Robert Casilla's Booklist

Midnight Forest/A Story Of Gifford Pinchot And Our National Forests (Hardcover)

By GaryHines

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (April 2005)

ISBN-13: 978-1563971488 (Hardcover)

This picture-book biography introduces Gifford Pinchot, a wealthy young American who studied forestry in France and returned home to put his knowledge to good use in his own country. Appointed Secretary of Agriculture in 1898, he later joined forces with Theodore Roosevelt to turn 16 million acres into national forests, now known as the "Midnight Forests" because of an eleventh-hour executive order.

Primer Dia En Las Uvas (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards)) (Hardcover)

By L.King Perez, Jesse A Perez

Publisher: Lee & Low Books (July 31, 2004)

ISBN-13: 978-1584302391 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1584302407 (Paperback)

Growing up in a migrant family, Chico has experienced first school days in artichokes and first days in onions, and "now his first day in third grade would be in grapes." His encounters with bullies and the grumpy school bus driver shake Chico's confidence, but a friendly classmate and an understanding teacher help him adjust.

The Dream on Blanca's Wall/El Sueno Pegado En LA Pared De Blanca: Poems in English and Spanish/Poemas En Ingles Y Espanol (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Commended (Awards)) (Hardcover)

By Jane Medina

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; Bilingual edition (March 2004)

ISBN-13: 978-1563977404 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1590782644 (Paperback)

This free-verse collection delineates the life of Blanca, a sixth grader who, encouraged by her teachers, aspires to become an educator herself. Her dreams are embodied in a picture she drew in second grade of a young, brown teacher who looks like her. Now the tape is yellow and curling, and in the face of challenges from life, Blanca feels that her dream, too, is curling and cracked. The 24 poems outline the obstacles she faces: poverty, non-English-speaking parents, long absences from school to return to Mexico, and a much-loved but underachieving older brother who belittles her ambitions.

First Day in Grapes (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards)) (Hardcover)

L. King Perez

Publisher: Lee & Low Books (August 2002)

ISBN-13: 978-1584300458 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1550413403 (Paperback)

Growing up in a migrant family, Chico has experienced first school days in artichokes and first days in onions, and "now his first day in third grade would be in grapes." His encounters with bullies and the grumpy school bus driver shake Chico's confidence, but a friendly classmate and an understanding teacher help him adjust.

Mama Had to Work on Christmas

by Carolyn Marsden

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher: Viking Juvenile (September 22, 2003)

ISBN-13: 978-0670036356

When nine-year-old Gloria's mama has to work at a fancy hotel on Christmas, the girl must spend the day there as wellÉ.

Daddy Poems

by John Micklos

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st ed edition (April 2000)

ISBN-13: 978-1563977350 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1563978708 (Paperback)

These 22 poems make up one of the few collections on this often-asked-for subject. Contemporary children's poets such as X. J. Kennedy, Deborah Chandra, and Nikki Grimes, as well as Micklos himself, speak to the everyday but big-as-life importance of dads.

The Legend of Mexicatl

Publisher: Turtle Books (New York, NY); 1st ed edition (Feb 1998)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

ISBN-13: 978-1890515058 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1890515218 (Paperback)

Growing up under the blistering sun of the desert, the boy Mexicatl can hardly imagine being chosen to lead his people - until he has a vision. One day the Morning Star tells him to search for "a place of harmony" and reveals the sacred image of the eagle and snake. Only after Mexicatl learns the hard lessons of leadership do his people prosper. Richly illustrated, this is an enchanting story of faith and wisdom, drawn from ancient Aztec history.

La Leyenda de Mexicatl.

Publisher: Turtle Books (New York, NY) (May 1998)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Language: Spanish

ISBN-13: 978-1890515065 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1890515225 (Paperback)

Growing up under the blistering sun of the desert, the boy Mexicatl can hardly imagine being chosen to lead his people - until he has a vision. One day the Morning Star tells him to search for "a place of harmony" and reveals the sacred image of the eagle and snake. Only after Mexicatl learns the hard lessons of leadership do his people prosper. Richly illustrated, this is an enchanting story of faith and wisdom, drawn from ancient Aztec history.

