Informational Books and Knowing Your Audience
Teaching is a difficult skill to acquire. Many people believe that teaching is merely relaying information, but it is more than that. It is the ability to engage with your audience. It is an art form, and plenty of the teachers I know discuss how important it is to know your audience. Both of the books I read this week are well-targeted to their audience, and they attempt to convey information in an approachable and engaging manner.
My first book, Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes, by Juan Felipe Herrera, profiles prominent Hispanic figures, such as Joan Baez and David Glasgow Farragut, and elevates them to the status of heroes. Each historical figure has their own section, and each section delves into their life, story, and history. Herrera also provides a picture of where they were born, and if they are alive. Each story is short, simple, and easy to read. Since Herrera is a poet, his writing is both factual and lyrical in nature. This book also includes source notes and a bibliography, which is helpful for readers who want to learn more about these figures. Although this book is easy to read, it will be great for children between the ages of 11 and 13. While I found this book enjoyable to read, I would like Herrera to expand on each figure more. It would be nice also to have interviews or quotes from the actual heroes themselves.
Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes
The next book I read is catered to a younger audience. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Malliard is a story about culture and perseverance. Centered around fry bread, Malliard utilizes this culinary tradition to explore Indigenous culture, colonization, and the importance of preserving cultural identity. With the help of illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal, this story feels both warm and loving. While this book does not have a bibliography or a reference section, Malliard makes up for it by infusing heart and warmth through each page. As a law professor and holder of a PhD in political science, Malliard possesses extensive knowledge about the impact of food and culture on individuals. I recommend this book to a younger audience, rather than a middle schooler. Patrons between the ages of four and seven would enjoy this book.
Fry Bread
After reading these two stories, I realize the importance of understanding your audience. Both books cater to different groups. While one is excellent for preteens, I recommend Malliard's story to my younger patrons. Just as the authors of these stories do, I keep my audience in mind. To educate and make learning more engaging, educators and librarians need to comprehend their audience.
Works Cited
Felipe Herrera, J., & Colón, R. (2024). Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes. Penguin Random House.
Maillard, K. N., & Martinez-Neal, J. (2024). Fry Bread: A native american family story. Playaway Products LLC.
Excellent selections for the week with important notes on audience. When you're reading children's literature, it's important to note that the title is appropriate for the target audience, but also to remember that you aren't that audience (you might have wanted more in the Herrara title, but would that be right for the target?). Be sure you are expanding your reviews in the formal nonfiction assignment to include information on the visuals--illustrations, photos, graphs, etc.
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