The House On Mango Street By Sandra Cisneros

The House on Mango Street 
By Sandra Cisneros
intermediate/advanced level
Multicultural


Genre Poetry/Fiction
The book is written in poetic vignettes that contain rhymes. The vignettes are mini stories created with imaginary events and people. Each vignette gives the reader a brief insight of the narrator's life and the conflict she is facing. The poetic style makes the book easy to read.


 Illustration
The book cover illustration use bold and vibrant colors. The colors are used are common in the Latino's culture. The background allows the title of the book to appear jumping out of the page. The style and illustration is appealing for an older audience.

The House on Mango Street is a heartfelt book that will take you back to your youth days when you were trying to discover who you were. The main character is Esperanza Cordera a Latino young girl who lives in a poor neighborhood in Chicago and dreams of having a better life. Esperanza is eager to become a woman and at the same time frightened by it. The stories tell the reality life of a young girl in a poor neighborhood face; hardships, bonding friendships, and even sexual assault. The story is written in short -story vignettes and narrated by a young child that make the stories humorous. 

Questions to ask students for reader response
What is a Vignette?
What do Vignettes do for a story?

Connection Activities
1. Another activity for students is to create their own creative chapter titles using the examples below.
My name

Siblings

Where I'm from

A mistake I have made or lesson I have learned

A memorable moment

2. After creating their titles have students write a paragraph for each title they created to create their own Vignettes.

Personal Response Her books reflect my own Hispanic culture. Sandra Cisneros is a is a a short-story writer, novelist , and artist and is a cuurent resident in San Antonio, Texas. Her book The House on Mango Street has been read in high schools and middle schools across the United States. She has a similar book Caramelo that is a humerous book that is told by a young girl who is trying to find her place in life.
references
Cisneros, S. (2015). The House on Mango Street. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

The House on Mango Street [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sandracisneros.com/books/

In My Family By Carmen Lomas Garza

3rd-5th grade
Genre/ Multicultural Nonfiction 
 The stories are written with accuracy and clarity to share the personal experiences that shaped the author's life.

Illustration  
 The art design are vibrant paintings that reflect the text.


In my family/En mi familia takes us into the homes of the traditional Mexican community of Kingsville, Texas. The short stories are based on the author Carmen Lomas Garza and her fondest memories of her family traditions. The short stories use language appropriately for young readers accurately describe the customs and beliefs led by the Mexican community. The illustration portrays the houses and people to appear realistic as looking at a real family photo. My family culture is connected to the Mexican community, and I find this book very endearing and makes me incredibly proud of my culture.

Questions to ask students for readers response
Have any of you experienced any of the traditions or similar to the traditions?
Why do think the author wrote the book in English and Spanish?
Do the pictures in the book remind you of anyone you know?


Connection Activities
1. Students can use this time to write about a family tradition in their family and include an illustration.
2.  When students are done they can be placed with a partner to share their story and illustration. Students will take turns sharing their stories and answering questions they nay have.

Personal Response Author: Carmen Lomas Garza is from Kingsville, Texas located near the border of Mexico. She is known for her fine art that is displayed at the University of Texas in Austin. I reviewed many of her artwork online and am very intrigued and plan to visit the museum.


References

(n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2018, from http://carmenlomasgarza.com/news/view-art-in-austin/

Bartle, L. (n.d.). Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature. Retrieved January 20, 2018, from http://www.dawcl.com/

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Garza, C. L. (1996). In my family. San Francisco, CA: Childrens Press.

In My Family / En mi familia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2018, from https://www.leeandlow.com/books/469/pb/in_my_family_en_mi_familia