First day in Grapes - Softcover
All year long Chico and his family move up and down the state of California picking fruits and vegetables. Every September they pick grapes, and every year Chico starts at a new school again. Often other children pick on him - maybe because he is always new or maybe because he speaks Spanish sometimes.
Chico's first day in third grade turns out to be different. His teacher likes him right away, and she and his classmates are quick to recognize his excellent math skills. He may even get to go to the Math Fair! When the fourth-grade bullies confront Chico in the lunchroom, he responds wisely with strengths of his own.
Readers of all backgrounds will relate to Chico's bravery and the creative way he finds to resolve conflict. This story of personal triumph is a testament to the inner strength in all of us.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
From School Library Journal:
L. King Perez has won many awards for her fiction and poetry. She based the story of Chico on her husband's experiences growing up as a migrant child. She lives in Dayton, Ohio.
Robert Casilla is the illustrator of several award-winning children's books, including Jalapeno Bagels, an ALA Notable Book, Daddy Poems, a Children's Choices Selection, and The Little Painter of Sabana Grande, a Reading Rainbow book. A full-time illustrator, Robert Casilla lives in Yonkers, New York with his family.
Grade 1-3-Chico's family leads a nomadic existence, following California's crops. Places don't have names but rather are associated with whatever fruit or vegetable is being harvested. The story begins as they arrive at a place simply identified as "a camp in grapes." Chico is understandably apprehensive about starting third grade at yet another new school because his previous experiences involved bullying and name calling. He meets an intimidating bus driver and a kind teacher, gets a chance to display his excellent math skills, makes new friends, and has a playground face-off with some notorious bullies. With enough positives to compensate for the challenges, the child finishes his first day of the school year with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Reminiscent of Francisco Jimenez's La Mariposa (Houghton, 1998; o.p.), this story also sheds light on the life of migrant children in a poignant, balanced manner. While some of the hardships are left unexplored, this title will serve as a launching point for discussions about the migrant experience. Although a bit static, the watercolor, colored-pencil, and pastel illustrations bring warmth and color to this portrait of life in rural California.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherFitzhenry and Whiteside
- Publication date2004
- ISBN 10 1550413406
- ISBN 13 9781550413403
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages32
- IllustratorCasilla Robert
- Rating
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