From: Jamie Naidoo <jnaidoo76_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:22:18 -0800 (PST)

I am currently reading  Marcelo in the Real World for a book award commit tee that I am chairing. I have been really impressed with the book in its a bility to move me. I have been driven to frustration as I see moments when Marcelo is being mocked or manipulated. Other times, I am brought to tears by his determination to do what is right even when he may not fully underst and the impact of his actions.

I am very pleased to find a book where the main character is differently abled but is able to succeed in the "read world" and to make a difference. We need more books highlighting the abilities rather than dis-abilities of those that are differently abled. Another component of the book that I find appealing is the inclusion of diversity. Few books about Latinos actually depict characters that are differently abled.  Way to go Francisco for cr eating a positive book about a differently abled, successful Latino!

-- Jamie Campbell Naidoo, Ph.D. Endowed Assistant Professor University of Alabama School of Library & Information Studies Box 870252 - 5th Floor Gorgas Library Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0252 205-348-1518 jcnaidoo_at_slis.ua.edu

Celebrate Latino Children's Literature & Literacy at the National Latino Ch ildren's Literature Conference in Tuscaloosa, AL - April 23-23, 2010: http: //www.latinochildlitconf.org/
Received on Mon 22 Feb 2010 04:22:18 PM CST