Critical Race Theory in Pictures
This week I will be honing in on the story of Sylvia Mendez with the picture book; Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight For Desegregation written by Duncan Tonatiuh. I will discuss how the author/illustrator not only acknowledges racism but refutes it.
Summary:
This story follows Sylvia and her brothers as they begin their education journey in the U.S and quickly come to find out just how unfair it is. They are told they cannot go to the school closest to them house as its the "white school" and the must go to the "Mexican school." Sylvia's father knows how unfair this is and does everything in his power to fight for equal rights for his kids and others like them.
Video Response:
In the Classroom:
This story has so many bigger words in it that many students may not know. This can make things confusing and make it hard for them to follow along in the story and truly understand what is happening. Before reading the book I would want to go over those vocabulary words so my students understand their meaning so when we do read through the story they are able to seemingly follow along. This story opens up the conversation about what's right and wrong and standing up for your beliefs.
Awards for Separate is Never Equal:
Américas Award
Tomás Rivera Award
Jane Addams Award
Pura Belpré Illustration Honor
Sibert Medal Honor
FOCAL Award
Bluebonnet Masterlist
Orbis Pictus Honor
Meet the Authors:
Duncan Tonatiuh was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende. He moved to the United States to attend high school and eventually went to college in New York City. He graduated from Parsons, School of Design where he studied both writing and Instruction. While attending college, Tonatiuh studied the ancient art of the Mixtees as well as other Mexican cultures which he incorporated into his own unique style.
Sylvia Mendez who Separate is Never Equal is based off of.
Song of the week:
In my video I mention standing up for what you believe in. In this picture book I feel as though Sylvia's Father stands up for his family for his people and this song is about standing up for just that.
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