harvesting hope journeys pdf

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

About this ebook.

When Cesar Chavez led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers.

But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that—maybe—he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.

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About the author.

Kathleen Krull is well known for her innovative, award-winning nonfiction for young people, including Lives of the Explorers, Lives of the Musicians, and all other books in this popular series illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt. She is also the author of Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, as well as The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) and Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country), both co-written with Paul Brewer and illustrated by Stacy Innerst. She lives in San Diego, California. Visit her online at kathleenkrull.com.

Born in Xalapa, Mexico, Yuyi Morales lived for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a storyteller, dancer, choreographer, puppeteer, and artist, who has won the prestigious Pura Belpré Award for Illustration five times and has also been awarded the Caldecott Honor.

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Leveled Reading Passages Supporting Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

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Book Review

Harvesting hope.

Author :  Kathleen Krull

Illustrator :  Yuyi Morales

Publisher : Harcourt

Audience: 10+

Summary: At the age of 10,  Cesar’s family had to migrate to California in search of farm work after being displaced from their ranch in Arizona due to a severe drought which resulted in their inability to pay their bills.  Cesar quits school after the eighth grade to work on the farms and help support his family. The working conditions on these farms were harsh and poor with low wages.  Cesar feels that the workers are being treated as less than human.  When he could no longer tolerate the conditions, he organizes the first National Farm Workers Association and in a non-violent protest he fought for justice.  He organized a strike and a non-violent march from Delano to Sacramento the capital, a total of 340 miles to ask for government help.  As a result of the march, Cesar’s protest against the grape company became well publicized. The National Farm Workers Association was recognized and a promise of better pay and working conditions was the result.  Cesar celebrates this victory but he states that “it is well to remember that there must be courage but that in victory there must be humility.”

Literary elements at work in the story:

Genre: Picture book partial biography of a Mexican American Cesar Chavez

Setting: Inhumane working conditions on the grape farms in California during the life of Cesar Chavez

Characterization : Cesar Chavez portrays courage, determination and hope of changing the inhumane conditions in which the farm workers had to work. He organized the first farm workers union.

Plot : The author gives a chronological account of Chavez’ life to the point where he organizes a non-violent protest to bring about change and justice to a group that was disenfranchised by wealthy land owners.

Theme :  The theme of this book is centered in having the hope, determination and courage to bring about change and justice through a non-violent protest.

Point of View : Written from a third person point of view

Style: Beautifully illustrated with warm colors that draws the reader in and brings the story to life.

Perspective on:

Gender: No gender stereotyping; Story is specifically about Cesar Chavez;

Race: The main character is Chavez a Mexican America who sought change for Mexican American Farm Workers

Culture :  Mexican American working for predominantly white farm owners in California during a specific time period

Economic :  Suppress a specific ethnic group—Mexican American Farm Workers by wealthy land owners.

Ability :  No representation of anyone being handicapped

Scripture :  Jeremiah 33:15-16

Theology talk:

1)      The Lord raises people up for a purpose

2)      Righteousness and justice

Faith Talk Questions:

1)      How does it make you feel when certain people are treated incorrectly because of how they look?

2)      How does God expect us to treat each other?

3)      What other leaders or heroes used non-violent resistance to create change?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Dee Osbourne-Smart

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Harvesting hope: the cesar chavez story, common sense media reviewers.

Beautifully illustrated bio of passionate labor organizer.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Biography of Cesar Chavez traces his growth from c

Stand up for what you believe in. People have a ri

Cesar Chavez stood up and fought for what he belie

This biography centers on a Mexican American whose

Talk of the pain Cesar endured working in the fiel

Insulting sign a teacher forces Cesar to wear at s

Parents need to know that Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez , by Kathleen Krull and vividly illustrated by Yuyi Morales, is a picture book biography of the late labor leader and civil rights activist. It traces his life from his pleasant early childhood in Arizona on his family's ranch to the harsher…

Educational Value

Biography of Cesar Chavez traces his growth from comfortable kid on his own prosperous ranch in Arizona to impoverished migrant worker in California, with his whole family earning as little as 30 cents a day. Labor issues and strikes are presented in a simple, age-appropriate way, as is anti-Mexican racism and exclusion in school. The story also shows the effectiveness of activism and nonviolence in standing up for what you believe in to achieve positive change. A few Spanish words, including "la causa" (the cause) and "huelga" (strike), "Si Se Puede" (Yes, It Can Be Done).

Positive Messages

Stand up for what you believe in. People have a right to safe woking conditions and a decent wage. There's power in nonviolent protest. In a fight for justice, truth is a better weapon than violence. "'Nonviolence," he said, 'takes more guts.' It meant using imagination to find ways to overcome powerlessness." Even if you win one battle, there's still much more work to be done. Cesar tells his cheering crowd, "It is well to remember there must be courage but also that in victory there must be humility."

Positive Role Models

Cesar Chavez stood up and fought for what he believed in and did his best to change the lives of his fellow farmworkers for the better. He negotiated and signed the first contract for farmworkers in American history, making lasting changes in the lives of migrant farmworkers in California and inspiring change for farmworkers across the United States. The author's note says Cesar's a controversial figure who's considered a hero "for his utter sincerity, his belief that peaceful dedication to a cause is more effective than force, and his self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds."

Diverse Representations

This biography centers on a Mexican American whose grandparents came to the U.S. from Mexico and the immigrant and migrant workers, mostly Latino, whom he helped get better pay and working conditions from White landowners. The story shows that as a child in school in California, Cesar was mocked for being Mexican and forbidden from speaking Spanish. When he broke that rule, a White teacher made him wear a sign hung around his neck that read "I am a clown. I speak Spanish." In towns near the fields, stores displayed signs that read "White Trade Only." Caldecott Honor -winner Yuyi Morales is a Mexican American author and illustrator who came to the U.S. from Mexico, lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 25 years, then relocated back to her hometown of Xalapa, Mexico.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Talk of the pain Cesar endured working in the fields as child: "Yanking out beets broke the skin between his thumb and forefinger. Grapevines sprayed with bug-killing chemicals made his eyes sting and his lungs wheeze. ... Thinning lettuce all day with a short-handled hoe would make hot spasms shoot through his back." Mention that anyone who complained "was fired, beaten up, or sometimes even murdered." Once Cesar's union started their strike against the landowner growing grapes in Delano, the text notes, "The company fought back with everything from punches to bullets. Cesar refused to respond with violence. Violence would only hurt La Causa. " The author's note mentions that Cesar died in 1993, at age 66, after a 36-day hunger strike.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Insulting sign a teacher forces Cesar to wear at school in California reads: "I am a clown. I speak Spanish."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez , by Kathleen Krull and vividly illustrated by Yuyi Morales , is a picture book biography of the late labor leader and civil rights activist. It traces his life from his pleasant early childhood in Arizona on his family's ranch to the harsher realities of life in California where his family became migrants, working the fields in difficult working conditions, leading to his organizing and co-founding the National Farm Worker Union and bettering the pay and working conditions for farm laborers. There are references to the farmworkers facing violence from the landowners, "from punches to bullets" and "sometimes even murder," but none is shown on the page, other than landowners or police looking menacing in face-offs with the workers. Back-breaking work in the fields is shown.

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What's the Story?

HARVESTING HOPE: THE STORY OF CESAR CHAVEZ begins by showing Cesar as a happy kid surrounded by family on their ranch in the Arizona desert, including his grandparents, who had immigrated from Mexico. They lived there until he was 10 and a drought forced the family to sell the ranch and move to California, hoping to find to work in the fields of the Central Valley. Their life changed dramatically as they became migrants, moving from place to place as they picked seasonal fruits and vegetables. Cesar worked alongside the family, hurting his hands and back, and gave up school after the eighth grade to help support the family. He turned to organize and co-found the first-ever farmworkers union, and after a successful strike and a long march from the fields to the California State Capitol, he succeeded and signed a contract that would get the workers better pay and working conditions. An author's note says that Cesar died in 1993, at age 66, after a 36-day hunger strike.

