Hopeful Heroes

Gr 4-8–A celebration of historical figures from across Latin America who inspire in their resilience and self-determination. The wide scope of this collection spans centuries and countries, from the intellectual achievements of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to the Olympic medals of Ramón Fonst Segundo as well as the artistic environmental activism of Nicolás García Uriburu. The diversity of these poems never feels scattershot because Engle threads consistent themes through. No matter when the subjects lived or what they did, Engle highlights their creativity, ­dignity, and the impact they had on their worlds. Accompanying Engle’s direct, concentrated free verse with similar power, Menéndez’s full-page illustrations blend blocky, mural-like characterizations with vibrant colors as bold as the lives of the heroes. War, conquest, violence, and destruction are referenced, but not described in depth. Brief biographical notes in the back matter provide additional context. These people followed their own visions, and in doing so, stood up for themselves, their landscapes, their cultures, and their people. Two poems, instead of focusing on one hero, celebrate the collective of “many people” spanning “many centuries, many cultures” and “modern times, many nations.” The message is clear: Latin ­America’s past and present are filled with individuals whose examples can inspire ­readers in pursuing their passions today.