Echoes of the Chumash
Fourth grade teacher and Santa Maria Elementary Education Association member Lynne Latronica has written her first book, Dakota’s Mission. Unable to find historical fiction during the era of the California missions told from a Native American perspective, Latronica set out to write a coming-of-age story of a young Chumash girl that she could use in her classroom. This well-researched novel is told from the girl’s perspective, offering a nuanced look at the devastating impact of Spanish colonization on California’s indigenous people while remaining age appropriate. Dakota’s journey of self-discovery and her people’s struggle for survival will resonate with young readers, sparking important conversations about history, culture and resilience.
Dinosaur Discoveries
In The Doomsday Detectives, San Diego Education Association member Cindy Jenson-Elliott narrates the true story of how the Cuban-American fatherson team of Luis and Walter Alvarez, a physicist and geologist respectively, uncovered the cause of dinosaurs’ extinction. This engaging middle-grade book, illustrated by Theo Nicole Lorenz, blends graphic novel elements with compelling text. It highlights the collaborative nature of scientific discovery, showcasing how the Alvarez duo, along with scientists worldwide, collected and analyzed data to solve this enduring mystery. Jenson-Elliott’s expertise in science education and children’s literature is apparent; read more about her work here.
Questioning the Herd
Redlands Teachers Association member Susan Cortz has written Alpaca Poe & Cricket, the second book of her Adventures of Alpaca Poe series. When a big dog arrives on the Humming Oaks Farm, chaos ensues among the alpacas. The herd fearfully labels a visiting dog as dangerous based on hearsay, but Poe the alpaca questions their assumptions. Despite the risk, Poe bravely ventures out to meet the dog himself to find out the truth. This heartwarming story encourages young readers to challenge biases, question information sources and promote acceptance, making it a
valuable tool for developing crucial SEL skills.
