New book featuring Latino role models strives to inspire students to be all they can be | Latina Lista

New book featuring Latino role models strives to inspire students to be all they can be | Latina Lista: LatinaLista — Aside from parents and teachers, role models are an essential part of every student’s learning experience. The Latino community is lucky to have many inspiring role models and next month more students will get the chance to learn about these accomplished individuals in a new nonfiction book geared to ages 8-12 titled Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes.

From familiar icons such as Sonia Sotomayor, who graces the cover, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to trailblazers like Desi Arnaz, Helen Rodriguez Trias, Jaime Escalante and Roberto Clemente, the book features the life stories of 20 different iconic Latino role models. Yet, what makes this installment of Penguin’s American Heroes series unique is the book’s writer and illustrator.

Each story is written by California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera who keeps readers enthralled as they learn little known facts, along with, the famous accomplishments of these Hispanic trailblazers. Hand-in-hand with Herrera’s narration are the captivating illustrations by award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón.