As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. In this bilingual paperback edition, discover the joys of a paleta—the traditional Mexican popsicle treat sold from the wagon with the tinkly bell that brings children running from every direction. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer’s day—there’s so much to do with a paleta.

¿Qué Puedes Hacer con una Paleta? (What Can You Do with a Paleta Spanish Edition )

Children's Books

Tafolla, Carmen

Geography & Cultures

Dragonfly Books

An insightful novel in verse about the joys and struggles of a Chicana girl who is a warrior for her name, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life.\nCelina and her family are bilingual and follow both Mexican and American traditions. Celina revels in her Mexican heritage, but once she starts school it feels like the world wants her to erase that part of her identity. Fortunately, she’s got an army of family and three fabulous new friends behind her to fight the ignorance. But it’s her Gramma who’s her biggest inspiration, encouraging Celina to build a shield of joy around herself. Because when you’re celebrating, when you find a reason to sing or dance or paint or play or laugh or write, they haven’t taken everything away from you. Of course, it’s not possible to stay in celebration mode when things get dire--like when her dad’s deported and a pandemic hits--but if there is anything Celina’s sure of, it’s that she’ll always live up to her last name: Guerrera--woman warrior--and that she will use her voice and writing talents to make the world a more beautiful place where all cultures are celebrated.

Warrior Girl

Literature & Fiction

Nancy Paulsen Books

A celebration of the power of public art to express a community's cultural heritage, Arte del Pueblo explores San Antonio's heart and soul. In moving photography and poetic commentary, it covers five genres of public art in a variety of artistic styles, from murals, sculpture, and mosaics to street art and digital art projections. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of this multicultural crossroad through an introduction to its major artistic influences, as well as thought-provoking interviews with 11 of the 190 artists featured. San Antonio's public artworks can be found everywhere: from its famous River Walk to the West Side Barrio, in parks and libraries, along roadways and bridges, on high-rises and restaurants. The book's suggested self-tours guide those who wish to appreciate their favorite pieces in person.

Arte del Pueblo: The Outdoor Public Art of San Antonio

Arts & Photography

Preston, Frederick

Sculpture

Schiffer

About the Author\nCarmen Tafolla is a poet, speaker, professor emeritus, State Poet Laureate of Texas, and author of more than thirty books, including Fiesta Babies, What Can You Do with a Paleta?, and What Can You Do with a Rebozo? (all available from Random House). Tafolla has received many awards, including the Americas Award, five International Latino Book Awards, and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She travels to many places across the world, but always comes back to San Antonio, to a home filled with books and surrounded by trees, butterflies, and raccoons. Visit her website at carmentafolla.net.\nGrace Zong is the illustrator of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas (Charlesbridge), Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 (Peachtree), Our Food (Charlesbridge), and many other books for young readers. She has a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. Born in Illinois and raised in South Korea, Grace now splits her time between New York and South Korea.\nI might have to visit a very sick friend, 
or rescue a sinking canoe, 
but I will always, always, always come back to you! 
What happens when someone you love heads out the door? When a mother goes out to work and her daughter stays behind, Mom reassures her child that nothing can keep her from coming back home again. Mom promises that she would even ride on a whale or fight off a passel of bears, if that's what it takes to return to her child! Her daughter might have to wait with Gramma or a friend at home. Whether their time apart has been long or short, the family will be together again. 
This humorous and touching book reminds young readers that distance cannot diminish love. Perfect for children struggling with separation anxiety or a change in family life, this book represents a parent’s promise that they will be back, no matter what! Reassuring rhyme and amusing illustrations create a story to cherish when loved ones have gone away—and also when they’ve come back at last.

I’ll Always Come Back to You

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

<div>Carmen Tafolla's New and Selected Poems continues TCU Press's series of collections by the Poets Laureate of Texas. Named the first-ever Poet Laureate of San Antonio in 2012, Tafolla was named Poet Laureate of Texas in 2015. This collection displays her mastery of the art of bilingual code switching, mining the riches of two languages--Spanish and English--to produce works that celebrate the beauty and vigor of a Hispanic heritage that has enriched American culture for generations. &nbsp;Called "a world-class writer" by Alex Haley and a "pioneer of Chicana literature" by Ana Castillo, in 1999 Tafolla was presented with the Art of Peace Award for writings that contribute to "peace, justice, and human understanding." Her works "thematically cross cultures and move into questions of human survival on this earth"--Dr. Wolfgang Karrer.</div>

Carmen Tafolla: New and Selected Poems (TCU Texas Poets Laureate Series)

Poetry

TCU Press

Curandera

M & A Editions

This major poetry collection is a fearless depiction of a Latina living in the best and worst of times.

Sonnets and Salsa

Wings Press

A vivid depiction of the early injustices encountered by a young Mexican-American girl in San Antonio in the 1920's, this book tells the true story of Emma Tenayuca. Emma learns to care deeply about poverty and hunger during a time when many Mexican Americans were starving to death and working unreasonably long hours at slave wages in the city's pecan-shelling factories. Through astute perception, caring, and personal action, Emma begins to get involved, and eventually, at the age of 21, leads 12,000 workers in the first significant historical action in the Mexican-American struggle for justice. Emma Tenayuca's story serves as a model for young and old alike about courage, compassion, and the role everyone can play in making the world more fair.

That's Not Fair! / ¡No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice/La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia (Spanish and English Edition)

Teneyuca, Sharyll

Biographies

As a helping of "down-home magical realism" this collection of 16 short stories explores the human spirit inherent in the bilingual, bicultural world of the Texas-Mexico border. With a fresh sense of humor and human understanding, these stories skillfully bridge the gap between miracles and tragedies, prejudice and transcendence, and oppression and liberation. From the comical exploration of the hypocrisy expressed at funerals to the spiritual mission of a magical tortilla, the collection draws upon a wide range of emotions but comes together in a singular, powerful voice that reflects the holiness found in everyday life.

The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans

United States

This culinary history unwraps the extensive culture surrounding the tamale, bringing together writers, artists, journalists, and Texas’ regional leaders to honor this traditional Latin American dish. It is filled with family stories, recipes, and artwork, and also celebrates tamaladas—the large family gatherings where women prepare the tamales for the Christmas festivities. Humorous and colorful, this collection reveals the importance of community and good food.

Tamales, Comadres, and the Meaning of Civilization

Cookbooks, Food & Wine

Clark, Ellen Riojas

Regional & International

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Books by Tafolla, Carmen