Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War

by Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the story of a Mexican-American war hero.

José de la Luz Sáenz (1888–1953)—or Luz—believed in fighting for what was right. Although he was born in the United States, he and his family experienced prejudice because of their Mexican heritage. When World War I broke out, Luz volunteered to join the fight. Because of his ability to quickly learn languages, he became part of the Intelligence Office in Europe. However, despite his hard work and intellect, Luz often didn’t receive credit for his contributions. Upon his return to the US, he joined other Mexican-Americans whom he had met in the army to fight for equality. His contribution, along with others, ultimately led to the creation of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which is the oldest Latino civil rights organization. Soldier for Equality is based in part on Luz’s diary during the war. It includes a biography of Luz’s later years, an author’s note, a timeline, a bibliography, and an index.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Latinx, War, Social Justice

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

I was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I received my BFA from Parsons School of Design and my BA from Eugene Lang College, both of them divisions of the New School University in New York City.

My first picture book "Dear Primo, a letter to my cousin" is published by H N Abrams and will be in stores March 1st, 2010.

My illustrations of the AH1N1 in Mexico were selected to be a part of CONACULTA's catalog of Mexican illustrators for children and young adults. They also appeared in the BBC when the pandemic broke out.

My short graphic novel Journey of a Mixteco was awarded the prize for the best thesis in the Integrated Design Curriculum department at Parsons. It appeared serially in the webcomix site topshelfcomix 2.0

I'm currently working on two new picture books. And I regularly upload new illustrations about current events to my blog.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan Tonatiuh's work is always stellar and standout for its signature illustration style and gripping non-fiction stories that matter. Here, readers are sure to be inspired (I was!) by José de la Luz Sáenz and the way that reading and sharing knowledge with others was a pathway toward community and steps toward justice. A hero in every sense and a terrific picture book feature.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often enough that I get to read and report on books written about Mexicans and/or Mexican Americans in WWI and WWII, but it's not for a lack of heroes, rather it is for a lack of books written about them for kids and teens. So I was really happy to see that Duncan Tonatiuh, one of my favorite Mexican American writers, has written a wonderful new picture book for older readers that is a such an important contribution to the history of Mexican Americans in this country.

Despite being born in the United States, José de la Sáenz and other people of Mexican origin (Tejanos) living in Texas were often harassed and mistreated. They were people who did as much and sometimes more work than the white Texans, but were still treated like second-class citizens. They were prohibited from entering business with signs reading NO MEXICANS ALLOWED, and children were sent to schools that were segregated, small, cramped and ill-equipped. José was proud of his Latinx roots and worked hard, graduating college and becoming a teacher.

Click to enlarge
When the United States entered WWI in 1917, José and other Mexican American men did not hesitate to enlist to defend their country, a country they loved. José was sent to boot camp in Oklahoma, where he and others were still mistreated by their white officers. These were the soldiers who formed the 360th Regiment of the 90the Division of the US Army.

Finally, in June 1918, José and the other soldier left for the war in Europe, arriving in France shortly after. There, José began to study French, relatively easy for him given the similarities it has with Spanish. Because of his quick language skills, José worked in communications in a protected command post instead of fighting in the trenches. In fact, the war ended just before he was finally sent to fight in a attack that José knew would mean the death of thousands of American soldiers.

Click to enlarge
Back in the States, José began to organize the Mexican American soldiers of the 360th to socialize and talk about their experiences. That led to an idea to form organization that would fight for the rights of all Tejanos. But back home in Texas, José noticed nothing had changed. It was time for José and all Mexican American veterans together with other Tejano other civil rights leaders time to organize. Finally, in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was formed. José remained a member of LULAC, fighting to end racism, prejudice and school segregation, and for equality and justice for all Latinx.

The life and work of José de la Sáenz is certainly inspiring and, might I add, timely. As usual, Tonatiuh has really done some careful research on his subject, using the diaries that José kept over his lifetime to the best advantage in this new work. To give it a feeling of authenticity, simple Spanish phrases like No es justo are included throughout the book, but require no previous knowledge of Spanish, since like French, there is enough Latin in English to understand them. But, because Tonatiuh is a thorough writer, there is a Glossary included in the back matter. Also included in the back matter are references to the quotes and paraphrases from José's diaries that are used in the text, an important Author's Note, a Timeline of WWI and José's involvement, as well as a Timeline of the League of United Latin American Citizens, and a Select Bibliography.

