Todos Iguales / All Equal: Un Corrido De Lemon Grove / A Ballad of Lemon Grove
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Roberto Alvarez loved school and attended Lemon Grove School with his siblings, neighbors, and white children from nearby homes. In 1930, the school board decided to segregate Mexican American students, claiming they had a 'language handicap' and needed 'Americanization.' The Mexican families opposed the plan, forming a committee and seeking legal help. Roberto became the plaintiff in a lawsuit, and on March 12, 1931, the case was decided in their favor, ruling that the Mexican American students had the right to equal education and should be reinstated in Lemon Grove School. This bilingual picture book, written in both English and Spanish, narrates the empowering story of The Lemon Grove Incident—a significant victory against school segregation and a testament to the determination of an immigrant community fighting for equal rights.
Age
8-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Roberto Alvarez
Discussion points
How did the children in Lemon Grove show courage and teamwork?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to be treated equally?
How can we learn from the story of Lemon Grove in our own lives?
What would you have done if you were a student at Lemon Grove?
How do you think the story would be different if it happened today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their personal experiences. Ask them to think about times when they felt they were treated unfairly and how they responded. Highlight the importance of teamwork by discussing how the children in Lemon Grove worked together. Use the historical context of the book to talk about changes in society regarding equality and what changes still need to happen.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Equality and Inclusion
Explanation: The book tells the true story of the 1931 Lemon Grove Incident, where Mexican-American children were segregated from their white peers. Through the narrative, children learn the importance of treating everyone equally regardless of their background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by including all peers in their activities, regardless of their race, nationality, or any other differences, fostering a more inclusive environment in schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Standing Up for Justice
Explanation: The community, including children, rallied together to challenge the unfair segregation in a court case which they eventually won. This demonstrates the power of standing up for what is right and fighting for justice.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to speak out against unfair treatment they witness, whether in school or in their community, and learn that their voices can make a difference.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Determination
Explanation: Despite facing significant challenges, the Mexican-American community remained resolute and fought for their rights. This highlights the virtues of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through personal challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Community and Collaboration
Explanation: The success of the Lemon Grove case was a result of the collective effort of the community. This teaches children the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: When working on group projects or participating in team sports, children can be encouraged to collaborate and value each team member's contribution, understanding that unity can lead to success.