By
Emma Otheguy
Illustrated
by Beatriz Vidal
Translated by Adriana
Dominguez
- Age Range: 7 - 10 years
- Grade Level: 2 - 5
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Childrens Book Pr; Bilingual edition
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0892393750
- ISBN-13: 978-0892393756
Yo soy un hombre sincero
De donde crece la palma,
Y antes de morirme quiero
Echar mis versos del alma.
As
a boy, José Martí was inspired by the natural world. He found freedom in the
river that rushed to the sea and peace in the palmas reales that swayed
in the wind. Freedom, he believed, was the inherent right of all men and women.
But his home island of Cuba was colonized by Spain, and some of the people were
enslaved by rich landowners. Enraged, Martí took up his pen and fought against
this oppression through his writings. By age seventeen, he was declared an
enemy of Spain and forced to leave his beloved island.
Martí
traveled the world, speaking out for Cuba’s independence. But throughout his
exile, he suffered from illness and homesickness. He found solace in New York’s
Catskill Mountains, where nature inspired him once again to fight for
independence.
Written
in verse, with excerpts from Martí’s seminal Versos sencillos, this book
is a beautiful tribute to a brilliant political writer and courageous fighter
of freedom for all men and women.
A bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to
the promotion of liberty, the abolishment of slavery, political independence
for Cuba, and intellectual freedom.
Reviews
Excerpts
from Martí’s Versos sencillos thoughtfully underscore this
moving account of his crusade for justice. –Starred Review- Publishers Weekly
A
sensitive and poignant tribute to one of Latin America’s most important
historical figures that will encourage readers of all ages to fight for freedom
and peace. –Starred Review- School Library Journal
A
direct and approachable introduction to the life and works of Cuban poet and
freedom fighter José Martí. –Starred Review- Shelf Awareness
Otheguy
and Vidal tell a timely story that will inspire many to fight for equality and
sings songs for freedom. –Starred Review- Booklist
In
bringing an important life back into the conversation during divided political
times, this book spotlights a steadfast hero and brilliant writer still worth
admiring today. –Starred Review- Kirkus Reviews
Emma Otheguy is a children's book author and a historian of
Spain and colonial Latin America. She is a member of the Bank Street Writers
Lab, and her short story "Fairies in Town" was awarded Magazine Merit
Honors by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Otheguy lives with her husband in New York City. This is her picture book
debut. You can find her online at emmaotheguy.com
Beatriz
Vidal is an award-winning painter, illustrator, and teacher. Her work has
appeared in well-known publications such as The New York Times Magazine,
Woman’s Day, and the New Yorker. Her artwork has also been featured
on PBS programs and in numerous exhibitions around the world, including the
International Exhibition of Illustrations for Children in Italy and the Society
of Illustrators in New York. Vidal divides her time between New York City and
Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can visit her online at beatrizvidal.com
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