Tonatiuh's flat, geometic hand drawn illustrations are done in a palette of dark earth-tones, then digitally collaged, and are done in the same style as his other books. This style is based on the Pre-Columbian 15th century art of the Mixtecs, an indigenous group from Southern Mexico, and Tonatiuh has been using it ever since to foster a sense of pride in Mexican culture for his readers.

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in WWI and/or Latinx history and I highly recommend it. It would be an especially nice book to share with students for Veterans Day which is coming up on November 11, 2019.

This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was purchased for my personal library

[Chris Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many more stories are out there of people who stood up for what is right? This is a story I was completely unaware of, but needs to be told.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book pleased me, primarily because it covers territory that has been previously ignored and reminds readers of the irony of men willing to give their lives for a country and freedoms that their own people still did not enjoy. Hand-drawn and digital collage illustrations created in the illustrator's usual distinctive style with a nod toward tradition Mixtec style complement the story of Jose de la Luz Saenz and his involvement in WWI. As a young boy growing up in Texas, he endured bullying and name-calling, and quickly realized that there were those around him who would judge him because of the color of his skin and his family's origin. He also was keenly aware of the segregation and unfair practices that existed around him, but just as aware that education and knowledge could make a difference in someone's life. Naturally, he became a teacher, working with children and adults with a similar background as his own. When WWI erupted, Luz joined the military, partly out of patriotism but also to show others that men like him could make a contribution. After arriving in Europe, he ended up learning other languages and served in the intelligence division. Upon returning home and realizing that not much had changed when it came to how Mexicans and Mexican-Americans were treated, he became involved in the League of United Latin American Citizens, a group that became involved in various segregation cases. Back matter includes a note from the author that provides additional information about Luz, a timeline of events in his life, a timeline of LULAC, and references for those who want to learn even more. This picture book is a fine addition to a collection on civil rights and an example of how one person can make a difference.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soldier for Equality : José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh PICTURE BOOK Abrams/Amulet, 2019, $19 9781419736827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Luz (José) was born in Texas but because his family was from Mexico, he experienced prejudice. He became a teacher and saw how inequitable and unfair the school system in Texas was for children of color. The schools for the white children were very different from the shacks the Mexican children attended. Restaurants and stores had signs declaring that mexicans were not welcome. He enlisted in World War I hoping that his demonstration of patriotism and sacrifice would show America that the Mexican-Americans loved their country. He faced discrimination there, too. After his return, Luz and other formed the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights group.

I do love Duncan Tonatiuh's historical fiction picture books. His illustrations are unique, and he is a great storyteller. I appreciate the author's note as well as the timeline, bibliography and glossary as well as a photograph of Luz. Another great book for my civil rights section.

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the founder of LULAC and his time spent in the military in WWI. Extensive back matter and Tonatiuh's recognizable illustrations.

[MamaWings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that focuses on the life of one man who helped fight for equality for Mexican Americans. It is filled with historical information about Mexican Americans during the time of World War I, as well as before and after. This book and others like it are important to read and reflect on in our current political climate. All Americans deserve the same rights as citizens, regardless of national origins or physical appearance. Even those who are not yet citizens should be treated with respect and kindness, and helped to gain their citizenship if that is what they are seeking. I’m not looking to debate, simply leaving a review for a book that I think communicates an important message that is still relevant for today. It’s a children’s book, but I recommend it for adults as well.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
“Soldier for Equality” is a Pura Belpré Award picture book that you can find under Professor Ruth E. Quiroa’s Wakelet Social Justice page. The peculiar illustrations on the front cover caught my attention and as I observed the details, I was intrigued by how this picture book that is for 3rd- 4th graders audiences would touch on themes of prejudice and war.
The story is about José de la Luz Sáenz (Luz), an American with Mexican heritage who faced discrimination based on his looks, language, and culture. Luz knew that the mistreatment towards him and all Mexican-Americans was unfair so he tried to help his community by teaching children in the morning and adults in the evening. World War I breaks out and he joins the army in the hope to demonstrate that he and his people are Americans and need to be respected. Unfortunately, prejudice follows him, and does not receive credit for all his efforts to this country. Upon returning to his home in Texas, Luz does not give up on his fight for equality and joins other Mexican-American war heroes to create the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Together with courage, patience, and determination fight to make a better place for future generations.

Author and review

Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican-American author and illustrator who has won numerous awards for his children’s books. His illustrations are uniquely influenced by Pre-Columbian art and his motivational stories talk about the Latino's lives and experiences on subjects of immigration and social justice issues. Tonatiuh makes a great effort to use his books as mirrors for our Latino students. Young readers will find his book relatable in the sense that the characters look like them, talk like them, and feel the same way as them. Also, the plot resembles many stories of their own or their family members.
The author also uses kid-friendly language to inform about World War I and present the ugly side of prejudice. Additionally, he incorporates some Spanish words with his translation in a gentle way that doesn't interrupt the flow of the story. The illustrations and plot are well intertwined, allowing the reader to be transported to that time in which the story takes place and feel as if one were there. Most importantly, Tonatiuh inspires readers to take action on social justice issues and affirms the self-worth of Latinos.

Teaching ideas:
You can teach the theme of social justice (segregation), since Luz, the main character, is an American who lives in Texas and is discriminated against for his Mexican heritage.
You can also teach about WWI and the historical contributions of Latinx heroes.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my 11th grade US history classes when teaching about marginalized groups in WWI, and they loved having “story time”. About 60% of my students are Latino, and many are Mexican American and they loved being able to see themselves in this book! My students were a bit concerned about the illustration of the soldiers sleeping in the boat hammocks and kept asking “why do their heads look like that?”

[Martin Mireles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 2020 Author Honor Book awarded by the American Library Association, "The Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War," is a history lesson in a picture book. The picture book pays homage to our indigenous ancestors, as the illustrations have taken from their artistic style. While the imagery is basic, it is by design. Within the drawings, the author added texture throughout. I wouldn't read this book just for its illustrations, even though they represent my heritage.

I would read this book just exclusively for its content. A story rarely told when we speak about history, and one that speaks to our resilience and dedication to our community is too good not to be read to everyone. This would be an excellent book for a social studies classroom. I imagine it being in a 3rd-grade classroom as a stand-alone text incorporated in a unit, or up to even a high school classroom as a paired text with a text that dives deeper.

This text tells the story of "Luz," a Mexican American hero who lived through the early 1900s. He experienced racism and advocated for change while being a teacher. WWI began, and he enlisted in the army. His appetite for learning and literacy made him an essential member of the 360th Regiment, even though he was looked over for rank because he was brown. Even in the army, he never stopped helping others learn and prosper.

After the war, not much had changed back in the US. Therefore, he continued to advocate for change and organizing people. With others' help, LULAC was founded to continue to fight for Mexican American and Latine children as one large organization. As a member of LULAC, I learned this from reading this book.

While it doesn't go very deep into racial issues and violence that were happening at the time, this book could be a springboard. Everyone should know who Luz was- a Mexican American, social justice advocate, teacher, and hero.

In terms of language, some Spanish is used sparsely throughout, adding to the cultural integrity. The Spanish could have been incorporated better, though; it could have flowed slightly better. However, the quotes from Luz, himself, integrated into the book, were powerful. Overall, authors should begin to follow this lead. Tonatiuh leaves us with a powerful story that concurrently teaches us our history.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have read other books written by Duncan Tonatiuh, this was truly an exceptional read. Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War, a Pura Belpré Author Honor book takes us through the life and struggles of activist, soldier, Mexicano American Luz. Being born in the United States might seem like an easier experience than having immigrated, however, Tonatiuh is able to capture the realness of it through the life of Luz. Luz experiences "injustice" and "racism" in Texas as young boy through adulthood and believes that joining the army to serve his country will prove his orgullo and love for it. Luz is met with quite the opposite.

