Soldier for Equality: Jos de la Luz Senz and the Great War

(Hardback)

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Description

Award-winning author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the story of a Mexican-American war hero Jos de la LuzSenz(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.

Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Using kid-friendly language that doesnt 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 doesnt grab young readers, the arresting pre-Columbian inspired art will."

* Booklist *

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The author's insightful use of Senz'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 *
Tonatiuh unfurls this story in a streamlined narrative, enlivened by touches of Spanish phrasing and quotes and paraphrases from Senzs 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 *
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 *

Author Bio

Duncan Tonatiuhs books have won numerous awards: Diego Rivera won the Pura Belpr Illustration Award; Pancho Rabbit won two Pura Belpr 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.