Side By Side/Lado a Lado: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/La Historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez

by Monica Brown, Joe Cepeda (Illustrator)

Every day, thousands of farmworkers harvested the food that ended up on kitchen tables all over the country. But at the end of the day, when the workers sat down to eat, there were only beans on their own tables. Then Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez teamed up. Together they motivated the workers to fight for their rights and, in the process, changed history.

Award-winning author Monica Brown and acclaimed illustrator Joe Cepeda join together to create this stunning tribute to two of the most influential people of the twentieth century.

Todos los días, miles de campesinos cosechaban los alimentos que se servían en los hogares de todo el país. Pero al terminar la jornada, cuando los campesinos se sentaban a comer, lo único que habIa en sus propias mesas era frijoles. Entonces, Dolores Huerta y César Chávez se unieron para motivar a los trabajadores a luchar por sus derechos y en el proceso, cambiaron el curso de la historia.

La premiada autora Monica Brown y el aclamado ilustrador Joe Cepeda se unen para crear este impresionante tributo a dos de las personas más influentes del siglo veinte.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Cultural, Childrens, Spanish Literature

Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Monica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of awardwinning bilingual books for children, including My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz (Luna Rising), a recipient of the Américas Award for Children's Literature and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second picture book, My Name Is Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/Me llamo Gabriela: La vida de Gabriela Mistral (Luna Rising) shares the story of the first Latina to win a Nobel Prize.

Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"

Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).

Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.

To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Dolores Huerta (DH) and Cesar Chavez (CC) for small children. Of the two I think DH has not been given enough recognition; another example of how we tent to 'minimize' the involvement women have had in organizations fighting for social equality. An age appropriate look at this important movement.

[Clare Masullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bilingual account of the story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, two historical figures of color of which I had never heard. Dolores came from an immigrant family in the southwest, and became a school teacher to the children of migrant workers, who had not had enough money to feed themselves or their children. Cesar was a migrant worker himself, who was self taught in issues of social justice. Cesar became sick from pesticides in fields, and soon met Dolores. Together they brought their group together and began to boycott fruits from the fields in which pesticides were being used that harmed migrant workers. Together they fought for change.
The book is both in Spanish and English, which is incredibly effective for young children learning English, and good for exposure to Spanish language for English speaking kids. The book shows how activism leads to change, and shows how they came to see the injustice in their group of people. Characteristic of Latin American art, the illustrations are incredibly colorful. The use of perspective in the illustrations is also something I took note of, especially in a scene in which Cesar Chavez protests by fasting, and is looking out his window toward his fellow protestors. The scene makes him seem distinguished and strong. The book is great for acknowledging worker rights and the issues that face Latinos in today's society.

[Cherilyn Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has an interesting plot and the beautiful illustrations are able to portray an accurate description of how the migrants had to suffer and need people to vouch and unite them together. Since the book is translated into both English and Spanish the book can be read by Latinx parents or by non-Latinx parents and the message will be portrayed the same way. The characters are realistic and start by showing how they both found passion towards one goal even if they came and grew up with different backgrounds.

The illustrations from the book, add to the plot and characters. The characters are able to show accurately how the two people dressed and approached people. I think that this book holds the children's interest because the plot addresses various issues and shows how both of them helped to change and create a solution for the migrant workers, such as passing legislation.

The characters are dressed as they would be during those times, they are also exposed to the view of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta not just one of them. The books show how they needed to work together in order to create change. I think that the lifestyles are accurate because both had dedicated their work to bringing people together and fighting for what was right. I also think that since the book is in two languages the story is accurately portrayed and how they would speak because they mostly spoke Spanish to the migrant workers.

[Alexa Morales]

This great story is about Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, who created change ever since they were young. They both had something in common, they were passionate about helping farm workers who were taken advantage by their uncivil bosses. When Dolores and Cesar met, they knew that they had similar goals and dreams. They drove through different towns for the justice of farm workers, for them to have a better living. Their hard work led to the signing of contracts for a better pay and a better life. Si se pudo!

