Local author great Rudolfo Anaya writes a kid friendly eulogy will retelling the significance and impacting life of Cesar Chavez had on his community and others. Graphics are great and they communicate vividly. By presenting it in a form of eulogy a teacher can have discussions about death. And more possible topics can be activism, solidarity, rights, union, equality and civil rights. ( )

Rudolfo Anaya's Elegy on the Death of Cesar Chavez is a poetic tribute that mourns the death, while honoring the life of the great Cesar Chavez. In the author's note, Anaya shares, "When I heard of his death, I felt I needed to say something about his life. I needed to give expression to my feelings. So the elegy poured out, my gift for Cesar." Anaya's poetry tells of the loss that the public feels upon the death of Cesar Chavez. Anaya questions how one must go on during this difficult time. He recognizes the accomplishments of this great leader, saluting him as a creator of change. Finally, he calls the people to "rise and organize," in the spirit of Cesar Chavez.

Gaspar Enriquez's collage illustrations fit beautifully with Anaya's text. Enriquez combines photographs that represent Cesar Chavez's life with original art, honoring the many roles that Cesar Chavez took on during his time on earth. As the readers turn the pages and look at the key quotes from Anaya's text paired with the art, they may feel as if they are looking through a scrapbook.

Elegy on the Death of Cesar Chavez is a wonderful resource to have in the secondary classroom. Because it is written in both English and Spanish, speakers of both languages will enjoy this book. In addition to the note from Anaya, this book contains a chronology of Cesar Chavez's life, which serves as a valuable resource for students who wish to know more about Chavez's accomplishments. My hope is that this picture book will allow students to learn a little more about a man who fought for the rights of the people. Elegy of the Death of Cesar Chavez can be used to encourage conversation about the importance of working together to fight inequity in hope of create change.