Puerto Rico Strong: A Comics Anthology Supporting Puerto Rico Disaster Relief and Recovery Edited by Marco Lopez, Desiree Rodriguez, Hazel Newlevant, Derek Ruiz, and Neil Schwartz

In the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria upon Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017,  it’s hard not to appreciate some graphic attention in an imaginative and inspiring comic by Marco Lopez et al,  set in the year 2062,  that begins with the line,

“Ok, children!  Activate your AR headgear and we’ll begin our tour of the Diaspora of the Puerto Rican People,  20th -22nd centuries.”

This is the lovely premise of “Pasitos Grandes” by Tristan J. Tarwater and Cynthia Santos. The gorgeous colors, full of purples, teals and magentas, make the journey all the more appealing, and hint at the variety that’s in store for intrepid readers of this thick, full-color anthology.

Other highlights for teachers include the text-heavy “A Broken P.R.O.M.E.S.A.” by Rosa Colon and “La Casita of American Heroes” by Anthony Ortero.  

One of the most accessible stories,   both visually and textually is “Taino Online” by Joamette Gil,  which also serves as a great entry point for inquiry work.  However,  the best thing about an anthology like this which bears the marks of excellent editors,  is the many treasures waiting for students to discover for themselves. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Lopez, Marco, et al.  Puerto Rico Strong: A Comics Anthology Supporting Puerto Rico Disaster Relief and Recovery.  St. Louis: Lion Forge, 2018.  Print.

Programming Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month

Today at Belmont four groups of students engaged in multi-dimensional learning in a program honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Kicking off four weeks of study, we asked students to activate schema around Latin America, and then challenged them to put together a Latin America geography puzzle.  When the puzzle was completed we asked students what they noticed and then instructed them to generate a list of questions they have about Latin America and its people.  --Lori Ikawa and Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Welcome back!

So much to read and it’s only September!  We’re optimistic that it’s going to be a great (school) year for reading.  Sit tight and don’t go away--we’ll be right back with more reviews, more programs, and, you know, more of what’s good. --Claudio Leon and Jessica Fenster-Sparber