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Bibliography:
Carlson, L. M. (ed.) (1994). Cool salsa: bilingual poems on growing up Latino in the United States. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Summary:
This collection of poems written by latino writers celebrate a predominant culture in our society and explore the feelings, thoughts and struggles of individuals as they learn to traverse everyday life. The poems express frustrations and questions faced by the writers as they learn a new language, see their differences more vividly (as in Why am I so brown?) and acceptance (We would like you to know). In this journey through latino literature written in both English and Spanish, we see the heart of latino culture and yearn for more.
Impressions:
I particularly enjoyed the perspective brought to readers through short poems on a variety of topics. The utilization of both Spanish and English translations make this ideal to use when working with ESL students trying to improve their English while giving them quality literature they can relate to. I would be happy to have this book as part of my collection.
Reviews:
This collection presents poems by 29 Mexican-American, Cuban-American, Puerto Rican, and other Central and South American poets, including Sandra Cisneros, Luis J. Rodriguez, Pat Mora, Gary Soto, Ana Castillo, Oscar Hijuelos, Ed J. Vega, Judith Ortiz Cofer, and other Latino writers both contemporary and historical. Brief biographical notes on the authors are provided. All the poems deal with experiences of teenagers and are divided into six categories: School Days, Home and Homeland, Memories, Hard Times, Time to Party, and A Promising Future. Though long a part of our heritage, the Latino tradition has only belatedly received the recognition it deserves. Serving as a means of celebrating the Latino culture, the collection also gives teens a basis for thinking about culture, prejudice, and stereotyping. Most of the poems are presented in English and Spanish. Some are translated from original English, some from original Spanish, and a few are written in a combination of English and Spanish. A glossary is included for Spanish terms in those poems that are not translated. Recommended.
York, S. (1994). Reviews: Fiction. Book Report, 13(3), 49.
"Welcome to ESL 100, English Surely Latinized, ingles con chile y cilantro, English as American / as Benito Juarez. Welcome, muchachos from Xochicalco, / learn the language of dolares [dollars] and dolores [pains], of kings/and queens, of Donald Duck and Batman. Holy Toluca!" Gina Valdes' "English con Salsa" leads off this anthology, setting the stage, as it were, for a wonderful assortment of poems that express Latino culture and the concerns of growing up in the U.S. Some of the poems are presented bilingually, translated from the original English or vice versa; others are a telling mix of both languages--"not necessarily Spanglish," according to Carlson. And although the poems are quite diverse stylistically and in subject matter, they all speak to the teenage experience, and the central sense that emerges from the whole is that the very mingling of the two languages is important in assimilating the two cultures and in maintaining an awareness of yourself and your heritage. Hence, slang and fractured grammar slip into both languages here, but at times the Spanish rendition is awkward. (For example, why call the living room el living, rather than la sala?) Some of the pieces express the pain of facing prejudice or brutality; others celebrate the beat of Latino life--the joys of good hot dogs, parties, mangoes, dancing, love.
Estes, S. (1994, November 1). Cool salsa: Bilingual poems on growing up Latino in the United States. Booklist, 91(5), 488.
Uses: Since my library is located in downtown San Antonio, I would display this book and read excerpts to classes during Fiesta and Cinco de Mayo.
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