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Title details for Soldier for Equality by Duncan Tonatiuh - Available

Soldier for Equality

José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War

by Duncan Tonatiuh
Andy T. Jones
Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
2 of 2 copies available
José de la Luz Sáenz (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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    September 24, 2019

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781666577525
      • File size: 17385 KB
      • Duration: 00:36:13

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      With Spanish words and phrases rolling off his tongue, narrator David DeSantos immerses young listeners in the life of Mexican-American Jos� de la Luz S�enz. Luz took to heart his father's admonition to be proud of his roots and who he was. As a teacher and later when he was in the Army during WWI, he urged his students and then his fellow soldiers to do the same. DeSantos briskly delivers Luz's wartime accomplishments, emphasizing Luz's dismay at discrimination against Mexican-Americans in the service. Upon his return, he continued to champion equality and in 1929 founded the League of United Latin- American Citizens. The production concludes with an extensive author's note, a source list, timelines, a bibliography, an index, and a glossary. A.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      September 2, 2019
      Although he was an American citizen, José de la Luz Sáenz (1888–1953) was beaten up and denied access to local Texan businesses because his parents were of Mexican origin. He determined to fight back: “Luz knew that knowledge was a weapon that helped you defend yourself against those who were mean to you and ignored your rights.” First a teacher, he joined the army and shipped out to Europe to fight in WWI. Quick to learn French, he was promoted to intelligence work, but he was never given a higher rank or more pay. His friendships with other Mexican-American soldiers led him to help form the League of United Latin American Citizens, an organization that advocated for equal rights for Latinx Americans. Characteristic illustrations by Tonatiuh (Danza!) use carved-stone faces and formal, ceremonial postures to represent the characters in this picture book. An inspiring introduction to an underrepresented figure who pursued his lifelong vision for equality and justice. Ages 6–8.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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