(Essays on Culture in the New Millennium)

By Eduardo Espina

English translation by Travis Sorenson

Published by ARTE Pulbico Press

Espina has demonstrated a witty and humorous take on pondering modern-day paradoxes within our society – most notably the event when the German Pop group Milli Vanilli won a Grammy for songs that weren’t truly sung by them. The author has a way of getting people to think about things or look at situations with a different lens. Like for instance, the word ‘Hah.’ These everyday words are things we have heard before and we believe we understand their meaning, but then he takes us on a different spin and depth. It’s something that most people wouldn’t ordinary think about or go into too much depth, but the author does. These essays give you an insight into how he thinks. Read more ›

By Juanantonio

Published by Abbott Press

The author concentrates on two poems; however, with these two writings he explores a lot of life. He takes on love and its loss throughout time as well as he discusses greed and how all these elements can transform an individual. Read more ›

By Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Illustrations by Robert Trujillo

Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas

The story is centered on a birthday event for a five year old, but it’s not your everyday celebration. The author has managed to add a cultural twist to the story and makes it quite intriguing for the young reader. Come to think about it, it caught my attention as well.

It is the story of two brothers, Dario the eldest and Ariel the five-year-old birthday boy. They each have a different vision of what a birthday party should be like. Dario is not quite convinced that his younger brother knows what is best for an event such as this. Read more ›

By Gladys E. Barbieri

Illustrations by Lisa Fields

Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas

Ms. Barbieri has captured the thinking of a young girl Felicia perfectly. Felicia comes from a working class family and is suddenly thrown into an environment which is out of her league. With this new encounter Felicia and her mother’s insecurities come through. Felicia quickly realizes that she isn’t in Kansas anymore and she begins to explore her surroundings; although, her mother has asked her to not to do so. Read more ›

By Pat Mora

Illustrations by Robert Casilla

Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas

The author has skillfully crafted a story which involves a grandmother and her granddaughter as they navigate through life together. The story focuses on the great relationship between both individuals as well as insight into the cultural observation of el dia de los muertos.

The relationship is shown through great storytelling. Although I realize the book was written for a younger audience, I felt as if the story spoke to me as well. This is credited to a good writer. The story took me back to relationships with loved ones who have departed and still remain very much a part of my everyday life today. Read more ›

By James Luna

Illustrations by Thelma Muraida

Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas

James Luna does it again. He has created a book that will warm the hearts of all your children by using rhyme to engage his young audience. This sing-song style of telling a story will capture a child’s ear with great effect.

Mr. Luna takes the young reader on a typical day adventure by using common elements and surroundings close to home. He includes things such as schools, playgrounds, and parks; things that a child can identify with. This quickly allows the reader to become one with the story and to appreciate all their surroundings. Read more ›