MOD 4: Biographical Poetry

Bibliographic Data and ISBN

Bernier-Grand, Carmen T., and David Diaz. 2004. César: Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! New York: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN: 9780761451723

Summary

In the form of free verse Carmen Bernier-Grand tells the life story of César Chávez, a Mexican-American civil rights activist who fought for the rights of farm workers.

Critical Analysis

Layout

A 48 page book complete with additional sections of factual information on the subject. This is one of the most thorough demonstrations of fact finding I have seen so far in this course. The “Notes” section cites the sources of actual quotes that were used in the poetry. The glossary contains translations for every Spanish word that was not translated in the text. “Viva La Causa” is a two-page summary of César Chávez life. A single page chronology follows detailing highlights organized by the year they occurred. Bernier-Grand then lists her resources. The final page is a list of a selection of Chávez’s quotes along with their citations.

The illustrator, David Diaz, is a Caldecott award winner. Although everyone in this book looks almost the same because of the lack of variation in eye and skin color he does depict different facial features particularly in “Pachuco Days.”

Poetic Elements

Bernier-Grand uses narrative free verse to tell Chávez’s story. She divides her lines well by avoiding splitting prepositional phrases and other phrase structures. Many examples of vivid imagery permeate. For example, in “Learning What Was Inside of Him” (p. 32) we can see Fred Ross’ first impressions on César:

César crossed the street

to his brother Richard’s house

and watched as a gringo

parked his beat-up car

Out came a lanky guy,

his clothes wrinkled.

The reader can interpret that César did not have a good first impression of Fred. Ross appeared unkempt. How could César take him seriously?

In “Delano” Benier-Grand uses repetition of the line “to Delano” at the start of each stanza. Delano is where Chávez began to organize a union for farm workers.

The collection as a whole is emotional, with the reader feeling highs and lows, but there is always a feeling of pride for Chávez.

Appeal

Biographical poetry is more enjoyable to read start to finish than a traditional biography. Bernier-Grand blends descriptive imagery with actual quotes by César Chávez. The author brings life to the story.

Poems about César’s childhood may not be relatable, but they do stir the imagination of readers. One could easily imagine what it must be like to sleep outside with the rain falling down on them. Readers will gain insight on poverty and taking a stand for one’s beliefs. The time when Chávez’s family lost their business should make readers think about sacrifice and what happiness really is. This book has many lessons about good character.

Linguistically this book provides many examples of Spanish vocabulary. If words are not translated in text they can be found in the glossary at the end of the book.

Some may be apprehensive about the mentions of religion throughout Chávez’s life. Many institutions ask that when presenting literature depicting religion to also make an opportunity to represent other religions.

The story of César Chávez is host to an array of emotions. He is quoted as to having said that he had a happy childhood despite the great losses his family faced. He was frequently displaced, but is depicted enjoying sleeping on a pool table during the depression. César took negativity in his life and turned it around. He empowered himself and others to peacefully fight for what they feel is right.

Overall Quality

Bernier-Grand created a well-cited piece of work. She uses documented quotes word for word in her poetry. Characters defy stereotypes of Mexican Americans. The poems about his parents depict them as hardworking and intelligent individuals. His grandfather was a successful business owner.

The purpose of this book was to tell the story of César Chávez. Not only does the author accomplish her goal, but she also conveys why Chávez became a civil rights activist. Her poetry stimulates a variety of thoughts and emotions. The working conditions of farm workers were extremely unjust. As riled up as we get Chávez did not. He wanted to solve the problem peacefully. I am inspired by him.

Final Analysis

I would recommend this title. It is an inspiring story that even older students could enjoy and discuss. Bernier-Grand provides an excellent starting point to conducting further research about César Chávez.

Featured Excerpt

Don’t Mourn- Organize!

To the fields César went,

where campesinos mourned.

“It is true that you have awful wages

and poor living and working conditions.

It is your fault.

You let them do it.

And only you can change

what is happening to you.

You-we-have that power.

Each of us has the power

to control our lives.

When we take that power,

we can improve our living conditions.”

Poem Connections

Preface the excerpt with background on César Chávez. He believed that change could come peacefully. Give students time to brainstorm things they would like to change. Let them list items on a paper. Allow for even mundane initiatives like ice cream for breakfast, but also ask about major causes like cutting back pollution. Then discuss ideas aloud in the group along with peaceful ways to bring change.

Professor Vardell’s blog, “Poetry for Children” lists several connections to use for this book as well: http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-poetry-of-carmen-t-bernier-grand.html