Description
Book Synopsis: Seven years before Brown v. Board of Education, the Mendez family fought to end segregation in California schools. Discover their incredible story in Separate Is Never Equal, a picture book from award-winning creator Duncan Tonatiuh.
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
STARRED REVIEW *"Masterfully combines text and folk-inspired art to add an important piece to the mosaic of U.S. civil rights history." ―Kirkus Reviews
When her family moved to the town of Westminster, California, young Sylvia Mendez was excited about enrolling in her neighborhood school. But she and her brothers were turned away and told they had to attend the Mexican school instead. Sylvia could not understand why—she was an American citizen who spoke perfect English. Why were the children of Mexican families forced to attend a separate school?
Unable to get a satisfactory answer from the school board, the Mendez family decided to take matters into its own hands and organized a lawsuit. In the end, the Mendez family's efforts helped bring an end to segregated schooling in California in 1947, seven years before the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education ended segregation in schools across America.
Author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh writes in his notes, "My hope is that this book will help children and young people learn about this important yet little known event in American history. I also hope that they will see themselves reflected in Sylvia's story and realize that their voices are valuable."
Using his signature illustration style and incorporating his interviews with Sylvia Mendez, as well as information from court files and news accounts, Tonatiuh tells the inspiring story of the Mendez family's fight for justice and equality, a fight that is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago.
Details
Discover the incredible story of Sylvia Mendez and her family's fight for desegregation in Separate Is Never Equal. This award-winning picture book by Duncan Tonatiuh masterfully combines text and folk-inspired art to add an important piece to the mosaic of U.S. civil rights history. With a Jane Addams Children's Book Award and Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor under its belt, this book is a must-read for children and young people who want to learn about this little-known event in American history.
When Sylvia Mendez and her family moved to Westminster, California, she was excited to enroll in her neighborhood school. However, they were turned away and told to attend a separate Mexican school. Despite being an American citizen who spoke perfect English, Sylvia couldn't understand why she was being forced to attend a different school. Determined to seek justice, the Mendez family organized a lawsuit to challenge the segregation. Their efforts ultimately led to the end of segregated schooling in California in 1947, seven years before the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
Author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, having interviewed Sylvia Mendez herself and researched court files and news accounts, brings this inspiring story to life. Through his signature illustration style, Tonatiuh ensures that children see themselves reflected in Sylvia's journey and understand the value of their own voices. This book serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is a timeless one.
If you're seeking a captivating and educational read that sheds light on an often-overlooked moment in history, Separate Is Never Equal is the perfect choice. Follow Sylvia Mendez's courageous fight for equal education and be inspired to make a difference in your own community. Get your copy today and embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment!
Ready to dive into this important story? Click here to order your copy now!
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