Published by Neal Porter Books
Summary: Manolo is excited to sign up for his school’s Spanish spelling bee, because “Spanish is the language of my family,” or “es la lengua de mi familia.” He already knows how to spell a lot of Spanish words, but some are unfamiliar to him, and his abuela helps him prepare. While they study, she tells him how she and her classmates were punished for speaking Spanish in school. On the big day, there’s stiff competition, but Manolo wins the bee by correctly spelling “respeto,” the Spanish word for respect, which he has for his abuela, his family, and his Spanish language. Includes an author’s note with additional information about the history of the Spanish language in the United States and the National Spanish Spelling Bee. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
Pros: Manolo’s pride in his bilingualism is evident, with Spanish words easily woven into the text, and a contrast to abuela’s shameful experiences with the language when she was growing up. John Parra’s illustrations are always a treat. I hope this story will inspire educators to check out the Spanish spelling bee.
Cons: The disgraceful history of the Spanish language in the U.S.
Summary: Manolo is excited to sign up for his school’s Spanish spelling bee, because “Spanish is the language of my family,” or “es la lengua de mi familia.” He already knows how to spell a lot of Spanish words, but some are unfamiliar to him, and his abuela helps him prepare. While they study, she tells him how she and her classmates were punished for speaking Spanish in school. On the big day, there’s stiff competition, but Manolo wins the bee by correctly spelling “respeto,” the Spanish word for respect, which he has for his abuela, his family, and his Spanish language. Includes an author’s note with additional information about the history of the Spanish language in the United States and the National Spanish Spelling Bee. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
Pros: Manolo’s pride in his bilingualism is evident, with Spanish words easily woven into the text, and a contrast to abuela’s shameful experiences with the language when she was growing up. John Parra’s illustrations are always a treat. I hope this story will inspire educators to check out the Spanish spelling bee.
Cons: The disgraceful history of the Spanish language in the U.S.