This book includes words written in Spanish, which is yet again the genius of Tonatiuh in engaging his readers to feel represented in the books he writes. The dangers and threats on our deep culture when called derogatory terms and the acceptance and tolerance of using terms such as Latinx are both present in this book. I would recommend this book for a higher elementary and middle school students. Lessons could focus on themes of identity, belonging and the roles our race and ethnicity play in our society. Crosscurricularly this book could serve well in Social Studies to discuss the war and the perspective from which it is being told, in literature to teach the themes mentioned above, in writing to display the use translanguaging and in social-emotional learning as students are presented with a new lens from which to view Mexican Americans and their struggles in this country, a more present reality for students in our classrooms today.

[Dulce R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book under the 2020 list of Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. This book is accessible through Epic! And I read it online through the site. The online version is easy to use, but the font is white and made it a bit hard to read on the screen-- and the website doesn't offer much to change format settings. Luz is a Mexican-American teacher who faced prejudice and racism since he was a child despite having citizenship. He taught in a segregated school just for Mexican-Americans until he enlisted to participate in World War I. The story highlights how quickly he picked up French and is sent to the intelligence office where high ranked officials are supposed to be in. Even after all his efforts in the war, Luz came back to a segregated America. He rallied up other Latinx unions to create LULAC and fight for segregation cases. Tonatiuh brings attention to themes like segregation in a way that any child can understand. Plus, the illustration style is Mixtec Codex, and its rigid style blended the Mexican culture into the book beautifully. I recommend this book for teachers who want to teach about the effects of World War I and how different ethnicities were affected by it.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

José de la Luz Sáenz and his family experience prejudice because of their Mexican heritage. Despite how they were treated, Jose volunteers to fight in World War I. He quickly learn new languages, which allowed him to work in an intelligence office. When he returned to the US he found out nothing has changed and Mexican Americans were still treated the same way as before. He wanted to fight for equality and he joined the League of United Latin American Citizens organization. I found a lot of information when I read this book. We can this book to bring awareness about different cultures and organizations in classrooms. I was not aware of this organization or any contributions Mexican Americans have done. During my elementary time, I was not introduced to multicultural books. I would defiantly recommend this book to learn more about the Latino civil rights movement. So other students with different backgrounds can be able to relate to books.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Xuejiao Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a different understanding of the war from the perspective of a Mexican American.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an important biography, Tonatiuh’s illustrations are a
Perfect addition.

[Jose Agosto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keywords: Civil Rights ,Equality
Summary: "Soldier for Equality" is a biography that chronicles the life of José de la Luz Sáenz, a Mexican American who played a significant role in the fight for civil rights during the early 20th century. Sáenz's journey unfolds against the backdrop of World War I, where he served in the 24th Infantry Regiment. The book highlights his dedication to advocating for the rights of Mexican Americans, addressing issues of discrimination and inequality. Through Sáenz's story, readers gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of a key figure in the Chicano civil rights movement.

Prompt: Does the text utilize stereotypical illustrations? Why or why not? If yes, why is this a problem? If not, why is this important?

I agree that the illustrations feature characters with Mexican traits such as brown skin, black slick hair, and clothing reflective of Mexican culture. From my perspective, I don't see any issue with these depictions. However, I acknowledge that being non-Mexican, my viewpoint might differ, and individuals of Mexican descent may have varying opinions. Nevertheless, I believe these illustrations contribute to showcasing the cultural diversity within the Mexican community when compared to others.

[Dalila Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and inspiring biography that introduces young readers to José de la Luz Sáenz, a Mexican American soldier and civil rights advocate. The story follows Sáenz's journey from his service in World War I to his fight for equality and justice for Mexican Americans. Through Tonatiuh's distinctive illustrations and compelling narrative, the book highlights the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable individual who fought for civil rights and social change. It's an excellent choice for teaching children about the importance of standing up for justice, equality, and the courage it takes to make a difference.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

José de la Luz Sáenz was a Mexican American who, like other Mexicans, grew up being discriminated against in Texas. When Luz decided to join the Army and fight in World War I (also known as the Great War), he did so because he was proud of his country and thought that being a soldier would make others at home see Mexican Americans in a better way. Read more about this Pura Belpré Author Honor book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier for Equality is a powerful picture book that focuses on the life of Jose de la Luz Saenz, a Mexican American man who served in WWI and went on to fight for equality and justice for Mexican Americans. This book is eye opening, inspiring and still relevant as Latinx people are being kidnapped and their due process rights are being trampled on. The illustrations are excellent. It is a children's book but adults would do well to read it too.

[Isabel Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Date: 2019
Award: Orbis Pictus
Genre: Biography/ picture book

Soldier for equality tells the true story of Jose de la Luz Saenz who fought for Mexican American Civil Rights when he returned from the war. He was one of the founders of LULAC. I really liked this book, I thought the illustrations were really interesting. I'm definitely adding it to my text set.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly informative, with Tonatiuh's distinctive illustrations.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Texas but had never heard of José de la Luz Sáenz before reading this book! Would highly recommend this book!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to a real historical figure.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soldier for Equality Jose de la Luz Saenz and the Great War written by Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning Biography centered around the life of Jose de la Luz Saenz. This book was published in 2019 and has won multiple awards including the Pura Belpre Honor and the Robert F. Sibert Medal. Soldier for Equality was recommended to me by a local librarian, and it is recommended for early elementary students.

In this biography, we learn about Luz and the challenges he faced growing up in the United States where he was not always treated well or with respect due to his Mexican descent. Despite the way he was treated, Luz was reminded by his loved ones to love and have pride in who he is. Luz attended school where he pursued an education to becoming a teacher and soon after Luz decided to join the army because “He wanted to demonstrate that Mexican American’s loved America and would give their lives fighting for it. After they see the sacrifices we are willing to make, the people who mistreat us will start treating us fairly.” Luz had hopes that him joining the army would show other Americans how much he loved and cared for the land. Luz set off to World War I where he fought along side many others. While Luz was overseas, he decided to learn French which ended up benefiting him by having the ability to translate for others in the army. The author shares the many ups and downs that Luz faced throughout his time at war and his hope for being recognized for his hard work and determination to help the army. Luz always prioritized helping those like him and bringing them together as one. As Luz returned home from war and went back to teaching, he learned that Mexican American children were still separated, and he knew he needed to do something about it.

Throughout the story the author includes direct quotes by Luz that had been taken from Luz’s diary and from his speeches. The author has an extensive background from information gathered about Luz in order to portray his story correctly and in a powerful way. At the end of the book the author included a note about why he wrote this story and where the inspiration came from. The author shared that he learned about Luz from a professor and when talking to this professor he learned that Luz had a diary and “As far as historians know, it is the only war diary published by an American World War I solider of Mexican descent.” Following the Author’s Note, the author also includes resources for the readers such as pages that the reader can find direct quotes by Luz, a timeline of Luz during World War I, an Index, and a Glossary. With all of the information and resources included, this book would be great to include in a history unit on World War I. Students could research and learn about Jose de la Luz Saenz and his important role in United States at this time.

[Mokita · Rating 5 out of 5]

“SOLDIER FOR EQUALITY”:
JOSÉ DE LA LUZ SÁENZ AND THE GREAT WAR
BY DUNCAN TONATIUH ; ILLUSTRATED BY DUNCAN TONATIUH ‧

When Jose de la Luz Saenz left home in 1918, he believed that if he enlisted in the US army, white people of Texas would see reason and began to treat Tejanos, those Texans with Mexican heritage, more fairly. He would show that Mexican Americans loved America and give their lives to fight for her. The sacrifice of Luz and his fellow Latinx soldiers would decrease the crippling prejudice that his community faced. During WWI, Luz accomplished much but was never rewarded or promoted. Despite this, he returned home with the dream of organizing Mexican American soldiers with whom he had served. Ten years later, this dream led him to be a co-creator of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which today is the largest and oldest Latinx civil rights organization.

A 2020 Pura Belpré Award Author Honor Book
A 2020 Association of Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book

I am glad that I discovered this book while researching for my Survey of Youth Literature class.
In true form, the author, DUNCAN TONATIUH, presents a topic that is not often addressed when discussing the contributions to American war efforts.

