Antonio loves words, because words have the power to express feelings like love, pride, or hurt. Mother's Day is coming soon, and Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner, Leslie. But he's not sure what to do when his classmates make fun of Leslie, an artist who towers over everyone and wears paint-splattered overalls. As Mother's Day approaches, Antonio must choose whether—or how—to express his connection to both of the special women in his life.
Rigoberto Gonzalez's sensitive and lovingly crafted story of Antonio's dilemma will resonate with all children who have been faced with speaking up for themselves or for the people they love. The accompanying acrylic paintings by Cecilia Concepción Álvarez bring Antonio's story to life in tender, richly hued detail.
Rigoberto González was born in Bakersfield, California, and raised in Michoacán, Mexico. The son and grandson of migrant farmworkers, he is an award-winning poet and writer. Since completing his third university degree, he has worked mostly in New York and primarily with children and young adults as a dance instructor, daycare provider, literacy specialist, and creative writing teacher.
The daughter of a Mexican mother and a Cuban father, Cecilia Concepción Álvarez is a gifted fine artist. Her artwork has been exhibited internationally and featured in a range of publications. Over the past decade, she has focused her creative energies on works of public art. Cecilia has two children and lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband.
• 2005 Lambda Literary Award, Finalist
• 2006 IPPY Award, Honorable Mention
• Best of the Year, Rainbow List, GLBTQ Round Table of the American Library Association
" Possibly a first of its kind and a worthy leader."—Kirkus Reviews
"Sensitively written in English, with an excellent translation by Jorge Argueta, the narrative captures the social worries and concerns that children in nontraditional families may experience. The acrylic illustrations are bright and colorful. . .this story deals brilliantly with issues of inclusion."—School Library Journal
"In its bilingual format, this book crosses cultural, language, and generational lines. Families come in many forms, the book demonstrates, and openness to the range of human interaction is vital. Long gone are the days when the only kind of family was the kind with a mom, a dad, and a kid or two or three. Today's families are more diverse and complicated in their make-up, and González depicts this reality with subtlety and insightfulness."—ForeWord Magazine
"This wonderfully crafted story depicts a familiar dilemma for many children as life at home and life at school are often at odds. The author writes a story that invites tolerance and appreciation for difference while celebrating what is also common to everyone, the need for love, family, and acceptance. The illustrations are pleasant and expressive, reminiscent of the portrait work of painter Alice Neel." —Children’s Literature Newsletter
