We’re pleased to share information about a talented group. Criss Cross Mangosauce is a group of bi-cultural artists promoting bi-lingual (English/Spanish) storytelling and literacy programs in the US. They perform concerts and storytelling presentations as well as conduct educational workshops. They have a CD too! You can follow them on Facebook. And check out a promotional video on You Tube — it’s fun!
I attended a fine program on Día at the ALA Annual conference last week. Originally, staff from the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County were scheduled to present Día is Diversity in Action but unfortunately were unable to attend because of severe funding problems. Oralia Garza de Cortés and Jamie Naidoo Ph.D., both known as Día supporters and knowledgable presenters, stepped in to report on Charlotte’s Mecklenburg’s success in using Día as a tool in dually reaching the Spanish and international community for literacy, as well as informing the audience about a wealth of multicultural books and resources for programming. The importance of planning and promotion, as well as collaboration with local agencies was discussed.
See this blog’s Díapalooza’s post about Charlotte Mecklenburg’s 2010 celebration here.
In celebration of the 2010 World Cup, my friend author Monica Brown created this short video about Pelé, the legend at the heart of Brazilian Soccer.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixf_dZjI9Mo
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/12844817
We’re thrilled that Pat’s website has been selected as a Great Websites for Kids by the Association of Library Service to Children, (ALSC) a division of the Amerrican Library Association. As the press release notes, Pat’s site was added to the recommended list of exceptional websites for children ages 14 and younger and joins a select group of author sites.
Looking for an entrancing title for your book group or just a good summer read? Try Pat’s family memoir, House of Houses, a rich blend of poetic language and elements of magical realism.
Questions for your personal reflection or to enjoy with your book group or class.
1. In what ways is House of Houses like and unlike other memoirs you’ve read?
2. Why do you think memoirs have become such a popular genre?
3. Name the person you connected to most in the book and describe the reasons why.
4. The author asks “Why do certain events become central memories, part of the core life story we create about ourselves?” (page 24) How would you answer?
5. Spanish words and phrases are used throughout the book. How does this affect your reading and understanding of the memoir?
6. How is your family like and unlike the Mora family?
7. Look through family photographs taken before you were born. Choose one and write a page about it. Would you like to share your piece with your reading group? A family member or friend?
8. The author refers to her childhood home as the “house of houses.” What does she mean? Would you describe your childhood home as your “house of houses”? If not, what three or four words would you use to capture your feelings?
9. What humorous scene and sad scene most appealed to you? Why?
10. The family stories in this memoir are organized through different seasons or rhythms – the rhythms of the garden, the church liturgy, the family. What seasons or rhythms would you use to organize your family’s stories?