Both informative and inspiring, this picture book biography is made richer by the illustrations of Sibert Medal and the Pura Belpré Award winner, Tounatiuh. These exquisitely portrayed scenes show readers how historical events impacted Luz’s story. Illustrations for Soldier for Equality, are characteristically based on the artwork of the Mesoamerican people. ‘Carved-stone faces and formal, ceremonial postures to represent Luz and the people that he encounters. The forty page book is informed by actual war-diaries belonging to Jose de la Luz Saenz and organized by sequence. Visually oriented readers should appreciate the design and visuals of this nonfiction work. The end papers are imprinted with actual handwriting from the original war diaries. The pages have no borders and the pictures tell parts of the stories that the words cannot. In recent years the diversity in the nonfiction genre has grown to include works that are not only important to the people whose cultures are being shared with readers, but also to the recorders of America’s people and history.
I would use this book as a model for organizing student writing sequentially. As is appropriate for nonfiction books, students must distinguish between fact and opinion and the research that must be involved to accurately tell a true story. Likewise, this picture book can be used to model how identifying the organization of a nonfiction text leads to better comprehension. Although this book could be considered for use with grades 3-6th, it would also have value if used in high school reading classes.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

José de la Luz Sáenz was born on May 17, 1888 in South Texas. His grandmother had moved her family from Mexico to Texas in the 1870s. Although Luz and his family were as American as any other citizens, they experienced constant harassment from the prejudice and discrimination of their neighbors.

When World War I broke out, Luz volunteered to join the fight for the U.S., the country of his birth - his country. He also felt a desire “to demonstrate that Mexican Americans loved America and would give their lives fighting for it.” Tonatiuh adds, quoting from Luz’s diary, “After they see the sacrifices we are willing to make, the people who mistreat us will start treating us fairly - con igualdad y justicia.”

Alas, this didn’t happen, and Luz was tormented by his fellow soldiers. Nor did he receive recognition for his contributions to the war. Because of his language skills, Luz served in the Intelligence Section, translating documents from Spanish and French into English. In spite of the value of his work, he was twice denied entry into officer training school with no explanation and remained a private throughout the war.

When he returned home to Texas, he discovered that things had not improved for people of Mexican origin after the war as he had hoped they would:

“Mexican American children were still being sent to separate and inferior schools. Business still had signs that said NO MEXICANS ALLOWED.”

Luz and other war veterans unhappy with their treatment after the war decided to organize Mexican Americans to fight for civil rights. On February 17, 1919, Luz co-founded the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He also wrote articles and gave speeches to fight against racism and prejudice. Tonatiuh concludes:

“Luz had proudly fought with the United States Army in Europe for the ideals of democracy and justice. Now he fought on the home front in Texas for those same ideas: democracia y justicia. He fought for equality. Igualdad."

The book concludes with an Author’s Note, timeline, and a bibliography.

Tonatiuh, who is an award-winning illustrator, creates gorgeous folkloric art work, inspired by Mixtec (native Mexican) codices from the 14th century. He juxtaposes the indigenous style with modern characters and settings. He also uses the pictures to enlarge upon the text. Because the illustrations also tell the story without words, they serves to extend the recommended age range of this book (age 6 and up).

Evaluation: As usual, Tonatiuh combines meticulous research with outstanding art to bring attention to history that should be better known.

