National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino Americans’ history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, including their art, advocacy work, and traditional foods. It also honors the trailblazing individuals who fought for equity and progress in their communities. I’ve shared several children’s books from Hispanic authors in the last few days. Click HERE to see all the books.
NOT FAR FROM HERE
By: Nydia Armendia-Sánchez
Illustrated by: Devon Holzwarth
Published: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
I’m thrilled to share another children’s book appropriate for Hispanic Heritage Month with you. This story shares a family tale of immigration, moving north to America, and the dream of a better life.
Mother begins by sharing a story with her children about their dad as a young boy growing up “not far from here” in another country. She tells her children about their grandparents and how hard they worked. After Papa’s father died, he dreamed of a better life for himself. Hearing people in their community talk about El Norte, he decides to go.
Life wasn’t easy for Papa. His first job as a dishwasher was hard work and he spoke very little English. But each day, he worked hard even when some people chastised him, yet others encouraged him. Then one day he met their mama…not far from here.
Debut author Nydia Armendia-Sánchez writes fluidly from English to Spanish echoing many families who have come to America in hopes of a better future for themselves and their families. Her lyrical writing shares the story of three generations that make their family and the communities they live in a priority. Holzwarth’s gorgeous illustrations bring the story to life.
Since this is a bilingual story, a glossary is included at the end of the book to translate the phrases and words used in the story from Spanish to English. Many communities include people from various lands and this book celebrates the unique cultures inside a community and the traditions that inspire all of us to be who we were raised to be.
| Nydia Armendia-Sánchez is a children’s book author and a We Need Diverse Books Walter Grant finalist. She strives for inclusivity and diversity in all her creative endeavors and draws inspiration for her libros from her children as well as her Guatemalan and Basque heritage. Not Far from Here is her first book. Nydia Armendia-Sánchez lives in California. | |
| Devon Holzwarth is the author-illustrator of Found You and the illustrator of Everywhere with You by Carlie Sorosiak, Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst, and Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker, a Schneider Family Book Award winner. She grew up in Panama with the jungle as her garden and parrots and iguanas as pets. Devon Holzwarth currently lives in Germany. |
To purchase a copy of NOT FAR FROM HERE, click HERE.
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