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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Cesar Chavez?
Learn more about Cesar Chavez, the famous Latino American civil rights activist.
When he was young, Cesar and his Mexican American family toiled in the fields as migrant farm workers. He knew all too well the hardships farm workers faced. His public-relations approach to unionism and aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm workers' struggle a moral cause with nationwide support. Along with Dolores Huerta, he cofounded the National Farmworkers Association. His dedication to his work earned him numerous friends and supporters, including Robert Kennedy and Jesse Jackson.
When he was young, Cesar and his Mexican American family toiled in the fields as migrant farm workers. He knew all too well the hardships farm workers faced. His public-relations approach to unionism and aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm workers' struggle a moral cause with nationwide support. Along with Dolores Huerta, he cofounded the National Farmworkers Association. His dedication to his work earned him numerous friends and supporters, including Robert Kennedy and Jesse Jackson.
112 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2017
46 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Dana Meachen Rau
489 books30 followersDana Meachen Rau is an author, editor, and illustrator of children's books. She has written more than 100 books for children, many of them nonfiction in subjects including astronomy, history, and geography, as well as numerous biographies. She lives in Burlington, Connecticut, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 13, 2020
I feel like I should know more about Cesar Chavez, but in reality I only became aware of him in adulthood. It's kind of a shame because I live in California and should know who CC is .
Random facts for me:
--During the Depression, whites blamed Mexicans for scarce jobs and thus had them deported even if they were American citizens.
--Mexico sold California, Nevada, Utah, parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming for $15 million dollars. Mexicans already living in these states at the time became US citizens. (I really need to brush up on my Mexican history.)
--Farm workers got paid late, unfairly, or not at all. They worked in unhealthy conditions where no water was provided, no bathrooms, cold and muddy in winter, no proper tools for farming which made it hard on their backs, no relief from the hot sun, and no protective gear against pesticides.
--Braceros were brought in during WWII due to the lack of workers. Many stayed after the war ended and were paid little and worked and lived in unsanitary conditions. They had no protection under the law because they were not citizens. Other farm workers saw them as a threat.
--Cesar's union joined forces with a Filipino union for farmers started by Larry Itliong. They had dogs turned on them, were sprayed with pesticides, and threatened with guns. The police joined civilians in harassing them.
--Chavez formed a march to Sacramento. It was 300 miles away and took them 25 days to walk. Cesar walked with a swollen leg, back pain, and a fever. People along the way joined the march, cheered them on, fed them, and offered them places to sleep.
--A contract was finally promised c. 1970. It promised a wage of $1.80/hr., a health plan, protection against pesticides, and other benefits.
--Cesar didn't always listen to other people's ideas and would fire them if they disagreed with him.
--Since his death, he has received many honors: Aguila Azteca, the highest award given to foreign citizens by the Mexican government; the Presidential Medal of Freedom, given by Clinton; he has many parks, schools, libraries, streets, and community centers named after him; his birthday, March 31, has been declared a holiday; Obama declared La Paz, which is the union headquarters, a national monument.
Random facts for me:
--During the Depression, whites blamed Mexicans for scarce jobs and thus had them deported even if they were American citizens.
--Mexico sold California, Nevada, Utah, parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming for $15 million dollars. Mexicans already living in these states at the time became US citizens. (I really need to brush up on my Mexican history.)
--Farm workers got paid late, unfairly, or not at all. They worked in unhealthy conditions where no water was provided, no bathrooms, cold and muddy in winter, no proper tools for farming which made it hard on their backs, no relief from the hot sun, and no protective gear against pesticides.
--Braceros were brought in during WWII due to the lack of workers. Many stayed after the war ended and were paid little and worked and lived in unsanitary conditions. They had no protection under the law because they were not citizens. Other farm workers saw them as a threat.
--Cesar's union joined forces with a Filipino union for farmers started by Larry Itliong. They had dogs turned on them, were sprayed with pesticides, and threatened with guns. The police joined civilians in harassing them.
