Medina's bilingual poetry collection The Dream on Blanca's Wall relates the thoughts and feelings of a young immigrant with dreams of one day becoming a teacher. A Kirkus Reviews contributor commented that the "easy-to-read free verse encourages even the reluctant reader" for both languages. Medina's poems serve as an "excellent … teaching tool, both as a pattern for writing verse and as a discussion starter," wrote Ann Welton in School Library Journal. With encouragement from her loving family, a neighbor, and an insightful teacher, Blanca strengthens her confidence in achieving her dream. Unfortunately, she is afraid to pursue her goal, and worries that she will never be able to accomplish it. ![]() Blanca is in sixth grade and hopes to become a teacher. Medina presents a second collection of bilingual poetry in The Dream on Blanca's Wall. Describing the verses as "insightful," School Library Journal reviewer Ann Welton wrote that My Name Is Jorge on Both Sides of the River "depicts the sometimes painful experience of adjusting to a new language and a new culture." A reviewer for Horn Book praised the seriousness of Medina's collection, concluding: "Finally-bilingual poems that aren't overflowing with happy colors and tortilla chips." Throughout the collection of poems, Medina illustrates the challenges Jorge faces as he learns the language and customs of his adopted country. society and preserving his Mexican heritage. While his parents retain their Mexican traditions and way in their new country, Jorge is torn between fitting in with U.S. After his family crosses the river from Mexico, Jorge finds himself in a different world. In My Name Is Jorge on Both Sides of the River, a book of poems written in both Spanish and English, Medina describes the thoughts and feelings of a young boy trying to adjust to life in the United States. "To my surprise," Medina explained, "the editor wrote back-not to thank me for the letter, but to ask if I had any more poetry." Soon after, Medina realized that she had a talent for capturing the emotions of children in verse, and she began work on the collection of children's poems that was eventually published as My Name Is Jorge on Both Sides of the River. Then, while writing a letter to thank the editor of an inspiring instructional volume, Medina decided to enclose a short poem as well. Sensitive to criticism from others, the budding poet refused to share her work with anyone but her closest friends. Growing up in Garden Grove, California, writer and teacher Jane Medina recalled in a Boyds Mills Press release that she began writing letters and poems while still a teenager. Feather Saves the Weather, The Magic Chili Pot, Pablo, Lily and Suzette, and "various poems, short stories, and picture books." Sidelights Contributor of poetry to children's anthologies, teachers' magazines, and journals. Tomás Rivera (easy-reader biography), illustrated by Edward Martinez, Harcourt (Orlando, FL), 2004.Ĭontributor of articles to educational journals, including Language Arts and NEA Today, and to books, including Portfolios in the Classrooms. The Dream on Blanca's Wall: Poems in English and Spanish, illustrated by Robert Casilla, Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, PA), 2004. ![]() My Name Is Jorge on Both Sides of the River, illustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck, Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, PA), 1999. Honors AwardsĮdwin Carr fellowship, California State University, Fullerton, 1999 finalist, Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book of the Year award, and Notable Book Award, National Council of Teachers of English, both 2000, both for My Name Is Jorge on Both Sides of the River Américas Commended List, Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs, 2005, for The Dream on Blanca's Wall. International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English, National Educators Association, National Education Association, National Association of Bilingual Educators, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Southern California Council on Literature for Children and Young People, California Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, California Reading Association, Orange County Reading Association, Orange Unified Education Association. Reading Teacher, member of review team, 1999, member of executive review board, beginning 1999. California State University, Fullerton, guest instructor, 1997, model lesson teacher, 1998, adjunct professor of education, 1999–2003. Orange Unified School District, Orange, CA, elementary music teacher, 1977–82, bilingual education teacher, 1982–96, parent educator, 1995–97, English-as-a-second-language skills center teacher, 1996–97, elementary education teacher, 1997–99, reading specialist, starting 1999. Office-California Elementary School, 1080 North California St., Orange, CA 92869.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |