The Heart of Mi Familia

by Carrie Lara PsyD, Christine Battuz (Illustrator)

Overview

"A child explores what being bicultural means to them in ways that feel familiar to young readers… Bicultural kids will feel seen in this sweet family story." —Kirkus Reviews

The Heart of Mi Familia follows a young girl as she works with her abuela and her grandma to create a wonderful birthday present for her brother that celebrates her multicultural family and honors both sides and generations of her family.

This follow up to the award winning Marvelous Maravilliso: Me and My Beautiful Family is a must-read for all families.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433832536
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	11/10/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	332,838
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Carrie Lara, PsyD, specializes in working with children and families on child and human development, including foster and adoptive youth, those with learning disabilities and special education, and children dealing with trauma, using attachment-based play therapy. She lives in Sonoma County, CA. Visit her on Facebook @authorcarrielara.

Christine Battuz has illustrated over 60 children's books, including Marvelous Maravilloso, My Sister Beth’s Pink Birthday, and Shy Spaghetti and Excited Eggs. Her work appears in educational books, magazines, toys, and toy packaging. She teaches art to adults and children of all ages. She lives in Bromont, Quebec. Visit her at kuizin.com/illustration

Editorial Reviews

A young girl tells about growing up in a family with two cultures…. On her brother’s birthday, the whole family gathers for a joyful celebration. The upbeat, mostly English text includes a sprinkling of Spanish words…. The cheerful illustrations feature fine lines, bright colors, and a profusion of patterns…. A supportive, bicultural picture book.

Booklist

2020-09-15
A child explores what being bicultural means to them in ways that feel familiar to young readers.

The story begins with the young narrator, who is depicted with long, wavy brown hair and light-brown skin, explaining that “In my home, two worlds become one. My family is a mix of dos culturas, I am bicultural.” The narrator shares a short family history: of their mommy’s European ancestor who traveled to North America long ago, and of their daddy, who was born in Central America and came to the U.S. as a child. Readers take a look at the homes of two grandparents: a Latinx abuela and a white grandma. While these two women are very different, the similarities in visits to their homes are abundant: aunts and uncles who discuss work and politics, food from their respective traditions, pets, and gathering for celebrations. Visual details, such Grandma’s pieced quilt and a Central American textile pillow on the narrator’s bed, underscore the fluidity of biculturalism. A reader’s note after the story helps parents understand strategies for discussing cultural identity with children, supporting exploration of their culture and race, and dealing with discrimination. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 68% of actual size.)

Bicultural kids will feel seen in this sweet family story. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews