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

MAMIVERSE.COM LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER COMPREHENSIVE DIGITAL BOOK RESOURCE FOR LATINO PARENTS & CHILDREN

A message from Literary Agent Adriana Dominguez,

I am happy to send you this message to let you know that, with the help of former publisher of HarperCollins' Latino imprint and current CEO of Mamiverse Rene Alegría's help,  yesterday, we launched Mamiverse Books, the only site currently available to promote children's books and reading directly to Latina moms. Take a look: http://www.mamiverse.com/life/mamiverse-books/

This site is the culmination of many years of work in this area, and more than anything else, I hope that it will serve as a valuable resource for first and foremost Latino parents, as well as librarians, book store owners and educators looking for appropriate books for their children. While I do plan on reviewing some non-latino books that I think Latina moms should know about, the strongest emphasis will be placed on reviewing and promoting the work of Latino authors to what we hope will be a broad audience interested in YOUR books. Please join me in this effort by spreading the word in any way you can. Facebook, Tweet, Blog(a), or even that age-old medium email, would be great! 

Thank you in advance for your support. Let's hope that this is just the beginning! 

Abrazos,

Adriana Domínguez

Full Circle Literary 

www.fullcircleliterary.com

Here is the press release

National Pledge Drive for Family Commitment to Reading

NEW YORK (October 1st, 2012)--Mamiverse.com, the premiere website for Latina moms and families, announced today the launch of a new book section, Mamiverse Books.  The first non-trade oriented, yet comprehensive digital resource for Latino parents wanting to know more about books that accurately reflect the U.S. Latino experience, Mamiverse Books creates a tool for parents who want to foster the love of reading as a road to their children’s academic success. Comprised of book reviews written by industry experts and librarians nationwide, Mamiverse Books will offer author interviews, features and more. Children’s categories will include Picture Books, Middle Grade Books, Young Adult Books and Bilingual books.

In conjunction with the launch of Mamiverse Books, and tied to National Book Month, Mamiverse.com also announces Mamiverse Reads, an online pledge drive for Latino families that commits them to making reading and books a life-long priority. Families that pledge will receive a formal document they can printout stating their new commitment, along with the latest book news and reviews.

Spearheading Mamiverse Books is renowned Latino children’s book expert, Adriana Dominguez.

“Studies have shown that reading paves the way for future academic success,” says Dominguez. “It is essential that we provide families with quality resources that specifically address the needs of Latino parents who want direction on how to incorporate books and reading into their children’s lives. The sooner children are exposed to books, and encouraged to read on a consistent basis, the more likely it is that they will do well in school.”

“We are very lucky to have Adriana lead this important initiative,” says Founder and CEO of Mamiverse.com Rene Alegria. “Our aim is to make books and reading the basis for a life-long commitment to goal-oriented success. Families who read together, achieve together.”

Hispanic Children in Education, by the Numbers:

●  One out of four babies born in the U.S. is Latino. (U.S. Census)

●       One in four kids currently in public school are Hispanic. (Pew Center Research)

●       48.8% of Hispanics 25 and older do not have a high school education, 2010. (American Community Survey)

●       Percentage of 18-24 year old Hispanics in college reached record share of 16.5%. (Pew Center Research)

●       There are one million Hispanics with advanced degrees. (Pew Center Research)

●       Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority with 50.5 million people. (U.S. Census)

●       Projected Hispanic population by 2050, 132.8 million. (U.S. Census)

(Adriana Dominguez is available for interviews)

About Adriana Dominguez

Adriana Dominguez is considered an expert in the field of children books appearing in the media and on publishing panels nationwide to speak on the topic of books and the Latino community.  She has 15 years of experience in publishing, most recently as Executive Editor at HarperCollins Children’s Books, where she managed the children’s division of the Latino imprint, Rayo. Prior to that, she was Children’s Reviews Editor at Críticas magazine, published by Library Journal. Adriana has also worked as an editorial consultant for children’s and adult publishers, on English and Spanish language books. A professional translator, who has worked on a number of translations of best-selling and award-winning children’s books, she has also worked as a literary agent for some time.  Adriana is mom to a very active and curious toddler who keeps her busy, and makes her exceptionally happy.

