Ada, Alma Flor. Gathering the Sun. (Ill. Simon Silva). New York: NY, Harper Collins. (2001). ISBN 978-0688170677
OVERVIEW AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Alma Flor Ada celebrates the dignity of hard-working farm laborers and their families, working the fields of California, in Gathering the Sun. Short poems for each letter of the alphabet, written in both Spanish and English, capture the long days in the field, pride in a job well done and loving family connections. The simple narrative poems tell the story from a child's point of view, portraying a child-like innocence and vulnerability. The use of dual languages makes this book accessible to both English and Spanish speakers. It honors both languages and provides a distinctly Mexican-American context.
The poems range in length from four to eight lines each. Simile and metaphor are used throughout. In "Peaches," the round fruit is compared to "a gentle caress." In "Field Row" a seed lies "tucked in like a baby in a crib." Repetition adds emphasis in "One" with the repeating of the line "Not one … but many" describing the fields of flowers, fruit and trees. The poem "Pride" repeats "Proud of my … " on every line, showing pride in family, culture and self.
Simon Silva has created bold and colorful illustrations that transport the reader from a wide open asparagus field to the middle of a peach orchard. Whether climbing a ladder or bending low near the earth, pushing seeds into the soft, rich soil, the dignity of work is honored in the art work. Silva uses broad landscapes and expansive scenes to create a sense of the vastness of the farmland. The rhythms of farming life are depicted at the kitchen table where delicious traditional food is being prepared and beside the bed when it is time for nighttime prayers. The sun drenched days of working in the field are depicted in orange and yellows and are in contrast to the shady resting places under a tree. The combination of hard work and family tenderness is repeated in several scenes. The artwork provides an extension to the poetry and expands the poetic experience.
Silva's painted scenes use smooth strokes and clear lines. The use of light is very effective in creating shadows as workers bend in the sun, rest in the cool shade or stand in the fading light. Many cultural markers are evident in the artwork. Brown skin tones reflect the Mexican heritage of the individuals. Traditional foods like tortillas, hot jalapeño peppers and fresh vegetables reflect authentic ways of eating. A woman in traditional dress in front of a Mayan scene shows honor to her family heritage. Both Spanish and English are given equal prominence.
This enjoyable title is filled with quality poetry. Readers will connect with the scenes and beautiful language of this book. It provides a vibrant and authentic view into the life and work of the many thousands of dedicated individuals who work in the farms and fields of California.
SPOTLIGHT ON A POEM
Choosing one poem was a challenge because so many of the short poems in this alphabet book are like little gems. The poem for the letter "J' uses the Spanish word Jardin, while the English word is spelled Garden. both versions are included below.
"Jardin"
Mi madre trabaja
en un jardin.
Cultiva claveles
blanco y carmín.
Los siembra, los riega
y los transplanta
Cuando florecen
como le encantan!"
"Garden"
My mother works
in a garden
growing carnations
both red and white.
Seeding, watering
and replanting…
And when they bloom,
it's pure delight!"
The language of this poem is gentle and pleasing. It honors the work of a mother and the "seeding, watering, and replanting" that are all necessary to end with something that is "pure delight." This narrative verse has a cadence that replicates the rhythm of field work, "seeding, watering, and replanting." It feels like meaningful and purposeful work that results in something that will bring joy to others.
I would introduce this poem within the context of the entire book. I would highlight this poem by reading it aloud two or three times in English. I would request a Spanish speaking student to read it aloud in Spanish. I would project several pictures of the farmland of Central California to provide context for this book. I would invite the children to respond to the poem and relate connections to their own mothers and the work they do. Children would be encouraged to consider the work of their own mother or family member and to describe an aspect of the work. If there are bilingual children in the class, they would be encouraged to write in English or Spanish. The children would be encouraged to use interesting descriptive language to describe the work.
I would read other poems in the collection and allow children to respond and discuss how the author used different types of language to honor the work of the individuals in the book.
EXTENSIONS
Alma Ada Flor has published many wonderful books for children. Her website is inviting and user friendly. Encourage children to explore her other work at http://almaflorada.com.
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