Category: Children Publisher: Tate Publishing and Enterprises
ISBN-10: 1616636890
Pages: 93
Copyright: 12/07/2010
ISBN-13: 9781616636890
Isabella is a 13 year old biracial girl who identifies only with half of her heritage. She avoids learning about her total identity until one day she realizes how important it is to learn about all of who she is.
Isabella never wanted to learn to speak Spanish. But when her parents announce that they are moving the family to a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood, Isabella becomes desperately afraid that she won't be able to fit in and grudgingly agrees to start Spanish lessons with her abuela.
But the lessons aren't as easy as she thought they would be. Abuela is a strict teacher and the words are a lot difficult to memorize than Isabella thought they would be, so at the goading of her best friend she decides to put a stop to them. Through a runaway adventure, a visit to her father in the hospital, and an introduction to a new kind of friend, Isabella comes to realize that Spanish may not be as bad as she thought, and that being able to communicate with people who share her heritage could be invaluable.
Excerpt
I've written No Tildes on Tuesday, so that I can express to readers the complexities that may arise in children's lives when they are not introduced and taught to appreciate both their heritages. When children, whether monocultural or multicultural, are taught early in life to embrace their heritage(s) and culture(s), and the heritage(s) and culture(s) of others: their school mates, neighbors and associates near and far, it only enhances and builds their self-worth as hearty and powerful individuals who are sure of themselves. Children should not fear loving and appreciating both and/or all of who they are, thus their total identity.
Professional Reviews
Biblio Reads Children's Book Review
This is a great book that I hope many children get to read especially kiddos that are struggling Like Isabella. Cherrye Vasquez perfectly captures the angst Isabella is going through as her family tries to share her Mexican heritage and the Spanish language with her. No Tildes on Tuesday introduces children to the beautiful Mexican culture and can encourage friendships between English and Spanish speakers within communities; it can encourage children to be bilingual. Best of all it helps Mexican-American kiddos appreciate both sides of their heritage.
MKM Book Services
The story captures your attention and draws you in from the very first page. Isabella is one sassy girl! Follow her journey as she struggles to embrace two cultural heritages. She discovers that she doesn't have to pick one over the other. Both are critical to her identity. This is a marvelous story for students having identity and self-esteem issues. They will readily find a friend in Isabella.
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