Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Cesar Chavez: Fighting for Farmworkers
Illustrator: Harry Roland , Steve Erwin , Al Milgrom , Charles Barnett III
Nonfiction Graphic Novel Series
For ages 8 to 12
Capstone Press (USA), 2005 ISBN: 978-0736846318
Cesar Chavez’ family was one of thousands of families that were forced to take work in the fields in California during the Great Depression. The work was hard, the pay was very small, and the conditions that the workers had to live in were abysmal. The growers treated the workers very badly, making them pay for water, changing how much their paid whenever it suited them, and firing workers with no warning.
Once he was an adult Cesar decided that he had to do something about what was happening to agricultural workers in California. When he was in his early twenties Cesar read a book about Gandhi, a leader who believed to fighting for what was right but not in using violence to do so. Cesar would fight many battles for workers in the years to come, and yet he always preached non-violence. This helped him gain the respect and support of all kinds of people.
This inspiring story will remind readers that there was a time when agricultural workers had very hard lives. Readers will see that Cesar Chavez and the organizations and unions he formed made a huge difference to these workers. For the Chicano community he is an icon, and for more America he is a part of history – a part we should remember, admire, and be grateful for.
Without being wordy the author of this excellent “Graphic Library” title captures the essence of what drove and inspired Cesar Chavez. The graphic rich artwork makes the story vivid and accessible to young readers of all ages.
