Mi papá es un agrícola / My Father, theFarm Worker by J. RomanPerez Varela with illustrations by Jose Ramirez is an award-winning tribute tothe thousands of harvesters whose labors allow us to put food on our tables.

Thelife of a farmworker is portrayed in a deeply personal telling as a son relatesa typical day in his father’s life from sunrise to long past sunset as “Hewalks, leaving thousands of steps over Mother Earth.” Back bent, hands cracked,he toils on. Even when there is defeat in his eyes, there is also hope for hisfamily’s future.

Thelanguage is simple, but this heartfelt story is rich with a depth ofunderstanding that comes from Varela’s own experiences as a first-generationMexican American who hand-picked crops to survive, while working hard in schoolto secure a better life.

Ramirezbrings a sensitivity to the illustrations that enrich the narrative through theuse of strong lines and bold colors.

Thesubject of this narrative is farm laborers; however, it speaks also to theshared dreams, and dedication of families from across a multitude of cultureswho struggle to make a life for themselves.

Mipapá es un agrícola / My Father, the Farm Worker is an important reminder ofwhat we owe to these men, women, and children whose work is ofteninvisible. 

Highlyrecommended for home and school libraries.