[Maria McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan Tonatiuh’s singular, signature illustration style, based on the art of the Mixtec people, is a perfect accompaniment to his retelling of the story of José de la Luz Sáenz. An exceptional but little known—not even a Wikipedia entry, yet—figure, Sáenz wrote what is, according to historians, the only war diary published by an American World War I soldier of Mexican descent. (I found this nugget of information and many others in the author’s note.) Tonatiuh conveys the sentiments, and sometimes phrases, from the diary in this story, which spends most of its time on Saenz’s time in the service, but bookends it with his early and later life. Because of this intense focus on a historical period you will find this book in the 900s with other books on World War I, rather than with the biographies. There are two timelines in the back matter, one concerning the involvement of the US and Saenz in World War I (1914-1919), and the other tracing the development and accomplishments of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, an organization cofounded by Saenz, and which endures to the present day, providing scholarships and job and literacy training to thousands.
The book opens with young Luz, as Saenz was known to his family, physically fighting a classmate who calls him a racist slur. Tonatiuh then zooms out to give a sense of the small-town Texas setting and the discrimination routinely faced by Mexican Americans. Luz graduates from high school and becomes a teacher and Tonatiuh stresses both his love of learning and teaching and his discontent at the segregated, lower quality schools his students are forced into.
In 1918, Saenz volunteered for the army and was shipped to France. His knowledge of Spanish enabled him to learn French quickly and well enough to translate first news, and later intelligence dispatches, and he was assigned the work of a commissioned officer without the promotion or pay that belonged to that position.
The continuing thread of unequal treatment runs through almost every page of this book, but so does Saenz’s determination to fight it through education and activism. The stylized illustrations of war conditions are evocative without being overly graphic, and I can see younger readers learning important lessons from this book while older elementary and even middle school students can use it, especially the back matter, as a jumping off point for the study of World War I, political action, and even the value of archives and historians.

[Hilary MCKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier for Equality- Duncan Tonatiuh
Content crossover- Social Studies (social justice, Mexican American history)

Remember-Who was Jose´ de la Luz Sáenz?

Understand- Describe what is happening in the illustration on pages 33-34.

Apply- Use specific information from the text and create a timeline of events- include description. (min. of five events)

-Bullied as a child for being a Mexican American, inequality for Mexican American in his state of Texas, wanted to see change.
-Became a teacher-Students young and old, poor conditions for learning.
-WW1 started-joined to help, continued to see inequalities for Mexican Americans
-Learned French-similar to Spanish, able to communicate with other soldiers and gain information from newspapers
-Valuable to leaders in the military for communication, worked in a hole thirty feet underground.
-War ended, came home a hero, but still Mexican Americans did not have rights.
-Started the League of United Latin Americans to fight for equal rights.

Analyze- Analyze what motives Jose´ de la Luz Sáenz had for starting the League of United Latin Americans movement.

José grew up in Texas, he was born an American citizen, but was still treated unfairly. In his town buildings were labeled with signs ‘No Mexicans Allowed.’ When he grew up, he became a teacher, still inequality persisted, lack of materials and dilapidated building. After joining the war, he still saw inequalities, even fighting for his own country. After returning home from the war-a hero, there were still inequalities. At this point he knew he needed to do something. He was able to speak with other Mexican Americans and convinced others to fight for their rights as citizens and people.

Evaluate- What are some ways we see inequality today. Justify your answers.

Create- Create a game to help others learn about Jose´ de la Luz Sáenz, The League of United Latin American Citizens, and the inequality.


Tonatiuh, D. (2019). Soldier for equality: José de la luz saenz and the great war.
New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

José de la Luz Sáenz, born in the U.S. of an immigrant family, graduating high school in 1905. He grew up knowing that kids of Mexican descent went to schools that were separate from the white kids. He had always seen the "whites only" signs on windows of many stores. He marries, began a family, and became a teacher, understanding that "knowledge was a weapon that helped you defend yourself against those who were mean to you and ignored your rights." His thoughts often center on the "No es justo". It was not right! Spanish phrases and words are sprinkled throughout the text.
A large part of the story centers on the time when Sáenz volunteered to join the army to fight in World War I. He wanted to show that Mexican Americans were patriots, too. It took a long time to finally get to the war zone in France, and Sáenz clearly was smart, had already begun to learn French, so he was recruited to translate important messages and news. He noticed that many of his countrymen who were, like him, men of color, were accomplishing the same work as whites, but not being promoted. Even he as a translator remained without a promotion.
In Duncan Tontiuh's signature style of Mixtec codex-influenced design, combines it with more somber tones that are usually seen in his work, possibly because of the somber story of racism and war.
After the war, Sáenz went on to gather others like him who had fought in the war to help end the segregation he had grown up with. As the story says, "He fought for equality "Igualdad". Through his and others' efforts, LULAC was born, the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Added information about Sáenz is at the back, including a timeline, a bibliography, and a great picture of José de la Luz Sáenz when he was in the army.