El Pintorcito De Sabana Grande (Paperback)

By Patricia Maloney Markun

ISBN-13: 978-0153069796

Publisher: Harcourt School (June 1997)

School is out for the dry season (January-March) vacation, and Fernando wakes up in Sabana Grande, his small village high in the mountains of Panama. He is ready to try his hand at painting, using the information his teacher had given him before the end of the year. He painstakingly searches for and creates natural paints (dried grass for yellow, berries for blue), only to realize there is no paper to be found. He sees that the whitewashed adobe walls of his house would be perfect for the vivid images in his mind and convinces his parents to let him paint them.

A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall.

By David A. Adler

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (September 1997)

ISBN-13: 978-0823413089 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823415069 (Paperback)

Offers a succinct, visually handsome presentation of the youth and the career highlights of the history-making Marshall. The early family years, with the strong influence of Thurgood's waiter father, who loved attending courtroom trials, and his teacher mother are perhaps the most interesting part of the story.

A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt.

By David A. Adler.

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition Dec 1997

ISBN-13: 978-0823408566 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823411573 (Paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-0874994001 (Audio Cassette)

Known as the "First Lady of the World," Eleanor Roosevelt's life is best characterized by her kindness, leadership, and determination despite periods of sorrow and tragedy from childhood through adulthood. Her contributions to the American people are endless. She campaigned successfully for Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Governorship of New York in 1928 and also for his U.S. Presidency in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944.

The Good Samaritan

By Jane Q. Saxton. Edited by Terrell Smith. (Family Time Bible Stories Series.)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher: Time-Life Books (July 1996)

ISBN-13: 978-0783546346

Jesus speaks to his disciples about love and kindness, relating the parable of the Good Samaritan, who was loving and helpful to a stranger in need.

Jalapeno Bagels: The Delicious Coming Together of Two Cultures

By Natasha Wing, Robert Casilla.

Publisher: Atheneum (June 1, 1996)

ISBN-13: 978-0689805301

It's International Day at school, and Pablo wants to bring a treat from his parents' panderia to share with his classmates. Should he bring his mother's wonderful pan dulce or a challah, which his father has shown him how to braid? What about his favorite chango bars or some of the jalapeno bagels he and his parents make together?

Boys at Work.

By Gary Soto.

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (May 1, 1995)

ISBN-13: 978-0385320481 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0440412212 (Paperback)

Soto once again tells a story of Mexican-American youngsters growing up in the heat of California's Central Valley. When Rudy Herrera accidentally breaks the neighborhood tough guy's Discman, he and his best friend, Alex, are desperate to earn enough money to replace the expensive item before the bully returns to town and destroys them. One crazy money-making scheme after another fails with humorous and not totally unexpected results.

A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson.

By David A. Adler

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (September 1994)

ISBN-13: 978-0823411221 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823413041 (Paperback)

A brief look at the life of baseball great Jackie Robinson. The subject's childhood, sporting accomplishments, and later endeavors are touched upon, as are the bigotry and prejudice he faced as the first African American to play in the major leagues.

Rodeo Day

By Jonelle Toriseva.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; Library Binding edition (September 1, 1994)

ISBN-13: 978-0027894059

Young Lacey begins her cowgirl career by riding in her first rodeo. Her older sister coaches her through pre-contest anxiety, her best friend gives her a special shirt to wear, and veteran cowhorse Sweet Gussie carries her through the competition.

Con Mi Hermano With My Brother

By Eileen Roe

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Aladdin; 1st Aladdin Books Ed edition (September 1, 1994)

Language: English/Spanish

ISBN-13: 978-002777373 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0689718557 (Paperback)

A small boy treasures the time his brother spends with him, and admires the older boy's abilities. He hopes, in time, to be able to play ball, deliver papers, and go to school with his sibling. But for now, he is happy when the two of them play together.