About mamiverse.com

Mamiverse.com is the premiere site dedicated to Latina moms and families. Launched in July of 2011, Mamiverse.com was created to better inform this rapidly growing online community. By empowering Latina moms with the tools they need, and by reaching all Hispanic women and their families in the process, Mamiverse.com connects this powerful and passionate group of family-influencers, with a culturally relevant outlet that understands who they are, what they need, and how they think.  With a rotating roster of high-profile contributors, and features on news and trends of the day, Mamiverse.com keeps readers engaged and informed. In addition to revolving news coverage, Mamiverse.com addresses a growing list of key topics including:  food, health, politics, money, school and style. Twitter Handles: @MAMIVERSE, @MamiverseBooks

Las Comadres y Los Compadres Writers Conference and Other Special Events

Melinda Palacio

Las Comadres Para Las Americas to host Comadres and Compadres Writers Conference in Nueva York

  

On October 6, aspiring writers can purse and polish their own dreams of publishing their novel, collection of stories, memoir, or book of poetry at the Las Comadres y Compadres Writers Conference in New York, held at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Brooklyn. Registration for writers and vendors is now open for the conference.
Writers will also gain an insider's perspective into the big time publishing industry. In addition to the usual panels, attendees can choose one-on-one meetings with agents and editors, specializing in books by Latino authors. La Bloga represents: I will be on the poetry panel.The Keynote speaker is author and television personality Sonia Manzano.  Having originated the role of “Maria” on Sesame Street, Manzano wrote two children’s books, No Dogs Allowed (Simon and Schuster, 2004) and A Box Full of Kittens (Simon and Schuster, 2007), and will have her first YA novel, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, published by Scholastic in Fall 2012. Some of the publishing professionals on hand include Johanna Castillo, Vice President & Senior Editor/Atria, Simon & Schuster: Jaime de Pablos, Director/Vintage Español, Knopf Doubleday Group; Adriana Dominguez, Agent/Full Circle Literary; Mercedes Fernandez, Assistant Editor/Dafina Books, Kensington Publishing; Sulay Hernandez, Editor/Other Press; Cheryl Klein, Executive Editor/Arthur A. Levine Books; Selina L. McLemore, Senior Editor/Grand Central Publishing; Christina Morgan, Editor/Harcourt Houghton Mifflin; Lukas Ortiz, Managing Director/Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency, Inc.;  Diane Stockwell, Founder/Globo Libros Literary Management; and Stacy Whitman, Founder and Editorial Director/Tu Books.

Adriana Dominguez, Literary Agent

Adriana Dominguez of Full Circle Literary talks about her involvement in the first Comadres Writers Conference:

"I am so proud to be part of the wonderful group of people organizing this important conference. This project is very personal for all us. We have joined together around three basic concepts: access, guidance, and community. We want to provide Latino writers with access to the world of publishing by exposing them to successfully-published Latino authors, as well as editors and agents who have a track record of helping Latinos get published. During a full day of panels and one-on-ones with industry experts, the conference will provide writers guidance on how to navigate the world of publishing, and what they need to do to increase their chances of getting published. Finally, we believe that there is power in numbers and that everyone needs support, so we would like Latino writers to walk away from this experience as community builders; to create writers' communities, critique groups and workshops that support other Latinos on their journey to getting published. There are not nearly enough books written by Latinos in today's marketplace. We have united some of the best and brightest minds in publishing under a single roof to help change that. Please join us!"

Upcoming Events:

Next week, September 8, Melinda Palacio offers a memoir writing workshop for Tucson's Sowing the Seeds Writing Collective.

September 15, 

Authors read from Latinos in Lotusland, edited by La Bloga's Daniel Olivas

Latinos in Lotusland at the Autry, September 15, 2pm to 4pm. Don't miss a full day of Latino Heritage month at the Autry Museum in Burbank. La Bloga will feature this event on Friday, September 14. Stay tuned for more inside accounts of Lotusland contributors.

Friday, August 31, Lunasol Bookfestival tonight in Whittier:

August 31 from 6pm to 10 pm 6711 Bright Avenue, Uptown Whittier.

