No Tildes on Tuesday (Ages 9-12)

+ + + + No Tildes on Tuesday
Author:  Cherrye S. Vasquez 
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Perfect Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing; Pap/Psc edition (December 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616636890
ISBN-13: 978-1616636890

Book description:  Isabella never wanted to learn to speak Spanish. But when her parents announce that they are moving the family to a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood, Isabella becomes desperately afraid that she won't be able to fit in and grudgingly agrees to start Spanish lessons with her abuela. But the lessons aren't as easy as she thought they would be. Abuela is a strict teacher and the words are a lot more difficult to memorize than Isabella thought they would be, so at the goading of her best friend she decides to put a stop to the Spanish lessons. Through a runaway adventure, a visit to her father in the hospital, and an introduction to a new kind of friend, Isabella comes to realize that Spanish may not be as bad as she thought, and that being able to communicate with people who share her heritage could be invaluable.

Book review:  This is a great book that I hope many children get to read especially kiddos that are struggling like Isabella.  Cherrye Vasquez perfectly captures the angst Isabella is going through as her family tries to share her Mexican heritage and the Spanish language with her.  No Tildes on Tuesday introduces children to the beautiful Mexican culture and can encourage friendships between English and Spanish speakers within communities; it can encourage children to be bilingual.  Best of all it helps Mexican-American kiddos appreciate both sides of their heritage.