--Chavez formed a march to Sacramento. It was 300 miles away and took them 25 days to walk. Cesar walked with a swollen leg, back pain, and a fever. People along the way joined the march, cheered them on, fed them, and offered them places to sleep.
--A contract was finally promised c. 1970. It promised a wage of $1.80/hr., a health plan, protection against pesticides, and other benefits.
--Cesar didn't always listen to other people's ideas and would fire them if they disagreed with him.
--Since his death, he has received many honors: Aguila Azteca, the highest award given to foreign citizens by the Mexican government; the Presidential Medal of Freedom, given by Clinton; he has many parks, schools, libraries, streets, and community centers named after him; his birthday, March 31, has been declared a holiday; Obama declared La Paz, which is the union headquarters, a national monument.
April 4, 2022
Cesar remembered one of her (his mother's) sayings throughout his life: "It takes two to fight, and one can't do it alone." In other words, even if someone wants to fight you, you have the choice to walk away.
Cesar Chavez took that advice to to heart. He did fight for the rights of many farm workers (Latino and all races), but he did not fight with his fists.
Cesar Chavez took that advice to to heart. He did fight for the rights of many farm workers (Latino and all races), but he did not fight with his fists.
March 4, 2017
4.0
I am embarrassed to say I didn't know much about Cesar Chavez and his labor movement. This book gave a nice overview of his life and did a great job explaining things like: migrant workers, the plight of Mexican immigrants, labor unions, non-violent civil disobedience, and touched on some important civil rights leaders.
I am embarrassed to say I didn't know much about Cesar Chavez and his labor movement. This book gave a nice overview of his life and did a great job explaining things like: migrant workers, the plight of Mexican immigrants, labor unions, non-violent civil disobedience, and touched on some important civil rights leaders.
April 10, 2022
[Reviews taken as dictation while reader points to sentences in the book.]
My favorite part was the march that they did. "He led a 300-mile march from Delano to California's Capitol building in Sacramento" [as part of the grape strike in 1966]. My least favorite part was when there was Mexican segregation happening like signs in store windows saying, "We serve whites only. No Mexicans."
My favorite part was the march that they did. "He led a 300-mile march from Delano to California's Capitol building in Sacramento" [as part of the grape strike in 1966]. My least favorite part was when there was Mexican segregation happening like signs in store windows saying, "We serve whites only. No Mexicans."
Read
January 9, 2020Cesar Chavez was a hero because he made farm workers,jobs better, symbol of hope for the poor and powerless and he fought against racism in America. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rau because he helps people to fight against racism,he never gave up no matter what happens to him.And his slogan was Yes We Can.
He was born on March 31,1927 near Yuma, Arizona. He was raised in California in a barrio. His family was his wife whose name was Helen Fabela and their 8 children. His education was by the time cesar finished eighth grade he had went to thirty different schools. Some of his interests were his family. Especially his grandmother “it takes two to fight, and one can’t do it alone’’ one amazing fact about Cesar Chavez is that he helped a lot of people in the world.
Cesar had many difficulties in his life. His life was not easy but he never gave up! Some of the problems in his life were racism, poverty,and poor health
health. He did not go through these ordeals alone.Some people that supported him were his wife who helped him when taking care of his children.There was also Dolores Huerta who assisted him when negotiating.The person that helped him most in his goal of improved farm workers right the NFWA was the union that he created.
