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El Barrio
Debbi Chocolate shines the light on both an urban Latino neighborhood and a quinceañera, the fifteenth-birthday celebration that is a significant rite of passage for girls in many Latino cultures. Describing both is a boy eager to share the energy and spirit of his community and the joy of his family at the time of his big sister’s celebration. “El barrio is a heartbeat. / Shhh, listen! / It’s the sound of blaring trumpets, / tejano and salsa music / tickling my feet! / The mariachis play at all the quinceañeras / in my neighborhood.” Chocolate’s inviting narrative is paired with mixed media illustrations by David Diaz featuring a host of happy faces and scenes from the boy’s family and community, and artfully framed by photographic borders. ©2009 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by David Diaz
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Celebrations, Holidays, and Observances
Community
Siblings
Diversity subject:
Latine
Publishers:
Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt
Publish Year: 2009
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780805074574
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Chocolate