Sunday, March 30, 2014

Selena lives at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena fans joined the celebration at La Casa Azul Bookstore today. 
Amidst karaoke, dancing, bedazzling of bustiers - there were also several Selena look-a-likes! 
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom!

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Selena day at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Hidden Gems: “Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez,” by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales



Feliz Martes everyone! 
It is another day here in the little blue house, better known as La Casa Azul Bookstore, and as always we will begin this week by reviewing another great children’s book. 
This week we will be reviewing “Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez,” by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales in honor of Cesar Chavez Day.




For those that know of Cesar Chavez, it is difficult to think of the man without thinking of the role he played in the American labor movement and his iconic phrase: ¡Si se puede! In the book “Harvesting Hope” Kathleen Krull lets children get a glimpse at a man who comes from humble beginnings and becomes indignant with the conditions he and fellow farm workers face. Rather than giving up or inciting riots, Chavez organizes and leads the famous Delano grape strike. 
Children learn the power of activism, organizing and most importantly how much can be achieved if one tries, no matter the odds. What distinguishes this book from other Cesar Chavez books is not only Krull simple yet elegant writing but more importantly the artwork created by the well-known illustrator Yuyi Morales.

As a fan of Yuyi I am always impressed by her ability to truly capture the essence of what is being said on each page. In “Harvesting Hope” she creates a rolling landscape, reminiscent of the fields Cesar Chavez and other farm workers worked as well infuses each picture with colors and lines that make them irresistible to look at. If you are looking for a book to teach children about Cesar Chavez, about the labor movement or even just about the power and history of activism this is a great addition to your library.



Think this is a great book?
Make sure to keep an eye for it and other great finds in our children’s section.

And if you are in East Harlem this upcoming weekend, join us for 
 ¡Si se puede! Family Day celebrating Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta
Saturday, March 29, 11:00am - 1:00 pm

- Galia Sandy, Schools Program Coordinator

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Love for El Barrio.. our barrio



Dear bookstore friends and fans,
Today marks a week since the explosion and building collapse that took the lives of 8 neighbors, and has left many families displaced by the tragedy. Amidst the incredibly sad news, we would like to take this opportunity to shed light on the tremendous outpouring of support from fellow New Yorkers for East Harlem. 
La Casa Azul Bookstore held a food/clothing drive immediately following the event and collected an unprecedented amount of food, clothing, water and toiletries in three days.The items have been delivered to Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez’ office and distribution of food and clothing has begun.  

Thank you to all who gave their time and donations - proof of El Barrio's solidarity in times of need.

Gracias,
La Casa Azul Bookstore staff

 

Items collected at La Casa Azul Bookstore

Items collected at La Casa Azul Bookstore
 
Staff and volunteers that greeted donors and sorted donations!
Staff and volunteers that loaded the van on Monday morning!





Hidden Gems: “Tía Isa Wants a Car” by Meg Medina, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz.



Happy Tuesday everyone! 
As always we will begin the week by highlighting a great children’s book, this week’s choice being “Tía Isa Wants a Car” by Meg Medina, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz.


In this book, as the title clearly states, Tía Isa wants a car! This is made difficult because any money that is being saved is mostly sent back to the island to help the family that is still there, including the protagonist's mother, father and grandfather. Rather than give up the idea as a foolish dream, both aunt and niece decide they will save money for the car. What makes this a great book is that we are presented with strong female characters that are independent, ones that serve as role models for girls and women alike. 

Being a beginner driver myself, I appreciate what the car symbolizes to the characters and the hope that comes with owning a car that can open new possibilities, like the one this duo of niece and aunt dream of, going to the beach. Add the subtle passages describing the family and the nostalgia for a home that was once so close to the water and you have in your hands a book that empowers children to accomplish their goals and still places an importance on family ties. Definitely one book you don’t want to miss.

Think this is a great book? Make sure to keep an eye for it and other great finds in our children’s section.

- Galia Sandy, Schools Program Coordinator

Thursday, March 13, 2014

La Casa Azul Bookstore joins East Harlem relief efforts

La Casa Azul Bookstore is now an auxiliary center for donations for those displaced, injured, and otherwise affected by the East Harlem explosion. Drop off donations by Sunday, March 16th and we will deliver them to Assembly Member Robert Rodiguez’s office to be distributed to those affected. 

Donations can be made anytime during our regular bookstore hours for the rest of this week (Thursday March 13 - Sunday March 16, 2014)

Store hours are 12:00pm -8:00pm Thursday to Saturday and 12:00pm -6:00pm on Sunday. 
We are accepting donations of the following: 
  • Water
  • Canned and packaged foods (suggested: Canned foods with pop-top lids, low sugar cereals, fruit juice, 100% fruit juices in single serving boxes, Canned vegetables, tuna, and canned: stew, chili, soup)
  • Clothing and shoes in good condition (adults’ and children’s) 
    • towels, sheets, socks, undergarments (packaged/brand new)
  • School supplies: crayons, notebooks, markers, books, magazines
  • Toiletries (toothpaste, diapers, baby bottles, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, bandaids, razors)

La Casa Azul Bookstore address/contact information:
143 E. 103rd St.
El Barrio, NYC 10029 (6 train to 103rd St)
Call: (212) 426 - 2626
Email: info.lacasaazul(at)gmail.com
Tweet: @LaCasaAzulBooks
Visit: www.lacasaazulbookstore.com 



For more information about resources regarding the explosion and how to help, here is a list of links:


Website for the Office of the Mayor, which is updating its homepage with information:


New York City Office of Immigrant Affairs Website, Disaster Relief Information, including information for undocumented immigrants:


This is the same New York City Office of Immigrant Affairs Disaster Relief Information page, but translated into Spanish:


Red Cross’s Website about shelter, donation centers, and other resources for victims of the explosion:


Spanish-language information about how to help those affected by the explosion:


The Dominican Consulate of New York City’s emergency services page:


The Mexican Consulate of New York City’s home page, which is continuously posting updates about resources and information regarding the explosion:


311 Online

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Hidden Gems: “Gathering the Sun,” by Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by Simón Silva



Feliz Martes everyone! 
It’s another Tuesday at La Casa Azul Bookstore and with daylight savings time having just recently passed we are starting to look forward to spring. What better way to wait for the spring and warmer weather than by reading about the planting and gathering of the cosecha or harvest from the earth? In this week’s book “Gathering the Sun,” by Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by Simón Silva we do just that.


Like most people that either work with or have children, I am always on the lookout to find books that can teach them the alphabet in a new way. In “Gathering the Sun” we are able to introduce to children the alphabet in both Spanish and English while they also learn about farming and the people that make it possible for us to have fresh fruits and vegetables to eat. Each page begins with a letter and a word in Spanish that represents the letter, followed by a short poetic passage describing the significance of the word, placed alongside its English translation. 

One of my favorite passages is that of “Estrellas o Flores/ Stars or Flowers” where the beauty of both are compared. Often when this is done something is lost in the translation, however this is not the case in “Gathering the Sun.” The illustrations by Simón Silva bring an additional layer to the book, with bold strokes and a warmth of color that makes one feel like they are on the farmland, bathing in the radiance of the sun. Overall the book is a perfect read for those of us starved for the warmth and promise of the spring while also providing ample material for educational discussions and learning.

Think this is a great book? Make sure to keep an eye for it and other great finds in our children’s section.

- Galia Sandy, Schools Program Coordinator