Cesar had many battles and therefore many accomplishments.He was able to be successful because he never gave up. Lots of people helped him work.and he had a goal that was important to his heart. He changed the world because he helped the Mexican American farmworkers have hope,courage and rights.What I learned from reading about Cesar Chavez is to never give up. I also learned the value of working hard until he reaches his goal. Cesar Chavez has changed my heart and mind about farmworkers. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rau because it may change a lot of people’s minds about so much stuff. By Yamama
Cesar Chavez was a hero because he helped the Mexican Americans who worked on farms and so all Mexican Americans would have equal rights. Cesar also helped fight against racism. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rua because as you know it is a true story, it has absolutely no curse words, and because we all as students need to learn our history. He was born on March 31,1927 in Yuma,Arizona. He was raised in California in a barrio. His family was his wife ,whose name was Helen Fabela,and their 8 children. His education was through eighth grade. Some of his interests were his family especially his grandma. One amazing fact about Cesar Chavez is that he always persevered. Cesar had many difficulties in his life. His life was not easy, but he never gave up! Some of the problems in his life were racism, farmworkers rights,and no equality. He did not go through these ordeals alone. Some of the people who supported him were Dolores Huerta who helped him create the NFWA union. There was also his wife Helen Fabela who assisted him when he needed her to take care of their 8 children. The person that helped him most in his goal of getting equality for all the Mexican Americans was Dolores Huerta. Cesar had many battles and therefore many accomplishments. He was able to be successful because he was persistent, nonviolent and he had a goal of importance. He changed the world because he helped the Mexican Americans have equality.
What I learned from reading about Cesar Chavez is always persevere, be persistent. I also learned the value of equality. Cesar Chavez has changed my heart and mind about my friend Gerardo. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? By Dana Meachen Rau because it is a true story.
By Joseph
He was born on March 31,1927 near Yuma, Arizona. He was raised in California in a barrio. His family was his wife whose name was Helen Fabela and their 8 children. His education was by the time cesar finished eighth grade he had went to thirty different schools. Some of his interests were his family. Especially his grandmother “it takes two to fight, and one can’t do it alone’’ one amazing fact about Cesar Chavez is that he helped a lot of people in the world.
Cesar had many difficulties in his life. His life was not easy but he never gave up! Some of the problems in his life were racism, poverty,and poor health
health. He did not go through these ordeals alone.Some people that supported him were his wife who helped him when taking care of his children.There was also Dolores Huerta who assisted him when negotiating.The person that helped him most in his goal of improved farm workers right the NFWA was the union that he created.
Cesar had many battles and therefore many accomplishments.He was able to be successful because he never gave up. Lots of people helped him work.and he had a goal that was important to his heart. He changed the world because he helped the Mexican American farmworkers have hope,courage and rights.What I learned from reading about Cesar Chavez is to never give up. I also learned the value of working hard until he reaches his goal. Cesar Chavez has changed my heart and mind about farmworkers. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rau because it may change a lot of people’s minds about so much stuff. By Yamama
Cesar Chavez was a hero because he helped the Mexican Americans who worked on farms and so all Mexican Americans would have equal rights. Cesar also helped fight against racism. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? by Dana Meachen Rua because as you know it is a true story, it has absolutely no curse words, and because we all as students need to learn our history. He was born on March 31,1927 in Yuma,Arizona. He was raised in California in a barrio. His family was his wife ,whose name was Helen Fabela,and their 8 children. His education was through eighth grade. Some of his interests were his family especially his grandma. One amazing fact about Cesar Chavez is that he always persevered. Cesar had many difficulties in his life. His life was not easy, but he never gave up! Some of the problems in his life were racism, farmworkers rights,and no equality. He did not go through these ordeals alone. Some of the people who supported him were Dolores Huerta who helped him create the NFWA union. There was also his wife Helen Fabela who assisted him when he needed her to take care of their 8 children. The person that helped him most in his goal of getting equality for all the Mexican Americans was Dolores Huerta. Cesar had many battles and therefore many accomplishments. He was able to be successful because he was persistent, nonviolent and he had a goal of importance. He changed the world because he helped the Mexican Americans have equality.
What I learned from reading about Cesar Chavez is always persevere, be persistent. I also learned the value of equality. Cesar Chavez has changed my heart and mind about my friend Gerardo. I would recommend reading Who Was Cesar Chavez? By Dana Meachen Rau because it is a true story.
