HARVESTING HOPE

This picture book biography highlights the childhood incidents that shaped Cesar Chavez into the inspirational founder of the United Farm Workers. It dramatizes his struggle to organize migrant workers, focusing on the union's 340-mile protest march and 1965 strike against grape growers. Robert Ramirez gives a competent, if uninspired, reading. While the strong text holds up as an aural experience, children should certainly not miss the striking art in the picture book. This powerful story shows what can be accomplished when courageous individuals commit to passive resistance under a great leader. E.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]