Hopeful heroes More poems about amazing Latinos

Gr 4--8--A celebration of historical figures from across Latin America who inspire in their resilience and self-determination. The wide scope of this collection spans centuries and countries, from the intellectual achievements of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to the Olympic medals of Ramón Fonst Segundo as well as the artistic environmental activism of Nicolás García Uriburu. The diversity of these poems never feels scattershot because Engle threads consistent themes through. No matter when the subjects lived or what they did, Engle highlights their creativity, dignity, and the impact they had on their worlds. Accompanying Engle's direct, concentrated free verse with similar power, Menéndez's full-page illustrations blend blocky, mural-like characterizations with vibrant colors as bold as the lives of the heroes. War, conquest, violence, and destruction are referenced, but not described in depth. Brief biographical notes in the back matter provide additional context. These people followed their own visions, and in doing so, stood up for themselves, their landscapes, their cultures, and their people. Two poems, instead of focusing on one hero, celebrate the collective of "many people" spanning "many centuries, many cultures" and "modern times, many nations." The message is clear: Latin America's past and present are filled with individuals whose examples can inspire readers in pursuing their passions today. VERDICT An uplifting collection of Latinx heroes united by their tenacity, ideal for those in need of inspiration.--Kate Stadt

Well-known and potentially less familiar Latin American artists, scientists, and more step into the spotlight in this companion volume toBravo! (2017). In a brief introduction, Engle adds intent behind this "brief sampler of poems" on "independent thinkers who serve as role models for determination or creativity." Surveying the Americas, the author considers figures from eras as far back as the 15th century--see the fierce poem "Proud" on Anacaona, the brave leader of the Taíno people--to contemporary times. Historical trailblazers such as the revolutionist Simón Bolívar and chroniclers Martín de la Cruz and Juan Badiano stand beside the athletic might of Cuban Olympic winner Ramón Fonst Segundo and renowned soccer player Pelé. About half of the featured heroes are women, including the Indigenous Peruvian resistance leader Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua and wartime healer Mariana Grajales Cuello. Each vaguely biographical poem amounts to a few stanzas, ranging from the sublime--see "Courageous," a powerful ode to modern Indigenous environmentalists--to the perfunctory, like in "Movie Star" for Juano Hernández: "Many years later, in 1949, I receive / a Golden Globe nomination for my role / as the star ofIntruder in the Dust, a movie." Short biographical notes at the end offer a few more clues for readers to explore further on their own. Menéndez's watercolor artwork shines throughout each hero's double-page spread, depicting these immense figures in bold form against mostly monochromatic backgrounds of warm colors. Worthy songs of praise for Latine legends.(Collective biography/picture-book poetry. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.