By Joseph
February 7, 2017
This is my first "Who was/is?" series book and enjoyed the format akin to the Wicked History series that focuses specifically on a person and their impact in history. I honestly knew very little about Chavez so I was glad for reading the book to get to know him and his purpose but also am interested in reading more titles in the series and purchasing for our library.
In essence, Chavez fought for migrant workers rights, created a union, fasted like Gandhi, and found purpose in advocating for the common person. He was inspirational, especially for Mexican workers working in the United States- those that came over specifically to cover the need for workers when many left for war, but instead of then recruiting from the pool that came back from war, they continued to abuse the rights of Mexican workers that they had originally hired. That meant that minimum wage, job protection, housing and healthcare, etc.
It shares a bit about his home life as well as his relationship with another migrant worker rights advocate Dolores Huerta.
A linear story that is simple and focused with an abundance of information without seeming overwhelming.
In essence, Chavez fought for migrant workers rights, created a union, fasted like Gandhi, and found purpose in advocating for the common person. He was inspirational, especially for Mexican workers working in the United States- those that came over specifically to cover the need for workers when many left for war, but instead of then recruiting from the pool that came back from war, they continued to abuse the rights of Mexican workers that they had originally hired. That meant that minimum wage, job protection, housing and healthcare, etc.
It shares a bit about his home life as well as his relationship with another migrant worker rights advocate Dolores Huerta.
A linear story that is simple and focused with an abundance of information without seeming overwhelming.
July 28, 2018
Like many of the characters featured in these books, I enjoyed learning more about Cesar Chavez and how he came to be such an influential leader. I am so grateful for his courage to stand up to greed, corruption and an unjust system. I am curious if farm workers continue to get unfairly treated on account of their class and/or ethnic differences and hope there are always people willing to stand up to inequality.
"Martin Luther King Jr. sent Cesar a telegram that read "Our separate struggles are really one--a struggle for freedom, for dignity, and for humanity."
"Cesar's mother wanted her children to grow up to be good people. She taught them to share with others without expecting anything in return. ...Cesar remembered one of her sayings throughout his life "It takes two to fight and one can't do it alone." In other words, even if someone wants to fight you, you have the choice to walk away"
"Martin Luther King Jr. sent Cesar a telegram that read "Our separate struggles are really one--a struggle for freedom, for dignity, and for humanity."
"Cesar's mother wanted her children to grow up to be good people. She taught them to share with others without expecting anything in return. ...Cesar remembered one of her sayings throughout his life "It takes two to fight and one can't do it alone." In other words, even if someone wants to fight you, you have the choice to walk away"
August 18, 2017
In 1962 Cesar Chavez started the movement which organized thousands of migrant farm workers in California and the southwest, ultimately becoming the United Farm Workers. This well written biography tells of Chavez's beginnings, and of the conditions, both social and economic, that led to the organization. Personal facts and history alternate with side pieces on related concepts and people, such as " braceros," "Dolores Huerta," and "Martin Luther King, Jr." Black and white drawings throughout make the information come alive and keep the text density appropriate for the intended audience. Viewing the labor struggles of Mexican Americans through the life of Chavez makes a part of history truly relatable for young readers. Back matter includes timelines and a bibliography.
April 1, 2020
There was no better day to finish this book than on Cesar Chavez Day! Who was Cesar Chavez? was a very informative and interesting read that gave me a great introduction to Cesar Chavez's life and what he did to fight for the rights of farm workers. I also really enjoyed reading about how other civil rights and political leaders of that time supported the cause.
"Cesar Chavez has become a symbol of hope for the poor and the powerless. He remains an inspiration to Latinos everywhere, and a strong but peaceful hero in the fight against racism in America. Cesar proved that people who come together and speak with one voice can be much stronger than one person standing alone."