[Sarahi]

Side by Side/Lado a lado: The story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/La historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez –Primary book #3

1. Have you ever seen anyone being treated unfairly? I have, but have you done anything about it? That’s the important part, because many times we see something wrong, but just ignore it or decide it’s too hard for us to fix, so it doesn’t change. Since we’ve been studying biographies of Hispanics that have made a difference in our world, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta are two people who influenced change in our nation. They were both born into Spanish speaking families. Cesar’s parents were migrant workers, meaning they traveled to work depending on what was being farmed, and therefore needed to be picked depending on the season. Dolores learned humility through her mom who would often let poor families stay at their hotel for free. As they grew up Cesar and Dolores met, and got together because they wanted change in the way the migrant workers were treated. Pay attention to the way the author sets up the book, is it only about one life? Who is telling the story? And listen for words that you may know, but a student who is not in our Dual Language class may not understand, if you hear anything write it down.

2. Raise interest in a topic or theme, prompt brief sharing of personal experiences related to the topic or theme, lay the groundwork for children’s understanding of diverse settings and people, draw attention to the language of a text, invite personal connections, raise questions in the readers’ mind

3. My rational for choosing this book is because it is written in both English and Spanish, so when I do my opening move, I can do it in Spanish for class. This book also relates to my text structure since it talks about two very influential people who helped migrant workers get better working conditions and better wage, which some students may relate to depending on what their parents do. Also it will get students thinking about how they can make a difference in their world, community, school, by getting together with people who share their same ideas for making a positive change.

4. (2010, November 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#

[Jessica Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

KIRKUS REVIEW
In a slim tribute that focuses exclusively on their victories, Brown (My Name Is Celia/Me Llamo Celia, 2004, etc) recaps the childhoods and linked careers of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Though the size of the challenges they faced and magnitude of what they accomplished doesn’t come through as clearly here as in Kathleen Krull’s Harvesting Hope (2003, illustrated by Yuyi Morales), by giving Huerta equal time in the spotlight the author rights a longstanding imbalance in how the struggles of the United Farm Workers have been presented to young readers. Cepeda can be counted on to crank up the energy of any text he illustrates, and here he really enlivens the narrative by highlighting the extreme contrast between Chavez’s quiet, steady presence and Huerta’s larger-than-life personality. Scenes of protest alternate with scenes of companionable planning around kitchen tables, giving a great sense of the partnership. A Spanish translation runs beneath and alongside the English-language text, and the lengthy afterword (with photo) is also presented in both languages. (Picture book/biography. 7-9)

My Review
Throughout the whole book, the author lets us know how Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez impacted the migrant workers positively. Even when she was young, Dolores and her family helped migrant workers from many areas. Cesar on the other hand, was one of the migrant workers from when he was a young boy helping his family and working in the fields. When they got older is when they met, and changed the lives of migrant workers. They were able to help people see that if they all came together for the same cause, that they would not be easily defeated. Dolores and Cesar knew that together they could get many people to join them and in turn get people to notice their harsh working conditions and the fact that their crops were not safe to eat.

Grade levels: K- 3rd grade (lower levels)

Awards/Honors: NAACP Image Award Finalist
Tejas Star Book Award Finalist

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez follows the two activists from their childhoods to their fight for migrant farmworkers' rights. The two stories run "side by side" with Huerta's story on one page and Chavez's story on the page facing it. Dolores Huerta grew up contributing to causes from a young age and saw the poor conditions in which migrant farmworkers lived. Meanwhile Cesar Chavez grew up a bright boy who had to leave school to work under difficult conditions as a migrant farmworker. The stories come together as one as Huerta and Chavez meet and fight for better working conditions and pay for migrant farmworkers. The book also contains a note for teachers and parents that includes further details about Huerta's and Chavez's lives and work as well as a photograph of the two together. Look closely on the last page to read a quote from Dolores Huerta about Chavez.

