Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems

Los Ángeles Andan en Bicicleta y otros poemas del otoño
By Francisco X. Alarcón, Maya Gonzalez
Paperback: $11.95

Following the success of their award-winning book of spring poems, Laughing Tomatoes, and their acclaimed collection of summer poems, From the Bellybutton of the Moon, poet Francisco Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to experience fall in Los Angeles-the City of Angels-where dreams can come true.

Description

In the poet’s whimsical imagination, mariachis play like angels, angels ride bikes, and the earth dances the cha-cha-chá. Alarcón celebrates the simple joys and trials of everyday life: a visit to the outdoor market, the arrival of the ice cream vendor, the first day of school. He honors his family and pays tribute to his mother, who taught him that with hard work and education he could realize his dreams.

Maya Christina Gonzalez’s spirited images perfectly complement each poem, bringing to life the people and places in Alarcón’s childhood.

About the Creators

Francisco X. Alarcón
Francisco X. Alarcón

Francisco X. Alarcón was a renowned poet and educator, and a three-time winner of the Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for his bilingual Magical Cycle of the Seasons series of poetry for children. His many other honors include the American Book Award, the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award, the Chicano Literary Prize, and finalist for state poet laureate of California. Alarcón was also the author of several poetry collections for adults and textbooks for teaching Spanish. In addition, he directed the Spanish for Native Speakers Program at the University of California. Alarcón passed away in early 2016.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez is an award-winning children’s book artist, author, activist and progressive educator. Their work addresses systemic inequity in relation to race/ethnicity, sexism, and cissexism using children’s books as radical agents of change and healing, both personally and culturally. Gonzalez co-founded Reflection Press, a POC, queer and trans owned independent publishing house that uses holistic, nature-based, and anti-oppression frameworks in their books and materials for kids and grown-ups. They are also the creator of the Gender Wheel, a tool to express the dynamic, infinite and inclusive reality of gender, and provides lectures and workshops to educators, parents and caregivers. Visit them online at mayagonzalez.com.

Awards

  • Américas Award

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

Reviews

  • "Welcome this new collection and then await the winter addition to complete the seasonal quartet."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9780892391981
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 946
  • Interests

  • Imprint Children's Book Press
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Poetry
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • Themes Bilingual, Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Coping with Death, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Families, Friendship, Games / Toys, Grandparents, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Immigration, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Neighbors, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Poetry, Pride, Religion / Spiritual, Siblings, Weather / Seasons / Clothing
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 6
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 4.7
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 6
  • Lexile Code NP
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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