Latino/a literature may not be the most underrepresented genre in children’s literature but nonetheless it is one that is not always explored and used to its full potential. There is much to be learned by readers about Latino/a culture, history, and experiences, as well as commonalities that connect the characters to the readers.
A common theme among each of these narratives is that of triumph and overcoming an obstacle. Both Esperanza Rising and Harvesting Hope confront the trials of Latino laborers in the United States. A Bird About to Sing shows a young girls struggle to perform for an audience. Doña Flor shows Flor attempts to maintain her community and protect it from potential threats.
Most of the literature shows the strength characters gain from leaning on their respective communities to better their lives. Readers can learn ways to reach out to others as well as provide support to others. The stories also encourage readers to believe in their abilities to change whatever they fear is detrimental to their lives or those of others. They provide an historical perspective of some situations of which students may otherwise lack knowledge.
Hopefully teachers will be encouraged to incorporate some of these pieces of Latino/a literature into their classrooms.
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