Martí's Song for Freedom/Martí y sus versos por la libertad

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