Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez
What’s inside...
This important yet little-known civil rights story focuses on Roberto Alvarez, a student whose 1931 court battle against racism and school segregation in Lemon Grove, California, is considered the first time an immigrant community used the courts to successfully fight injustice. A must-read for young activists, or for anyone interested in standing up for what's right. Roberto Alvarez's world changed the day he could no longer attend Lemon Grove Grammar School in the small, rural community where he lived near San Diego, California. He and the other Mexican American students were told they had to go to a new, separate school—one where they would not hold back the other students. But Roberto and the other students and their families believed the new school's real purpose was to segregate, to separate. They didn't think that was right, or just, or legal. Based on true events, this picture book by Sibert award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner and Pura Belpré honor award-winning illustrator Maya Gonzalez follows Roberto and the other immigrant families on their journey.
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Roberto Alvarez
Discussion points
How did Roberto Alvarez’s courage make a difference in his community and why is that important?
What similarities and differences do you see between your school experience and Roberto’s?
How do you think Roberto felt when he was told he couldn’t go to his school anymore because of his heritage?
Why do you think it was important for Roberto's parents to fight for his right to attend the school?
What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly like Roberto was?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background about segregation and its impact to set the context for your child.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the events in the story, and validate their feelings.
Link discussions to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they answer, emphasizing that their opinions are valued.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child what they would do differently if faced with a similar situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Equality and Justice
Explanation: The story of Roberto Alvarez highlights the fight against segregation in schools, underscoring the importance of equal rights in education.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat everyone equally regardless of their background and stand up against discrimination in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Roberto’s courage to challenge unfair practices demonstrates the power of resilience and standing firm for one’s beliefs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles and advocating for what is right, even when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Legal Action in Social Justice
Explanation: The book illustrates how legal avenues were pursued to address and rectify the injustices of segregation, highlighting the role of law in societal change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the significance of laws and encourage them to learn more about how legal processes can be used to promote fairness and justice in society.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By exposing readers to the hardships faced by Roberto and his community, the book fosters a sense of empathy and understanding towards others who are different.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being more compassionate and supportive towards their peers who might be experiencing difficulties or discrimination.
Example Lesson: History's Lessons on Modern Issues
Explanation: The historical context of the book allows children to see the parallels between past and present issues regarding segregation and prejudice.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more aware of current social issues and understand that they have a role in shaping a more inclusive future.