"Cesar Chavez has become a symbol of hope for the poor and the powerless. He remains an inspiration to Latinos everywhere, and a strong but peaceful hero in the fight against racism in America. Cesar proved that people who come together and speak with one voice can be much stronger than one person standing alone."
October 29, 2017
A pretty comprehensive look into the life of Cesar Chavez. The more I've learned about him, the more I want to read up on the other people who played roles in his life of activism- Fred Ross, Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong. I also want to read even more about the nonviolent movement and the people who've changed the world through this process.
April 10, 2021
Looking for books to celebrate Hispanic American Month... this fit with a few others we’ve read lately about migrant farmers, civil rights and segregation not being just black/white issues, and ways people have fought for what is right. While I had heard about Chavez, I knew very little til reading this.
February 12, 2019
Read this with my second-grader. Still love this series, and so glad for its wide variety of titles. This book is an excellent introduction to labor unions and why they exist. Sidebars on MLK, Gandhi, US/Mexican History and Dolores Huerta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
I read this right after finishing Stef Soto, Taco Queen. I love these quick biographies because I go from only knowing the person's name to knowing much more of their story. I also liked the tie-in to Obama's YES WE CAN slogan.
September 11, 2020
I don't know who Cesar Chavez was before reading this book! I had no idea either Hispanic Americans faced a lot of the same discriminations as African Americans. He did so much to better people's lives. I highly recommend this book.
July 9, 2021
I learned a lot about Cesar Chavez from this book. He was an activist for Mexican Americans and farm workers. He started a union for farm workers and was very active in raising up their standard of living. This is a good book to begin learning about the modern labor movement.
March 20, 2022
Nice book. Umm a little just a little this is saddening. Because I mean he had to start picking crops when he was only 12 and the book also said that he was a great farmer,. Though he was quite poor still he was able to become famous and if this was his goal he did a a9job.
February 15, 2018
Rated 5 stars
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
March 10, 2019
These are always great read-aloud books with the kids. This was all about Cesar Chavez, yet another monumentally important figure in history that public school failed to teach me about.
March 22, 2019
Good overview of his life and work for justice.
April 10, 2019
Very educational. My kids enjoyed.
We love the “Who Was” book series and read this for Cesar Chavez Day. We enjoy using these books for ojr homeschool studies.
We love the “Who Was” book series and read this for Cesar Chavez Day. We enjoy using these books for ojr homeschool studies.
April 10, 2020
A good read!
who-hq
May 20, 2020Mexican American who organized labor union for farm workers. Led the Delano Grape Strike, which lasted for 5 years.
August 6, 2021
Read it to our kids at night. We have a Cesar Chavez Blvd in our downtown area, we didn’t really know much about him. This was my first book I’ve read in this Who Was series, enjoyed it.
September 16, 2021
Short overview.
This book was a short, informative look at Cesar Chavez's life. I was not familiar on all he accomplished to help farm workers.
This book was a short, informative look at Cesar Chavez's life. I was not familiar on all he accomplished to help farm workers.
January 28, 2022
I didn’t know anything about Cesar Chavez before I read this book. I had never even heard of him before I saw this book at our library.
July 20, 2022
This name did not ring a bell for me
January 12, 2024
An easy-to-read biography of activist Cesar Chavez.
Great information and an inspiring tone make this a solid entry in the Who Was series, but it just wasn't a stand-out title for me personally.
Great information and an inspiring tone make this a solid entry in the Who Was series, but it just wasn't a stand-out title for me personally.
February 6, 2025
Excellent!
What a great way to introduce young students to one of Arizona’s heroes.
I could read this one over and over again.
What a great way to introduce young students to one of Arizona’s heroes.
I could read this one over and over again.
July 26, 2025
Fascinating and inspirational biography of a leader and civil rights icon for Latino and all people worldwide. I'm glad I read this book. I feel I learned a lot.
March 3, 2026
I didn't know anything about Cesar Chavez. It was super cool to learn about what he did. Good on ya!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews