biography.

Primary ISBN: 9780062985736
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , ,

Setting: United States

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 1st Generation

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