After flipping through the pages a couple times, I really began to really appreciate the illustrations. The painted illustrations really give a sense of farmworkers' lives with the peeling paint, colorful farms, and dangerous farm conditions. This book is wonderful for the story it tells and the message of working to better people's lives. The fact that it is bilingual is fitting for allowing both English and Spanish speakers to read the story. The language is simple enough that it would be an excellent resource for English or Spanish language learners, though not absolute beginners. I definitely recommend this book.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright and vibrant, this book tells the true story of Delores Huerta and Cesar Chavez and their fight for the rights of migrant farm workers. The book begins with both of them as children and their early connections to the needs of farm workers. The real change started when the two of them met and began working together on the cause. They traveled from town to town talking from the beds of trucks in fields. They successfully fought to get the poisons used on California grapes stopped. They marched for 340 miles to demand that workers get living wages. Cesar went on a hunger strike to get people to listen. The two worked together for 30 years and were two of the most important voices for labor change in the United States.

A bilingual book, this is a heartfelt homage to two heroes of our time. The writing is simple and honest, reflecting the subject matter with a great respect. For young readers, the book is fairly free of dates, leaving the heart of the story uncluttered. In the author note, readers can learn more about the dates and associations that were created. The focus of the book is on advocacy, action and passion. Things we all hope children will learn. Cepeda’s illustrations are strong and bright. Filled with rich colors, the illustrations underscore the normalcy of both Huerta and Chavez while capturing their energy and dedication as well.

An empowering and inspiring read, this book is appropriate for ages 6-9.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez each brought their own passion and backgrounds to the farm workers' struggles. Huerta moved to California as a young girl and learned from her mother to always think about others. As a teacher, Huerta "saw the farmworker children come to school cold and barefoot, too hungry to learn as well as they could."

Cesar Chavez watched as his family lost their home in Arizona, moving to California to become migrant farm workers, following the crops. His life was difficult, working in the hot sun picking lettuce, strawberries and grapes, suffering when owners sprayed crops with pesticides while workers were still in the fields.

Brown and Cepeda show how Huerta and Chavez came together to invite farm workers to join la causa, demanding better working conditions. The simple text, in both Spanish and English, emphasizes how they worked together as co-founders of the United Farm Workers union, organizing the National Grape Boycott and the historic march to Sacramento.

Joe Cepeda's illustrations really shine through in this picture book, bringing energy and conveying a sense of Huerta's and Chavez's passion, determination and joy in their work. Throughout, this book is filled with the sense of "¡Si, se pueda! Yes, we can!"

[Jennifer Velez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Side by Side is a book about how hard farm workers work and how they suffer a lot out in the fields, and also don’t get paid enough money. They would have to work a lot of hours picking fruit in the hot sun, and they would get sick from substances that were sprayed on the plants. Dolores and Cesar the main characters of the book, joined forces to bring justice to these farm workers, so they could get a better pay, better work conditions and respect. This book is about a true story so it’s a non-fiction book illustrated in a children’s book. I would use this book in the classroom, because it is teaching the students about how farm workers used to be treated and how they had to fight and be persistent to be treated better. I also liked this book very much because it's bilingual and it shows the importance of the Spanish language. “Si se puede!” are very powerful words; this book teaches how one should never give up. No matter how hard things look like, you should never give up and fight for what you want. The illustrator did a very good job, because the pictures are very vivid and enhances the students comprehension on what is going on in the book. I would use this book to help the children make a text to world connection.

[Megan Cureton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Side by Side is a great book that starts off explaining two different lives of young children. One boy and one girl live differently, with the girl being a teacher and the boy working on the farm. They come together and form a la causa, which means the cause for justice and plan to make the people of California aware of the bad working conditions the farmers have to take. With Delores having great courage and ready to stand up and fight and Cesar had faith and bring hope to thousands of farmworkers, they were bound to impact people's lives. They eventually got the state to stop buying grapes and farm workers to get paid more. I really am excited to have this book in my library for my future students because it shows the strength and courage of two individuals. I also like that I have the copy that lists the words in English and Spanish, just incase I have some ESL students in my classroom, i know that I will have a story that they can read and understand and enjoy. I like the illustrations on the pages and I feel that they fit well with the text on each page. I also enjoy the facts at the end of the book so you can see the real characters this book was based on. Great read!

