Barrio Streets, Carnival Dreams : Three Generations of Latino Artistry - Hardcover

Lori M. Carlson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0788157825 ISBN 13: 9780788157820

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co., 1998

Synopsis

An homage to Latino American artistry that is also a history of Latinos in this century. In three sections composed of memoirs, essays, poems, drawings, & photographs, Carlson shows how distinct generations of Latinos have passed on their heritage to the future. Featuring more than 25 authors & artists, including: Susan Lowell, Agassiz Fuertes, Oscar Hijuelos, Felipe Galindo, Rosie Perez, Jaime Hernandez, & many others. This book celebrates the different experiences -- as well as the dynamic, complex, & ever-changing history -- of Spanish-speaking people in 20th-century America.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

A tantalizing but disconnected sampler that hints at the range of contributions of 20th- century Hispanic authors and artists to this country's culture. On a foundation of reminiscences--Marco Rizo on his boyhood chum, Desi Arnaz, and Carnival in Santiago, Cuba; novelist Susan Lowell remembering her strong-minded grandmother; Oscar Hijuelos celebrating the ubiquitous street music in Spanish Harlem--cemented with brief introductions, Carlson (American Eyes, 1994, etc.) assembles anecdotes, photos, cartoons, poetry (some bilingual, with all Spanish translated), art, and essays from over two dozen contributors, on such diverse topics as music, racism, Operation Bootstrap's 1950s sterilization program in Puerto Rico, and the tin folk art called hojalateria. As the arrangement is broadly thematic and the editor stingy with dates, it's usually hard to tell an author's--or a piece's--age, and there is no sense of dialogue or historical development in the collection. Carlson declines to cite her sources or offer suggestions for further reading or viewing; her intent seems to be to pay tribute rather than to open a gateway for young readers. Parts of this are better than the disappointing whole. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Anthology. 10-13) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?A brief medley of poetry, storytelling, definitions of musical forms, graphic arts, and prayers from three generations of 20th-century American artists of Caribbean, Mexican, and South American ancestry. The 28 entries are not meant to serve as a complete guide to Hispanic cultural traditions but merely as an introduction to a particular historical period. Largely adult reminiscences, the selections describe difficulties of assimilation, a sense of invisibility in a new environment, and deep nostalgia in the Latino culture-experiences often expressed in the various artists' work. Most of the people included are from Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban descent. Unfortunately, the visual layout of the book is unremarkable with small, black-and-white reproductions and bold stylized decorations. The English translation of the poem, "Sad Eyes," with numerous exclamation marks added for a heightened effect not found in the original Spanish version, is also disappointing. Overall, this is a well-intentioned tribute that may have trouble finding an audience.?Selene S. Vasquez, New York Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0788157825
• ISBN 13: 9780788157820
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 127