The Little Painter of Sabana Grande.

By Patricia M. Markun.

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; Library Binding edition (March 31, 1993)

ISBN-13: 978-0027622058 (Hardcover)

School is out for the dry season (January-March) vacation, and Fernando wakes up in Sabana Grande, his small village high in the mountains of Panama. He is ready to try his hand at painting, using the information his teacher had given him before the end of the year. He painstakingly searches for and creates natural paints (dried grass for yellow, berries for blue), only to realize there is no paper to be found. He sees that the whitewashed adobe walls of his house would be perfect for the vivid images in his mind and convinces his parents to let him paint them.

The Pool Party By Gary Soto.

Publisher: Delacorte Press (June 1993)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

ISBN-13: 978-0385308908

When Rudy Herrera is invited to a pool party by a wealthy classmate, he muses about what it will be like and tries to come up with an appropriate gift for his hostess. Rudy's relatives offer plenty of advice on how to make small talk and his father stresses that Rudy be proud of his heritage and his family--no matter what.

A Picture Book of Rosa Parks.

By David A. Adler

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (September 1993)

ISBN-13: 978-0823410415 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823411771 (paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-0874993967 (Bk & Audio Casette)

Adler presents a simple, clear biography of Rosa Parks, exploring both her childhood and adult life. He makes it obvious that her role in the Civil Rights movement did not begin and end on a bus, but rather lasted throughout her life.

A Picture Book of Simon Bolivar

By David A. Adler

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (March 1992)

ISBN-13: 978-0823409273 (Hardcover)

A brief biography of South America's great soldier and patriot

who led many countries out from under Spanish dominance.

Un Libro Ilustrado Sobre Martin Luther King, Hijo

By David A. Adler.

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House (September 1992)

Language: Spanish

ISBN-13: 978-0823409822 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823409914 (Paperback)

An easy-to-read biography that briefly describes Dr. King's dream for peace and equality for all. This is a good translation of the English version and is illustrated with soft watercolor

drawings. The segregation signs and protest placards that appear throughout remain in English.

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens.

By David A. Adler

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House (September 1992)

ISBN-13: 978-0823409662 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823410668 (Paperback)

A sharecropper's son becomes a four-time Olympic gold medalist.

A Picture Book of John F. Kennedy

By David A. Adler.

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition 09/1991

ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-0884-9 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-0976-1 (Paperback)

Depicts the life and career of John F. Kennedy.

Poems for Fathers. 03/1989 Holiday House

Edited by Myra C. Livingston

ISBN-13: 9780823407293

Eighteen poems by English and American authors celebrate fathers--sometimes humorously, sometimes poignantly.

Jackie Robinson: He Was the First April 1989

By David A. Adler

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher: Holiday House (P); Reprint edition (February 1990)

ISBN-13: 978-0823407996 (Paperback)

Adler describes the life of baseball player and civil rights activist Jackie Robinson in eight chapters accompanied by numerous black-and-white illustrations.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By David Adler

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (July 1989)

ISBN-13: 978-0823407705 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0823408474 (Paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-0874991659 (Audio Cassette)

This easy-to-read biography takes a look at the life, leadership, and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Adler examines King's family background, leadership of the Montgomery bus boycott, and the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. By focusing primarily on these events, Adler provides young readers with enough basic information to form a well-rounded picture of King and his ideals.

The Train to Lulu's

By Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books; Library Binding edition (March 25, 1988)

ISBN-13: 978-0027446203 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-0606189460 (Paperback)

The experiences of two young sisters traveling alone on the train to their great-aunt Lulu's house.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Free at Last. 09/1986 Holiday House,

By David A. Adler.

ISBN-13: 9780823406180 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13 978-0-8234-0619-(Paperback)

A biography of the Baptist minister who worked unceasingly for his dream of a world without hate, prejudice, or violence, and was assassinated in the attempt.