2023 September Featured Book: Ages 7-9

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

By Kathleen Krull

A biography of Cesar Chavez, from age ten when he and his family lived happily on their Arizona ranch, to age thirty-eight when he led a peaceful protest against California migrant workers’ miserable working conditions.

Developmental Markers:

• Can identify and critically think about interpersonal dynamics of racism, sexism, and classism, and understand the nature and harm of stereotyping.

• Children of color are aware of racism against their own racial/cultural group. May show the negative impact of internalized racism.  

• Role models of people active in anti-racism/social justice struggles are very important. Can engage in group activities to challenge individual and cultural forms of racism in their community.

Activities:  

• Read this companion book and discuss the often untold story of the woman who worked with Cesar Chavez.

Side by Side: the Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez by Monica Brown

Something special happened when Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez met. Together, they fought for the rights of countless farmworkers. Side by side, inspiring hope, they changed history.

• The characters in both these books have many desirable characteristics. Courage and hope are two of these. Discuss both with your child.

Courage:

In his fight for justice, Cesar told people that nonviolence took more guts and he refused to respond with violence whenever he or protesters were attacked.  How can nonviolent acts take more courage than using violence? How can nonviolent actions be stronger than punches and bullets? Discus Cesar’s words, “It is well to remember there must be courage but also that in victory there must be humility.” Discuss conflicts that may occur during their day at school or home.

Hope:

Encourage your child to discuss how hope drives change. What were the things that Cesar hoped for that made him find a way to talk people into joining his fight for justice? Have your child  trace one of their feet on a piece of paper and write on the inside one hope that they will try  to pursue in their lifetime.