Submitted by chathaway on Sun, 03/29/2020 - 23:15

Recommended Children's Books for César Chávez Day

Celebrate César Chávez's birthday with this selection of excellent children's books!

Chávez was born on March 31 in 1927, and was a migrant farm worker from the age of 10. Chávez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in the early 1960s. He focused attention on the plight of migrant farm workers and gained support to have his organization be the first successful farm workers’ union in the United States. He used principles of non-violence, with strikes and boycotts. César Chávez remained president of United Farm Workers of America (AFL-CIO) until his death on April 23, 1993. 

Learn more about César Chávez at History for Kids. 

eBooks available on Hoopla 

Cesar Chavez in His Own Words by Sarah Machajewski
Cesar Chavez was one of the most influential labor leaders of the twentieth century. His story, from migrant field worker to champion of the voiceless, is a fascinating one that resonates today. Readers will be able to learn about the man Robert F. Kennedy called one of the "heroic figures of our time" through this account which interweaves Chavez's own words throughout the biographical text. Historic photographs bring the man to life, while sidebars and fact boxes offer more background information on his important work.
 
What’s Your Story, Cesar Chavez? by Emma Carlson Berne
Why did Cesar Chavez want to help farm workers? How did he get people to care about farm workers' rights? Cub Reporter interviews him to find out! Learn how Cesar fought to make the United States a fairer, safer place to work and live. Readers will see how to use interviewing skills and journalistic questions to reveal the story behind a famous American.
 
Cesar Chavez by Joeming Dunn 
Graphic novels aren't just for superheroes! Cesar Chavez has been plucked from history books and his life and accomplishments have been depicted in an informative nonfiction graphic novel. The subject's birth, childhood, education, and humanitarian efforts have been skillfully told with detailed art. Further reading lists, timelines, glossaries, and indexes make these titles useful in classroom discussion.
 
Yes she could! Dolores Huerta inspired workers and led the way for change in wages and working conditions. This low-level text follows her journey from teacher to activist, and the challenges she had to face as a woman in these roles. A timeline, inspirational quotes, and other features add to this engaging title for beginning readers.
 
Explores the history, events, and aftermath of Larry Itliong's role in the fight for farmworkers' rights. Through insightful text, "In Their Own Words" special features, and critical thinking questions, this title will introduce readers to a historic example of social activism.
 
Related Reads 
 
Where Our Food Comes From by Baby Professor
These days, food comes out frozen. Factories create processed meals and moms will just need to put them together or put them in the microwave. But where does food come? This is an interesting book that will lead your child to the true origins of food. Expect to hear requests to plant soon!
 
How Do You Raise a Raisin? by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Craig Brown
People have been gobbling up yummy, nutritious raisins for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans awarded them at sporting events and astronauts have taken raisins into space. Find out how grapes become raisins, who introduced the seedless grape, and the many uses for raisins.
 
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
The fascinating story of the life cycle of a flower told through the adventures of a tiny seed. Young readers will cheer at the happy outcome of this exciting tale.
 
And Then the Seed Grew by Marianne Dubuc
A story of growth and change (and tomatoes!). In an ordinary garden full of flowers and plants, some creatures have made their homes above the ground, while others live below it. Everybody lives happily. Until one day, a new seed arrives, which sprouts into a plant. And as the plant grows (and grows, and grows), its stalk and leaves get in the way of those who live aboveground, while its roots disrupt those who live below. It is a huge problem. So, the garden's residents decide that it must be chopped down. Unless … wait! What's that growing on the plant?
 
Seed Man by Aiko Ikegami
When a mysterious stranger carrying a bag of seeds comes to town, magical things start to happen. After Seed Man plants the seeds, a wonderful tree grows, bearing special "fruit" such as toys, musical instruments, and even a puppy! With assistance from some helpful fairies, Seed Man's gifts are delivered all over town. Each gift perfectly suited to its recipient. And even if someone didn't know they needed a special gift, Seed Man and the fairies knew. But not all the gifts are welcome at first, especially to someone whose heart has been broken.
 
Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! by Pat Mora
Peanuts, blueberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and more-here is a luscious collection of haiku celebrating foods native to the Americas. Brimming with imagination and fun, these poems capture the tasty essence of foods that have delighted, united, and enriched our lives for centuries. Exuberant illustrations bring to life the delicious spirit of the haiku, making Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America's Sproutings an eye-popping, mouth-watering treat. Open it and dig in!
 
Hoopla Search Tip: After logging into Hoopla, click on KIDS at the top right of the webpage or app to get a list of children’s titles only for your keyword search.  
 
Titles Selected by Xenia