LunaSol Book Fest Line-Up:

Meet and Greet Reception: 6-6:30pm

Lizette Valles (Author)                               "land of the Lost Socks"                     6:30-6:42pm

Esau Andrade (Illustrator)                          "Perfect Season for Dreaming"           6:42-6:54pm

Joe Cepeda(Author/Illustrator)                    "Lado a Lado"                                  6:54-7:06pm

Javier Hernandez(Comic Creator)                "El Muerto"                                       7:06-7:18pm 

Rosa Maria Silva(Author)                            "Oropel"                                           7:18-7:29pm

LIVE MUSIC PRESENTATION BY: "LAS COLIBRI" till 8:00pm

Melinda Palacio (Poet/Author)                               "Ocotillo Dreams"    8:00-8:12pm

Reyna Grande (Author)                                        "The Distance Between Us"        8:12-8:24pm

David Reyes and Tom Waldman (Authors)              "Land of a Thousand Dances"    8:24-8:36pm

GustavoArellano (Author)                                      "Tacos USA"                            8:36-8:48pm

Lalo Alcaraz (Author)                                            "Latino USA"                            8:48-9:00pm

Book Signing with Authors/Illustrators: 9-10pm

Countdown to publication... Less than two months...

Less than two months until the release of How Fire Is a Story, Waiting, Tia Chucha Press October 2012.

Read all about Margaret Garcia's family at KCET. Garcia painted the above portrait for my poetry book.

Last, but not least...

Happy Birthday Michael Sedano!

Adriana Domínguez, Former HarperCollins Executive Editor, Joins Full Circle Literary

Adriana Domínguez has joined Full Circle Literary as its newest agent, effective immediately. Ms. Domínguez has over ten years of experience in publishing, most recently as Executive Editor at HarperCollins Children's Books, where she managed the children’s division of the Latino imprint, Rayo.

Prior to her work at HarperCollins, Ms. Domínguez was Children’s Reviews Editor at Críticas magazine, published by Library Journal. She is also a professional translator, and has worked on a number of Spanish-language translations of best-selling children’s books.

At Full Circle Literary, Ms. Domínguez will continue her strong list of children’s picture books, middle grade novels, and literary young adult novels. She will also represent authors writing for adults in the following genres: literary fiction, women’s fiction, and historical fiction. For her adult nonfiction list, she will seek women’s interest, multicultural, pop culture, and how-to books.

Full Circle Literary founder Stefanie Von Borstel says, “We are very excited to have Adriana on board. Her eye for spotting and developing authors is unparalleled and we feel her taste is very much in tune with our global interests. Adriana and I met while working on projects at Rayo. I was impressed by her detail-oriented editing and her strength as an advocate for authors throughout the publishing process. I am certain that those skills, among others, will make her an excellent agent.”

“I am very much looking forward to helping published and unpublished authors develop their work and navigate the complex world of publishing from concept through publication, and beyond,” adds Ms. Domínguez. “I am particularly excited about having joined an agency that shares my interest in publishing the work of Latino authors, and that has the awards and recognition to prove that it does it well.”

Ms. Domínguez will be based in New York City and will serve as Full Circle Literary’s
East Coast representative. She can be contacted by e-mail at Adriana@fullcircleliterary.com or by phone at 858-824-9269.

Full Circle Literary is a California-based literary agency. Founded in 2004 by Stefanie Von Borstel and Lilly Ghahremani, the agency represents a wide range of children’s and adult authors. For more information, visit their website: www.fullcircleliterary.com.

A Note from Adriana Dominguez

Dear Friends,

I am writing you today because I want you to get these wonderful news directly from me.

After leaving HarperCollins Children's Books a year ago, I was
flooded with an overwhelming amount of support that made me feel truly appreciated, and led me to wonder what I could do next that would be worthy of such praise and encouragement. And so, over the past year I have engaged in many wonderful chats with friends, family members, and colleagues, and done a certain degree of soul searching. I asked myself, over and over again: How can I best help ALL authors— and Latino authors in particular—get published using the skills I've gathered over a decade of work in the publishing industry?

About a month ago, the answer to this question became very clear to me, so I began to take steps to make this happen. And so, it is with great joy and a good deal of hope that I announce my new role as agent and East Coast representative for Full Circle Literary Agency. I chose this agency in particular because I worked with them in the past at Harper, and in the process of doing so, came to really appreciate and respect their professionalism, deep concern for their authors, and attention to detail. These qualities, along with their interest in helping Latino authors get published, makes me believe that we will complement each other very well, and that only wonderful things can come from this new venture!

I invite you to share the news with authors and colleagues to help me launch my new efforts, and look forward to finding new and exciting ways for us to collaborate!

Thank you for your continued support, and good luck with your own
ventures!

