An informative, inspirational picture book biography about twins Julián and Joaquin Castro, who rose from poverty to become leaders for positive change in America.
The story of political powerhouse twins Julián and Joaquin Castro began in the small room that they shared with their grandmother Victoriana in San Antonio, Texas. Victoriana crossed the border from Mexico into Texas as a six-year-old orphan, marking the start of the family’s American journey. Her daughter Rosie, Julián and Joaquin’s mom, was an activist who helped the barrio through local government.
The strong women in their family inspired the twins to get involved in politics. Julián and Joaquin have been working at the local, state, and national level—as a former presidential candidate, mayor, and member of President Obama’s Cabinet, and a U.S. Congressman, respectively—to make the country a better place for everyone.
Acclaimed author Monica Brown and illustrator Mirelle Ortega depict the Castros’ political and personal accomplishments in this must-read picture book biography.
Also available in a Spanish edition: Pequeña habitación, grandes sueños.
* A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year *
Monica Brown is the author of Pele, King Of Soccer/Pele, El rey del futbol and Side by Side/Lado a lado as well as the Pura Belpre Honor winners My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia and My Name Is Gabito/Mi Llamo Gabito. Monica lives in Flagstaff, Arizona, with her husband and two daughters.
Monica Brown es la autora de Pele, King Of Soccer/Pele, El rey del futbol y Side by Side/Lado a lado, y de los libros ganadores del Honor Pura Belpré My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia y My Name Is Gabito/Mi Llamo Gabito. Monica vive en Flagstaff, Arizona, con su marido y sus dos hijas.
Rafael Lopez is the award-winning illustrator of My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia and Book Fiesta! Rafael divides his time between his studios in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and a loft in downtown San Diego, where he works and lives with his wife and son.
Rafael Lopez es el ilustrador premiado de My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia y Book Fiesta! Rafael divide su tiempo entre sus talleres en San Miguel de Allende, Mexico y San Diego, California.
Mirelle Ortega is a Mexican writer and illustrator for kidlit and animation. The many children’s books she's illustrated include her author-illustrator debut picture book, Magic; the Love Sugar Magic series by Anna Meriano; Pepe and the Parade by Tracey Kyle; and Small Room, Big Dreams by Monica Brown. Mirelle lives in Los Angeles, and you can visit her at www.mirelleortega.com.
“Wonderfully entertaining and inspiring.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A solid addition to the growing shelf of political picture-book biographies.” — Booklist
“Invigorating. A brilliant example of how family ties can lead to great accomplishments as one embraces their cultural heritage.” — School Library Journal
“The well-shaped narrative emphasizes the brothers' commitment to education, hard work, and community betterment.” — Horn Book Magazine