[Grace Livengood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brown, M., Cepeda, J., & Valencia, C. (2010). Side by side: The story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez = Lado a lado: La historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez. New York: Rayo.
Most people know the story of César Chávez and his civil rights activism, but many probably don;t know the story of Dolores Huerta who was his partner in his movement for Latino workers. We follow them individually as they take notice of the challenges the Latino workers face. Together they make a stand to the American Corporations to strike in order to give Latino field workers more rights and sufficient pay for their work. The paintings in this story add tot he culture in the story and allows the illustrator to express the emotions that are evident throughout the book. I have learned a lot about César Chávez and his work, but had not heard about the women who spoke up for those she saw suffering as well. I think that a good lesson to be take fro this book would be that individual people can make a difference and it inspires you to stand up for what you believe in.

[Mary Lou Carolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of a talker and a listener who worked together for thirty years to fight injustice. The upbringing and motivations of activists, Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, are chronicled here and describe how their circumstances brought them to commit their lives to support the farmworkers of America. Together, they fought for better living and working conditions and to organize the farmworkers to pass the immigration act of 1986 which helped immigrants become U.S. citizens. Their story is strongly and sensitively told and is enhanced by the detailed Author's Note on the endpapers. Dolores' words, "Si, se puede! Yes,we can!" was the battlecry that won over the hearts of many workers to keep up the fight. For elementary students, this true story is a lesson in a life's calling and the challenges and sacrifices of fighting for what one believes in. Although this is told in picture book format, older children will no doubt learn, benefit and be inspired.

[Anna Daga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book conveys the necessity to treat all individuals with the amount of respect. Particularly, “Side by Side” depicts the need to protect farmworkers or any laborers with challenging, physically enduring jobs, by providing them with safe working conditions and fair salaries.

Based on true events, “Side by Side” is providing us with a snapshot of the lives of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. Both Chavez and Huerta collaborated throughout their years together in their nonviolent struggle to improve working and living conditions of farm workers of California. Dolores and Cesar marched and talked side by side to protect the interests of farm workers whose lives were endangered by the poisonous crop fertilizers on the fields. Driving from town to town, Huerta and Chavez invited farm workers to join “la cause”, the cause for justice. The workers listened and kept on chanting to express their faith in a crucial change “Si, se puede!” (Yes, we can!”).

[Elizabeth]

Having just watched the documentary Dolores , I was so pleased that this book correctly attributes the origin of the phrase "sí se puede" to her rather than Cesar. (She was at a workers' organizing thing in Arizona and someone was like, "Yeah, you did that in California, but you/we can't do that in Arizona -- no se puede," and she said, "Sí, se puede -- yes, we can").

The biopic focuses on Dolores' work with the United Farm Workers, so I learned a bunch about her childhood in this book.

This book tells their childhood stories in parallel (on facing pages) and then merges into a single narrative when they meet up and start working together, which is a nice narrative device.

I also just so appreciate how this book portrays them as equal partners.

[Osamantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Side by Side/Lado a Lado is an informational text about how Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez helped fight for migrant farmers rights. This book would have to be a teacher read text for younger grades. The subject matter and language used are fairly complex. The illustrations are colorful, and accurately depict the events in the story. The book provides many discussion points, including the actual historical events, discrimination against migrant farm workers, how socioeconomic factors can lead to major differences in life quality, and many more. Monica Brown, a Peruvian-American, has a strong passion for sharing her Latina heritage with children and it shows in her thoughtful, detailed books. This book is a must have in my Latin-American text set because of the momentous impact that Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta had on Latin-American life in America.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorful and aesthetically appealing. On facing pages, Brown describes the lives of Huerta and Chavez - their childhoods and how they grew into advocacy for farm workers. With English and Spanish text, this text is accessible to young readers and listeners in many ways.

Recommended read aloud set -
Side by Side by Monica Brown
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by K. Krull
Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren

After reading aloud all three, these books could easily be left in the classroom library for re-reading or chosen as the focus of student-led small group discussions.

