I had never heard of "The Lemon Grove Incident" before this novel! I'm realizing this happens quite often with Newberys. Maybe I need to study more history, but for now I'll just rely on my Newberys to teach me. 😏
Roberto Alvarez tells his version (in verse) of being lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against his school district (in Lemon Grove, CA) when they decide to kick out all the students with Mexican ancestry and send them to their own school in a barn (in 1930). When the kids are not allowed back in their elementary school after Christmas break, the families form el Comite de Vecinos de Lemon Grove and contact the Mexican consulate for legal assistance. Roberto, born in the United States and fluent in English and Spanish, is chosen to represent all 75 kids because he is a model student. And the judge rules in their favor! A full two decades before Brown v. Board of Education!
I love true stories of people fighting injustice. I love Spanish. I love Spanish-speakers. Three great reasons to love this book.
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