by Cherrye Vasquez
In No Tildes on Tuesday, author Cherrye Vasquez, effectively brings to light how important it is for children to learn about and celebrate their heritage. From the very beginning America was a melting pot of people from many different countries, backgrounds and religious beliefs. This diversity is what made and still makes America special. No Tildes on Tuesday reminds us of this diversity and helps readers to understand that it is this diversity that makes each of us uniquely special. Isabella is a Mexican-American middle-schooler living in a predominately Caucasian neighborhood. Isabella's father is Hispanic and her mother is Caucasian. Isabella has never learned to speak Spanish and knows very little about her Hispanic heritage. When her father loses his job the family must move to a Mexican-American neighborhood where most of the children speak English and Spanish. Isabella is devastated and must take Spanish lessons from her abuela (grandmother). Isabella thinks Spanish is pointless and refuses to learn. After quitting Spanish lessons, Isabella meets her father's boss and his son, Juanito. She finds out that Juanito is also Mexican-American, but he is bilingual. Isabella is very intrigued by Juanito, his ability to speak Spanish, and knowledge of their Hispanic heritage. She agrees to attend a fiesta (party) with him and realizes what she has been missing out on. Will Isabella finally decide to learn Spanish and celebrate her Mexican-American heritage? Read No Tildes on Tuesday and find out... Buy No Tildes on Tueday at www.Amazon.com. |