Multicultural Poetry
My Mexico-Mexico mio
by Tony Johnston and Illustrated by F. John Sierra
Bibliography
Johnston, Tony. 1996. My Mexico-Mexico mio. Ill. by F. John Sierra. New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 9780698117570
Book Review
Tony Johnston introduces the culture and lifestyle of Mexico through eighteen poems written and shared in both English and Spanish. Not only are the poems splendidly written in both languages, but a carefully arranged table of contents lets readers know immediately of this unique paired language approach. Two separate tables of contents representing both languages parallel each other to set the tone of this wonderful Mexican adventure. A glossary accompanies these unique features by defining a number of Spanish terms like “tortilla” and “coyotl” in easy to read English terms for readers to better understand the complete meaning of each poem. Through these brilliantly created poems, readers are offered a chance of completely immersing themselves in Mexican culture and customs.
The subtle illustrations of F. John Sierra only amplify the beauty described in these poems. Each full colored picture shows Mexican citizens busily tending to their every day way of life. The entire book radiates the carefree nature of those who live in the hot dry desert known as Mexico. Both poet and illustrator equally display the serene beauty of Mexico through magnificently written words and visually appealing scenes.
One poem that truly depicts life in Mexico is titled, “Iguanas on the Taxco Road.” This animated poem describes young children in Taxco running through the streets trying to sell iguanas to everyone they meet. Readers can feel their anticipation and excitement as they maneuver these iguanas as if they were toys. While you feel sorry for the poor iguanas, you cannot help but laugh at such a sight, literally and visually.
Iguanas on the Taxco Road
“Iguanas! Iguanas! Iguanas to sell!”
Noisy Taxco children yell,
Running up the Taxco hills,
Swinging iguanas from their tails.
“Baratas! Baratas! Cheap!” they cry.
If the people do not buy,
They run all the way back down.
One girl wears an iguana-crown.
Iguanas en el camino a Taxco
“Iguanas! Iguanas! Se venden iguanas!”
gritan los ninos ruidosos de Taxco,
corriendo hacia la crima de los cerros,
meneando las iguanas por la cola.
“Baratas! Baratas! Baratas!” pregonan.
Si la gente no las compra,
regresan corriendo camino abajo.
Una nina lleva una iguana de corona.
Extensions
When sharing the poems in this book, have one person read the English version and another person share the Spanish version, particularly one who speaks it fluently. This will allow everyone to completely experience the full effect that Tony Johnston creates.
After reading “Iguanas on the Taxco Road” in both Spanish and English, have children make comparisons of what they would try to sell. For instance, many children in the United States sell lemonade at a stand in their neighborhoods, or sell their old toys in yard sales.
All the poems in My Mexico-Mexico mio discuss the lifestyles and customs of Mexican citizens. Compare these customs to those recognized in the United States. Encourage children to write poems about these customs and illustrate their work. Invite parents or older students to translate these poems in Spanish so children can see the difference in their work. These English/Spanish poems can be compiled in a class poetry book to share with others. This would be a perfect supplement to any social studies lesson covering customs and traditions.
Children will enjoy other books written by Tony Johnston:
Day of the Dead - ISBN 9780152024468
Desert Dog - ISBN 9781578051335
Desert Song (Available March 2010) - ISBN 9781578051717
My Abuelita - ISBN 9780152163303
P Is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet - ISBN 9781585361441
The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote - ISBN 9780698116306
Image Source: Barnes & Noble