This is a book discussion for kids in Grades 4-6
We will meet in person at the library for this program. We will have special guest author María Dolores Águila join us via Zoom.
Tues. Oct. 28th, 4:30-5:30 pm
For Grades 4-6
Location: 2nd Floor Board Room
How does sign-up work:
The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library purchased 12 hardcover copies of the book. The books are not in the library yet.
Sign up opens Thurs. 9/18, 5pm. The library will email those registered when the books arrive to let you know you can pick up your book.
Once books have arrived and we email you they are in, we ask that you pick up your book within 5 days of sign up.
Pickup location and hours: 2nd Floor Kid’s Desk: Mon.-Thurs. 10-8:30 PM, Fri. 10-5 PM, Sat. 10-1pm (August hours) Sat. 10-5pm (September hours).
What is this book about?
★ 2025 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE ★
Based on the true story of Roberto Alvarez and the Lemon Grove Incident, this vivid and uplifting middle grade debut novel in verse about one young child’s courage to stand up for what is right, and the determination of the Mexican community is perfect for fans of ESPERANZA RISING and INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN.
Twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez is the youngest of his siblings, born on United States soil. He’s el futuro, their dream for a life away from the fire of the Mexican Revolution.
Moved by anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican propaganda, the Lemon Grove school board and chamber of commerce create a separate “Americanization” school for the Mexican children attending the Lemon Grove Grammar School. But the new Olive Street School is an old barn retrofitted for the children forced to attend a segregated school.
Amid threats of deportation, the Comité de Vecinos risk everything to stand their ground and, with the support of the Mexican Consulate, choose Roberto as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the school board in this vivid and uplifting novel in verse based on true events.
From critically-acclaimed author María Dolores Águila (Barrio Rising) comes an inspiring novel in verse set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and Mexican Repatriation, based on the true story of the United States’ first successful school desegregation case, two decades before Brown v. Board of Education ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
The first 12 kids to sign up & attend will receive a free book!
More about the author:
María Dolores Águila is a Chicana poet and author from San Diego. Deeply inspired by Chicane history and art, she seeks to write empowering and inclusive stories about everything she learns.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of Avon Free Public Library