Books about Hispanic “Firsts”
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15, we have compiled a list of books celebrating first achievements by Hispanics that have led to major cultural shifts, ranging from government, literature, sports, and the arts. Books are grouped for adults, teens, and children and can be borrowed from the Roslindale Library.
Adults
My Beloved World
By Sonia Sotomayor
An instant American icon–the first Hispanic on the U.S. Supreme Court–tells the story of her life before becoming a judge in an inspiring, surprisingly personal memoir. With startling candor and intimacy, Sonia Sotomayor recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a progress that is a testament to her extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself.
Between Worlds: The Making of An American Life
By Bill Richardson
Richardson’s background as the son of an American businessman father and a Mexican mother has offered him an unusual starting point from which to seek a life in public service, but one of his most interesting roles has been that of global troubleshooter. What he has to say about how to negotiate to get what you want shows his true colors: He can be blunt, but charming; tough, but respectful; realistic, but hopeful. Through his work as a hostage negotiator sitting across the table from the likes of Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, and many others-as well as his toil on Capitol Hill, in the United Nations, and New Mexico’s state government-he has learned the vital importance of preparation: know as much as possible about your adversary; test your partner’s truthfulness; know how much you can concede; never lie and always be direct.
Rita Moreno: A Memoir
By Rita Moreno
In this luminous memoir, Rita Moreno shares her remarkable journey from impoverished Puerto Rican girl to Hollywood legend–and one of the few performers, and the only Hispanic, to win an Oscar, Grammy, Tony and two Emmys.
Thoughts Without Cigarettes: A Memoir
By Oscar Hijuelos
Oscar Hijuelos recounts the colorful circumstances surrounding his life, describing how they have influenced his writing, beliefs, and relationships. He was the first Hispanic author to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Teens
100 Hispanic Americans: Who Changed American History
By Rick Laezman
Offers a fascinating, multifaceted study of influential Hispanic Americans, from Cesar Chavez to Gloria Estefan.
Roberto Clemente: Baseball Player
Presents a biography of Roberto Clemente, Latin American baseball player, providing information on his childhood, his education, and his achievements in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was also the first Hispanic player to serve on the Players Association Board and to reach 3,000 hits.
Frida Kahlo: Portrait of A Mexican Painter
By Barbara Cruz
A biography of the Mexican woman painter discussing her work and its international reputation, her political ties, and her relationship with the muralist Diego Rivera.
Children
Ellen Ochoa: The First Hispanic Woman in Space
By Joy Paige
Earning degrees in the male-dominated fields of physics and engineering and gaining patents in computer optics, Ellen Ochoa was already a pioneering woman in her field at a young age. Always striving to push herself further, she joined NASA’s space shuttle program and became the first Hispanic woman to fly in space. This inspirational story is told in a compelling style, enhanced by dozens of full-color NASA photographs.
Carlos Santana
By Louise Chipley Slavicek
In an entertaining reference on this musical artist, Carlos Santana follows the life of a guitar-playing legend. With his unique blend of blues, rock, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Santana has kept himself visible on the popular music scene for more than 30 years. In 1999, Santana released Supernatural, which has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and won him eight Grammy Awards. This essential reference tracks the life of Carlos Santana as it shares the history of a proud heritage.
Anthony Quinn
By Melissa Admur
Discusses the life and career of the Mexican-American actor who has starred in such movies as “Viva Zapata,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “The Shoes of the Fisherman. Quinn was the first Mexican-American to win an Academy Award.
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