Che Guevara’s Face: How a Cuban Photographer’s Image Became a Cultural Icon by Danielle Smith-Llera

How did one image of the revolutionary leader Che Guevara’s face become so popular?  Students who have seen the iconic image - originally a photo by the Cuban photographer Alberto Korda - may be very interested in this picture book-sized volume. 

The author tells the story of Che’s famous photographic portrait in four chapters that draw the reader in by setting the scene in which the original photo was taken-- a memorial service for the 100 killed and 200 wounded by a 1960 explosion in Havana Harbor that destroyed a ship carrying grenades and munitions.

Using historical photographs as well as Korda’s photographic contact sheet from that day,  author Smith-Llera provides context for this shocking and gruesome moment, inviting the reader to imagine the life of a photographer working in Havana at the time.

The author also includes a summary of Cuban history with many historical photographs,  however other than Korda’s,  the images are not credited within the text.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Smith-Llera, Danielle.  Che Guevara’s Face: How a Cuban Photographer’s Image Became a Cultural Icon.  Minnesota: Capstone, 2017.

“Aight, so boom.  Check it.” 

So begins When We Make It narrated by 8th grader Sarai, who lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn.  

It’s the late nineties and Sarai,  who identifies herself as a first-generation U. S. born Puerto Rican, lives with her mother and sister.   The family are continuously on the move and trying to survive while dealing with daily challenges of hunger,  loss of dignity, and basic safety.

Short poem-chapters and searing honesty make this book a highly engaging read for fans of novels in verse and of strong characters in realistic YA fiction.  

Spanish phrases are not translated and text is accompanied by an author’s preface.  Backmatter includes acknowledgements, resources for readers needing support, and a list of poetry that inspired the author in writing her own poem-chapters for this book.  Recommended for middle school book clubs. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Velasquez, Elisabet.  When We Make It.  New York: Dial, 2021.

Click here for an educator's guide/discussion guide offered by the the publisher.

Don’t Mess With Me By Paul Erickson

Have you ever been curious about venomous sea creatures? Well you’re in luck!  Don’t Mess With Me is filled with tidbits of information about some of the most insane and deadly creatures living in the sea! On every page beautiful images are accompanied by text explaining how and why the featured creature attacks, and  sometimes highlighting something extraordinary about it. Anyone interested in dangerous animals or sea life should pick this one up!--Claudio Leon

Erickson, Paul. Don’t Mess With Me. Tilbury House: Thomaston, 2018. Print.