Free to Learn is not just a book; it’s a call to action—a reminder that every child deserves the right to learn, to dream, and to soar.
Synopsis
Alfredo Lopez has so many questions before starting second grade! Will his friends be in his class? Will his teacher speak Spanish? But then his parents tell him that he has to stay home, and Alfredo’s questions change. Why can’t he go to school with the other kids? And why is his family going to the courthouse?
In 1977, the school district of Tyler, Texas, informed parents that, unless they could provide proof of citizenship, they would have to pay for their children to attend public school. Four undocumented families fought back in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Alfredo was one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe, which made a difference for children all over the country for years to come.
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In the heart of this poignant tale, Free to Learn unfurls the true and fictionalized story of the Lopez family, whose unwavering courage transcended borders and boundaries. Set against the backdrop of a 1977 Texas courtroom, the narrative weaves a tapestry of resilience, justice, and the pursuit of education.
Alfredo Lopez, a spirited 9-year-old, stands at the epicenter of this struggle. His undocumented status should have barred him from the hallowed halls of learning, but the Lopez family dared to challenge the status quo. They marched into court, their voices echoing the universal cry for equal rights. Alfredo’s right to education became their rallying point—a beacon of hope for all children, regardless of their documentation.
Cynthia Levinson’s prose is a symphony of compassion, painting vivid portraits of the Lopez family’s determination. She deftly navigates the complexities of human rights, rendering them accessible to young readers. The pages breathe with authenticity, as if Alfredo himself whispers his story into our hearts.
Mirelle Ortega’s illustrations dance alongside the words, capturing the essence of courage and resilience. Each stroke of her brush adds depth to Alfredo’s journey, reminding us that even in the darkest corners, hope blooms.
This book is more than ink on paper; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fight for justice.
Step into the courtroom, feel the weight of history, and celebrate the triumphs of the Lopez family. In their quest for education, they etched their names into the annals of courage. Free to Learn is not just a book; it’s a call to action—a reminder that every child deserves the right to learn, to dream, and to soar.
About the Author
Cynthia Levinson is the author of nonfiction books for young readers that focus on social justice, including The Youngest Marcher, The People’s Painter, and Fault Lines in the Constitution. Her books have received the Sibert Medal, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, and numerous other honors. She has two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and two grand-dogs—all of whom are thoroughly splendid. Cynthia and her husband divide their time between Austin and Boston, which, helpfully, rhyme, in case she gets lost.
About the Illustrator
Mirelle Ortega is a Mexican writer and artist based in Los Angeles. She is the author-illustrator of Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, a Pura Belpré Honor Book, and the illustrator of several books, including Small Room, Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro by Monica Brown and Free to Learn by Cynthia Levinson. Mirelle has a BFA in digital art and 3D animation from the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and an MFA from Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!!!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are own.
