Spanish Is the Language of My Family
Written by Michael Genhart
Illustrated by John Parra
Published by Neal Porter Books
As a boy prepares for his school’s Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he doesn’t know how to spell yet. When she studies with him, she tells him how different things were back when she was a girl, when she was only allowed to speak English in school. This only inspires him to study even harder and make his family proud.
Based on stories author Michael Genhart heard from his mother as a child, Spanish is the Language of My Family is about the joy of sharing cultural heritage with our families, inspired by the generations of Latino people were punished for speaking Spanish and the many ways new generations are rejuvenating the language..
Michael Genhart’s text is as touching as it is poignant, and it’s paired with the striking artwork of multiple Pura Belpre Award-Winning Illustrator John Parra. Extensive material at the back of the book includes essays from the author about the history of Spanish suppression in U.S. schools and information about the Spanish alphabet.
Primary ISBN: 9780823450046
Publication Date: July 2023
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Unspecified (Hispanic/Latinx/Latine)
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Arts, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by School
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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