Joelito's Big Decision: La Gran Decisión de Joelito

In support of Denver Teachers

Written by Ann Berlak

Illustrated by Daniel Camacho

Translated by José Antonio Galloso

• Age Range: 6 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 5
• Paperback: 38 pages
• Publisher: Hard Ball Press
• Language: English and Spanish
• ISBN-10: 0986240095
• ISBN-13: 978-0986240096

Every Friday evening 9 year old Joelito goes with his family to MacMann’s for a juicy burger. But this Friday is different. This time, Joelito’s best friend Brandon is standing in a crowd outside the fast food restaurant protesting the low pay his parents earn there. Will Joelito cross the picket line for a tasty burger? Find out in Joelito’s Bigt Decision (La gran decisión de Joelito), in English & Spanish. Ages: 6-12.

Review

This is a wonderful book taking on a timely topic. What do you do when Friday is your favorite day because you get to go have hamburgers at your favorite restaurant, BUT, when you get there your friends are outside protesting? Folks that work in the restaurant don't make enough money to pay their rent and feed their families but the restaurant chain's owner is getting richer by the minute. Do you go in and eat anyway, or do you stay outside with your tummy rumbling in solidarity with your friends? Will you stand up or sit down (and eat)? Great story, beautifully told, terrific illustrations, and bilingual... wonderful! --Reach and Teach

“An important story that introduces a current event… Recommended for libraries looking to expand social justice and bilingual collections.” Selenia Paz, Helen Hall Library, League City, TX School Library Journal

“My current favorite book about activism is Joelito's Big Decision…. a story that is both explicitly about a particular action, but also about fairness, and a child's choices.” Innosanto Nagara, author/illustrator of A is for Activist.

"This is a terrific read for kids, one that will teach them about fairness and responsibility in this era of growing inequality and injustice. I recommend it highly." Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita, School of Education.

“We are happy to promote and distribute Joelito's -- a wonderful new picture book for children on the rights of workers. Thank you Ann Berlak for writing such a needed book… Teaching For Change

“Teachers especially are encouraged to pick up a copy for their classrooms as they work to translate our admiration for fast food and other products into a meaningful discussion about workplace justice and social movement organizing. Indeed, as the publisher’s promotional headline reads, ‘no one is too young to learn that another world is possible.’” Andrew Stevens, Rank and File Canada

The bilingual children’s book is a great story, addressing serious social issues both adults and working families face each day. The Register, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Labor Start's Book of the Month September 2015 - LaborStart