Biographical Poetry - César: ¡Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!

1. Bibliographic Citation
Bernier-Grand, Carmen T. 2004. César: ¡Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can! New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 9780761451723.


2. Summary and Review
This collection of free verse poems chronicles the life of Cesario Estrada Chávez, better known as César Chavez. Beginning with his childhood, the poems detail not only events in Chávez’s life, but also give readers a sense of connection to Chávez’s feelings. Carmen Bernier-Grand includes Bible verses, prayers, dichos (sayings or proverbs), and quotes from Chávez, himself which provide the reader with insights into Chávez’s motivations. Beginning with his upbringing, continuing to his horrific experiences as a campesino (farm worker), to his non-violent efforts to change farm worker’s conditions, and ending poignantly with his death, this book beautifully covers Chávez’s entire life. The poems, themselves, are a series of free verses that lend a more lyrical and rhythmic tone to Chávez’s life than other biographies about him. The shorter length of the poems as opposed to a prose book format is inviting to read alouds in the classroom or library and allows for the poems to be read across a period of time, rather than just all at once. David Diaz’s simple, silhouette like computer generated illustrations all contain a sort of yellow halo around the characters and farm scenes. This effect gives somewhat of an uplifting tone to the book even when the subject matter of the poems may not be pleasant. The inclusion of Spanish sayings and words infuses the poems with an authentic quality. A helpful glossary of Spanish words and phrases is included at the end of the book along with a chronology, notes, sources, a biography of Chávez’s life, and quotes from Chávez, himself. It is evident that Bernier-Grand put much effort into creating a factual account of César Chavez while capturing a melodic tone. The first poem, “Who Could Tell?” sets the tone for the book and paints a picture of the humble, unassuming man who would become such a great leader.


Who Could tell?


¡Híjole!
Who could tell?


Who could tell
that Cesario Estrada Chávez,
the shy American
wearing a checkerboard shirt,
walking with a cane to ease his back
from the burden of the fields,
could organize so many people
to march for La Causa, The Cause?


Who could tell
that he with a soft pan dulce voice,
hair the color of mesquite,
and downcast, Aztec eyes,
would have the courage to speak up
for the campesinos
to get better pay,
better housing,
better health?


¡Híjole!
Who could tell?




3. Awards and Reviews
*Pura Belpré Honor Book for Author and Illustrator, 2006
*ALSC Notable Children’s Book, 2005
*School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2004


4. Activities
This book would be recommended for an upper elementary grade or middle school audience. It would be a nice tie in to the fight to recognize César E. Chavez Day, March 31, as a National Holiday.  While reading aloud “Who Could Tell,” students would be encouraged to close their eyes and visualize how César Chavez looked from the imagery in the poem. They could then create a collage with colored pencils or crayons and found objects such as fabric, old toys or trinkets, etc. of how they envision César Chavez from the description in the poem. The collages could be displayed in the hallway in celebration of César E. Chavez Day. An extension could be for the class to sign the petition in support of recognizing César E. Chavez Day a National Holiday at  http://www.cesarchavezholiday.org/index.html.   


5. Related Books
*Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull ISBN 9780152014377
*Cesar Chavez: The Struggle for Justice / Cesar Chavez: La lucha por la justicia by Richard Griswold del Castillo ISBN 9781558853249
*Cesar Chavez: A Hero for Everyone by Gary Soto ISBN 9780689859236