Best regards,
Adriana

Check out VOCES, a blog about Latino authors and books!
www.adrianadominguez.com

Workshops-Conferences-Book Fairs

René Colato Laínez

F1rst Pages Conference and Revision Retreat (October 27-28, 2007)
F1st Pages Conference

Featuring some of the most experienced names in the business among them our own Adriana Dominguez.


The title of her workshop is The Latino Explosion! - So You Think You Know the Latino Market? A Close-Up Look

Workshop Preparation:

You must be familiar with the Latino/Spanish publishing industry and know what the Pura Belpre and Americas Awards are and who has won them. In addition, come prepared to talk about what genre you want to write in and whether your work will be English, Spanish or Bilingual.

In a group critique session, you will participate in a creative discussion of your peer’s manuscripts. You will receive the manuscripts ahead of the conference and should be familiar with them in order to participate effectively in the workshop. All names will remain anonymous.

Pre-Conference Assignment [Due no later than October 8th]:

Adriana Dominguez will review complete picture books, and the first 10 pages, with a synopsis, of middle-grade and young adult novels. Adriana does not publish nonfiction so please do not submit nonfiction manuscripts. All manuscripts submitted will ultimately be addressed as part of a group workshop with Adriana.

Who is Adriana Dominguez and what is she looking for?

While HarperCollins has a number of imprints to which the mainstream author has access, take a look at Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins, which opens the door of this major publisher to Latino authors. Hence, Adriana Dominguez is looking for “…originality, a keen awareness of the qualities that make a good children's book, and for Rayo in particular, background: I am very interested in material written by Latino authors in Spanish, English, and bilingually.”

Having worked with many noted Latino authors, such as Lulu Delacre of Rafi and Rosi fame and the writing team of Alma Flor Ada and Isabel F. Campoy, this is a prime opportunity for Latino authors with Latino themed stories to not only meet the Executive Editor of the fastest growing imprint in the Latino children’s book market, but to learn how to break in and get published in a tough market.

If you are looking for a crash course in publishing, this is not the workshop for you.

Adriana says, “I’d like to reach a happy group of folks who have been published (ideally), or authors who are familiar with the basic publishing process and have made sincere attempts to get published and want feedback.”

Take a look at www.f1rstpages.com- If you are looking for someone to critique your work before sending it to editors, this could be the place for you. Also, in this webpage, you can find good information about children’s literature genres: picture book, early readers, middle grade, and young adult.



THE 2nd ANNUAL BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL – It’s coming - September 16, 2007! Be There.
www.brooklynbookfestival.org.

The second annual Brooklyn Book Festival will take place at historic Borough Hall on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Last year’s inaugural festival was a tremendous success, featuring 10,000 visitors, 80 publishers and presses from across the country, and readings and discussions by renowned authors.

The festival has quickly established a reputation for presenting innovative and exciting programming. This year, A.M. Homes, Pete Hamill, chef David Bouley, Mary Gaitskill, Uzodinma Iweala, George Saunders, children’s author/illustrator Mo Willems, George Packer, Ana Castillo, Alisa-Valdes-Rodriguez, Colson Whitehead, Reverend Run, Gloria Naylor, Stephen Carter, actor Mike Farrell and Jim Carroll are among the many authors who will grace the stages and reading rooms of the festival.

Hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz at historic Brooklyn Borough Hall, outdoors on its beautiful plaza, and at the nearby Brooklyn Historical Society, the day-long festival showcases local and national retailers, publishers, authors and literary organizations.

Multiple stages and indoor venues will feature adult and children’s programming, spirited panel discussions and spoken word performances.

Festival partners include Brookyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Brooklyn Public Library, Housing Works and the National Book Foundation. Sponsors are Target, the Independence Community Foundation and Time Out New York.




Orange County Children's Book Festival (September 29 & 30, 2007)
http://www.kidsbookfestival.com

The Orange County Children's Book Festival is two daylong interactive family festival that invites children of all ages to experience the magic of books, encourages literacy, promotes the community and supports children's charities. With numerous book vendors on display, multiple stages for author and illustrator presentations, entertainment, and panel discussions - there’ll be something for everyone! An abundance of children activities such as face painting, clowns, musicians, readings, drawings, etc. will be offered and there will be lots of food, drinks and fun for the whole family. The festival is free to the public and will be held each year.