I had a big old to do list that I was planning to accomplish. But you know what they say about those best laid plans often biting the dust. Once I opened Maria Dolores Aguila's A Sea of Lemon Trees I couldn't put it down. The plot is engaging on both the cognitive and emotional levels. The characters are well developed and highly relatable, especially the narrator. The plot is in free verse, always a plus in my mind. And young readers are introduced to yet another dark chapter in this country's history that those in high places want them to remain in the dark about.
Roberto is the youngest of four siblings. He resents being the only one treated like a baby, not let in on grown people's business. He has no clue that he'll soon be thrust into a frighteningly mature role.
He is also the only one of the siblings born on American soil, his parents' dream. This is both a blessing and a burden.
Before Roberto returns to school from Christmas vacation he is warned that he and the other Mexican will be sent to another building--one in which farm animals have been housed--for their education. His father tells him to come home instead. He does so and many of his peers do the same.
"My daddy says we should just go to the
Olive Street School, says a girl with dark
brown trenzas.
Her sister
hugs her rag doll a little closer.
They will call emigracion, says Pancho.
My mother says we are not going back to la
Caballeriza, no matter what, says David,
crossing his arms."
As the children talk their parents are in a meeting discussing how to react to the sudden separate and far from equal direction their beloved children's education is going in. Imagine being in their situation where advocating for loved ones could come at an unbearable price.
The parents who won't give in organize a committee--communicating with the Mexican Consulate and raising funds for legal services.
The school officials retaliate.
The committee succeeds in taking them to court. Roberto is chosen as lead plaintiff, representing all the children.
"It was okay when
I was only my family's futuro
but to be the hope
of so many other students' futuros
is frightening."
Aguila provides readers with an illuminating history of the real life Lemon Grove Incident.
I highly recommend A Sea of Lemon Trees for public and school libraries although it will probably draw the hate of banners and censors. It can help younger readers understand not only the evils of the recent past, but stuff that's still going on today. As Aguila reminds us, "Never forget that knowledge is power, and every single one of us has the power to change the world."
On a purrrsonal note, this weekend has been nonstop cold drizzle and 🌧. Yesterday Eugene and I went on a drive and managed to find two Goodwills. Today Eugene went to the store to get milk and 🍞. He managed to fill a shopping cart.
A great big shout out goes out to Aguila for creating a most excellent narrative and Eugene for not sticking to his shopping list.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my Galaxy
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