[Julia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brilliantly colored book talks about the founders of the United Farmworkers union. It touches on numerous elements of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez's childhoods and upbringing. The book has side by side stories and side by side text in English and Spanish.

I would love to use this as part of a thematic unit relating to labor rights, as a reading for Hispanic Heritage Month, or as a multicultural piece to emphasise that there are people of power who fight peacefully for others in all walks of life. I could see using this with 3rd to 5th graders, with extended interest created by the side by side text in English and Spanish.

[Haydee Romero]

Going Home is a story of a young boy, Carlos and his family trip to Mexico. Carlos has an inner conflict because he does not understand how the United States and Mexico can both be considered home. I would use this text to provide the perspective of a child from an immigrant family. As a class we can explore how families work on farms and how they travel back home for holidays. It is an opportunity for children to share their family traditions and learn from and about one another. Eve Bunting is an immigrant from Ireland, it gives her a perspective and allows her to relate to the topic. The illustrations by David Diaz are beautiful and different from other children’s book.

[Molly Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing the real-life account of two people fighting for the rights of migrant farm workers of Hispanic origin, this book follows the journey of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, two people who recognized the need for farm workers to get better pay and working conditions. I really like the positive influence of the book, as well as it being written in both English and Spanish. This would make it a good book for Hispanic ELL students to compare to English.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed at the truth that was revealed in this true story about boy and girl that grow to be wed and set out to make the world a better place for immigrants and farmers alike. I also enjoyed how the book was presented in Spanish and English. I was able to relearn some of my Spanish by reading both sections in this story. I would use this book to represent a history lesson and to teach a little Spanish.

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the Mexican American activists Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. I would use this book to explain students about human rights in the United State and agriculture. The pages are glossy, end pages are matte, full page bleed, and framing. This book reminds me of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

[Justin Dolezal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the struggles of hispanic farm workers and their resiliency while they were being oppressed and how Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez were able to rally behind them to stand up for their rights during tough times. Great book for bilingual classrooms as well. I liked how the author had the english text on the page along with the Spanish text along with it.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great bilingual biography of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Despite their differences in personalities, they both believed in the fair treatment of migrant workers. It was odd that in the previous picture book biographies about Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta was only mentioned once.

Inspiring!

[Colin]

A beautifully written (in English and Spanish) and illustrated story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez for kids - I recently re-read it with my littles ones (7 and 6 years old, at this time), and I felt like they really "got it."

[Tanya Brodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book that highlights the good both of these people did and the friendship they formed. Our little ones enjoy it (6 and 7 year olds).

[Kayla Angulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book, it definitely taught me more about Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side by Side/Lado a Lado: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/La Historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez is a children's picture book written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Joe Cepeda. It is a biographical picture book of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, labor leaders and civil rights activists.

Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.

Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta and César Estrada Chávez are American labor leaders and civil rights activists who are the founders of the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers.

Brown's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Brown begins by sketching their upbringings: Huerta, an activist from the start, while Chavez and his family were forced to become migrants themselves. Cepeda's highly textural paintings using oils, acrylics, and collage and never put the duo on a pedestal, and instead emphasize the power and impact of ordinary but dedicated citizens.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This bilingual picture book tells the story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, who organized migrant workers in the 1960s. Meeting later, they joined forces to fight for better working conditions – the first of many successes during decades of activism.

All in all, Side by Side/Lado a Lado: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/La Historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez is a wonderful biographical picture book about activists Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good bilingual biography of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. Highly recommended for ages 5-9.

[Kelly Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful way to introduce students to the topic of farm workers and immigrants. The theme of bravery is very apparent and a true story of showing what hard work can do when you are dedicated and passionate about something. This would be great for students to read that are Spanish speaking, English speaking or bi-lingual in these two languages since the text represents both languages. I would like to use this book teaching the students some new words in either language depending on the student’s background knowledge. Also, I liked that this book taught me a few new words in Spanish and gave me a lot more to learn.