Module 4: Nonfiction (Biographies) - HARVESTING HOPE

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Krull, Kathleen. 2003. HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ. Ill. by Yuyi Morales. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152014373

PLOT SUMMARY:

Are you inspired by tales of courageous individuals who are capable of leading people to bring about change? If so, then HARVESTING HOPE will be a great source of inspiration for you. This is the true story of Cesar Chavez, the man who led the movement that brought about much needed improvements in the treatment of farmworkers in America. Prior to Chavez’s movement, or La Causa, unfair wages and unbearable working conditions were a part of life for most farmworkers. Despite Chavez’s shyness, he stood up for what he believed was right by leading a 340-mile protest march. Chavez transformed from an unlikely leader into a hero that peacefully improved the lives of farmworkers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Krull portrays the story of Cesar Chavez accurately and objectively, including an “Author’s Note” that contains additional facts about Chavez’s life as well as a statement acknowledging the controversial aspects of his life. The details surrounding Chavez’s movement, La Causa, are revealed in a story-like format, and both the heroic and flawed human qualities of Chavez are exposed. Krull’s willingness to include Chavez’s genuine human qualities, such as stubbornness and shyness, lends credibility and authenticity to the story and allows readers to identify with Chavez and his struggles.

The organization of this biography is easy to follow, and the chronological layout makes sense for this type of story. Chavez’s tale begins with his childhood and follows him through times of trouble, such as when his family was forced to abandon their farm in order to look for work in California when Chavez was ten years old. The story ultimately leads the reader through a time of triumph for Chavez as an adult when his movement successfully and peacefully leads to change for farmworkers.

Yuyi Morales adds a great deal to the quality and appeal of this story through her gorgeous and illuminating illustrations. The warm, brightly colored illustrations cover both of the double pages of the book. Morales magically captures the emotions tied to this story, and her illustrations have a flowing quality to them, carrying the reader from one corner of the page to the other. Krull’s text is contained to one page of the double page spread, allowing the illustrations to flow freely and become as much a part of telling this inspirational story as the text itself.

Krull’s ability to weave this biographical tale in a captivating story-like format along with Morales’s beautiful and mesmerizing illustrations make this a perfect addition to any children’s biography collection. Children will be engaged by the beauty of this story and enlightened by the story of this courageous historical figure.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (June 1, 2003):
“The dramatic story of Chavez's 340-mile march to protest the working conditions of migrant farmworkers in California is the centerpiece of this well-told biography…While sufficient background information is provided to support the story and encourage further research, focusing on one event makes the story appealing to younger readers.”

From HORN BOOK starred (Fall 2003):
“Showing how Chavez developed into an advocate and spokesman for migrant workers, Krull focuses on the march he led as part of a grape-pickers strike. The brief text creates a complex view of Chavez, and the mixed-media paintings are suffused with a variety of emotions. There are no sources, but this is an excellent choice for furthering understanding of racism, of nonviolent protest, and of the lives of workers before unions.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW (July 1, 2003):
“Krull and Morales introduce a long-neglected figure from recent history to a new audience in an informative, eye-catching manner. A notable achievement.”

Awards:
*Pura Belpre Honor Book
*Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) 01/01/04

CONNECTIONS:

*Other biography books by Kathleen Krull:
Krull, Kathleen. 1996. WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN. Ill. by David Diaz. New York: Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0152012672

Krull, Kathleen. 2004. THE BOY ON FAIRFIELD STREET: HOW TED GEISEL GREW UP TO BECOME DR. SEUSS. Ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. New York: Random House. ISBN 0375822984

*Other books about Cesar Chavez:
Schaefer, Lola M. 1999. CESAR CHAVEZ. Mankato, MN: Pebble Books. ISBN 073680109X

Wadsworth, Ginger. 2005. CESAR CHAVEZ. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda. ISBN 1575056526

*Activities:
This book would be a great addition to a list of resources for a class research project on Cesar Chavez. Students could be encouraged to utilize a variety of books like this one as well as informative websites to compile facts and information about Cesar Chavez’s life.

This story could also open up a discussion on civil rights and the history of famous civil rights movements. Children could be encouraged to complete a writing or art project depicting the importance of equality, freedom, and fair treatment for all. Yuyi Morales’s illustrations could serve as a great source of inspiration for further artwork on this topic.

*Websites:
http://www.kathleenkrull.com/
http://www.ufw.org/_page.php?inc=history/07.html&menu=research
http://myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=c_chavez