Soldier for Equality - by Duncan Tonatiuh (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Josâe de la Luz Sâaenz (1888-1953)--or Luz--believed in fighting for what was right. Although he was born in the United States, he and his family experienced prejudice because of their Mexican heritage. When World War I broke out, Luz volunteered to join the fight. Because of his ability to quickly learn languages, he became part of the Intelligence Office in Europe. However, despite his hard work and intellect, Luz often didn't receive credit for his contributions. Upon his return to the US, he joined other Mexican-Americans whom he had met in the army to fight for equality. His contribution, along with others, ultimately led to the creation of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which is the oldest Latino civil rights organization. Soldier for Equality is based in part on Luz's diary during the war. It includes a biography of Luz's later years, an author's note, a timeline, a bibliography, and an index."--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

The incredible story of one man's fight for Mexican American civil rights, from award-winning picture book creator Duncan Tonatiuh.

Pura Belpré Award Author Honor Book * Association of Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book

Using his signature illustration style and first-person diary entries, Duncan Tonatiuh tells the inspiring story of a Mexican American war hero and his fight for equality.

José de la Luz Sáenz (Luz) believed in fighting for what was right. Though born in the United States, Luz often faced prejudice because of his Mexican heritage. Determined to help his community, even in the face of discrimination, he taught school--children during the day and adults in the evenings.

When World War I broke out, Luz joined the army, as did many others. His ability to quickly learn languages made him an invaluable member of the Intelligence Office in Europe.

However, Luz found that prejudice followed him even to war, and despite his efforts, he often didn't receive credit for his contributions. Upon returning home to Texas, he joined with other Mexican American veterans to create the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which today is the largest and oldest Latinx civil rights organization.

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The author's insightful use of Sáenz's war-diary entries boldly introduces this extraordinary American's triumphs and struggles . . . An important contribution to this volatile chapter in U.S. and Mexican American history."--Kirkus Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Using kid-friendly language that doesn't shy away from the ugliness of prejudice and war, Tonatiuh expertly crafts an informative and engaging picture book biography supported by primary sources. If the straightforward text doesn't grab young readers, the arresting pre-Columbian inspired art will."--Booklist

"An inspiring introduction to an underrepresented figure who pursued his lifelong vision for equality and justice."--Publishers Weekly

"Informative and inspiring story." --Horn Book Magazine

"Tonatiuh unfurls this story in a streamlined narrative, enlivened by touches of Spanish phrasing and quotes and paraphrases from Sáenz's own diaries, that sets up the situation quickly and effectively yet still flows naturally . . . Youth literature has been limited in its coverage of Latinx civil rights, and this will be a useful and readable introduction to one of its originators."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Duncan Tonatiuh's books have won numerous awards: Diego Rivera won the Pura Belpré Illustration Award; Pancho Rabbit won two Pura Belpré Honor awards, for illustration and narrative; Separate Is Never Equal won the prestigious Sibert Honor Award; and Funny Bones won the Sibert Award. He lives in Mexico.