Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro
What’s inside...
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 Pequeña habitación, grandes sueños . * A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year *
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Julián and Joaquin face and how did they overcome them?
How did the support of their family, especially their mother, impact their journey?
What dreams do Julián and Joaquin have? How do they work towards achieving them?
What qualities do you admire in Julián and Joaquin, and why?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard for something you wanted, like Julián and Joaquin did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think the characters felt or what they might do next.
Relate the struggles and achievements of Julián and Joaquin to experiences in your child's life, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Highlight the perseverance shown by the characters and discuss with your child the importance of determination and hard work in achieving goals.
Encourage your child to share their own dreams and discuss steps they can take to achieve them, drawing parallels to the book’s narrative.
Discuss the importance of family support as shown in the book, and talk about how your family can support each other’s dreams and ambitions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to achievement
Explanation: The story of Julián and Joaquin Castro illustrates their journey from a modest background to achieving significant roles in public service, highlighting how their determination and steadfastness were crucial.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, understanding that perseverance can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: The book emphasizes how education played a vital role in the Castro brothers' lives, setting a foundation for their future careers.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take their studies seriously and view education as a stepping stone for future success.
Example Lesson: Impact of community and family support
Explanation: The narrative showcases the support Julián and Joaquin received from their family and community, which helped them navigate through challenges and opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from their own communities and families, understanding that it can provide a crucial network for personal and educational growth.
Example Lesson: Leadership and public service
Explanation: Through the story of the Castro brothers, children see examples of leadership and commitment to serving the public, inspiring civic awareness and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to take on leadership roles in small projects or groups, learning early about responsibility and contributing to the welfare of others.
Example Lesson: Equality and representation matter
Explanation: The Castro's journey highlights themes of social justice and the importance of representation in leadership positions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of diversity and inclusion, promoting active participation in ensuring fairness in their own interactions and environments.