Is It Any Good?

Gorgeous art helps tell this compelling story of the famous labor organizer. Kids will be drawn in by the colorful art in Harvesting Hope , and the focus on Cesar, growing from shy kid to strong leader of his fellow farmworkers. Labor issues are discussed at an age-appropriate level, with the focus being on Cesar -- his empathy for his abused fellow workers, his integrity , his dedication to his cause, his commitment to nonviolence, and his perseverance despite heavy odds against him.

The book might have benefitted from a timeline or a few more dates to ground the action, but it was probably a good choice not to overwhelm young readers and let them be swept up in the progress of the movement and its ultimate victory.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how the farmworkers protest in Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez . How did going on a long march from the fields to the California State Capitol help the workers get what they were asking for?

How did Cesar Chavez show courage and perseverance and empathy ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Organizing the workers helped Cesar achieve his goal to make life better for them. Have you ever seen teamwork help get something done? What happened? What did Cesar mean when he said you should remember to show humility in victory?

Book Details

• Author : Kathleen Krull
• Illustrator : Yuyi Morales
• Genre : Biography
• Topics : Activism , Great Boy Role Models , History
• Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Book type : Non-Fiction
• Publisher : Scholastic
• Publication date : March 1, 2003
• Number of pages : 48
• Available on : Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
• Last updated : April 1, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez Hardcover – Picture Book, March 1, 2003

Purchase options and add-ons.

In this Pura Belpre award–winning picture book, illustrated by Caldecott Honree Yuyi Morales, acclaimed author Kathleen Krull celebrates Latinx civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. An inspirational book about resistance and hope.

When Cesar Chavez led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers.

But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that—maybe—he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.

• Reading age 4 - 7 years
• Part of series Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards)
• Print length 48 pages
• Language English
• Grade level Preschool - 3
• Lexile measure AD880L
• Dimensions 11 x 0.38 x 9 inches
• Publisher Clarion Books
• Publication date March 1, 2003
• ISBN-10 0152014373
• ISBN-13 978-0152014377
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; First Edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0152014373
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0152014377
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD880L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.12 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11 x 0.38 x 9 inches
• #58 in Children's American History of 1900s
• #60 in Children's Hispanic & Latino Books
• #125 in Children's Multicultural Biographies

About the authors

Kathleen krull.

KATHLEEN KRULL is well known for her innovative, award-winning nonfiction for young readers, which includes the successful Lives of... series. Kathleen Krull lives in San Diego, CA. Visit her at www.kathleenkrull.com AND http://facebook.com/kathleen.krull

Yuyi Morales

Born in Mexico and raised among giant grandmothers, mossy house walls, and rampaging feral gardens, Yuyi Morales fostered a strong bond with the magical stories that ran in her family. Since having immigrated to the USA in 1994, she has drawn from her family's legacy and her heritage to create some of the most celebrated Latino works for children's books.

Yuyi is the 2004 winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for Illustration for her book Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book as well as the 2008 winner for Los Gatos Black on Halloween (written by Marissa Montes), given to a Latino illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

Her book Harvesting Hope; The story of Cesar Chavez (written by Kathell Krull), was the recipient of the Christopher Award and the Jane Adams Award, and was deemed one of the best books of 2003 by Child Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and School Library Journal.

Yuyi is also the creator of ALA notable book, Little Night, co-released in Spanish as Nochecita, and winner of the 2008 SCBWI Golden Kite Medal.

Some of other recognitions her work has received include the Americas Award, the California book Award, and the Tomas Rivera Award won in 2004 and 2008.

Asked about her work Yuyi says, "I strive to capture the incredible beauty of the every day forms using textures and colors as another way to reveal the heart of the story. I also pursue glow and luminosity with resolve. If I could ask for a talent, it would be to become a color genius."

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