What do you think?
Rate this book
Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States
"Poetry with a distinct a skillfully mixed appetizer."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred)
Here are the sights, sounds, and smells of Latino culture in America in thirty-six vibrant, moving, angry, beautiful and varied voices, including Alicia Gaspar de Alba, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Luis J. Rodríguez, Gary Soto, and Martín Espada.
Presented in both English and Spanish, each poem helps us to discover the stories behind the mangoes and memories, prejudice and fear, love and life--how it was and is to grow up Hispanic in America....
"The subtle but singing lyrics frequently have a colloquial tone that will speak to many young readers."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred)
"Excellent enrichment...Whether discussing the immigrant's frustration at not being able to speak English...the familiar adolescent desire to belong, or celebrating the simple joys of life, these fine poems are incisive and photographic in their depiction of a moment."
--School Library Journal (starred)
--Kirkus Reviews (starred)
Here are the sights, sounds, and smells of Latino culture in America in thirty-six vibrant, moving, angry, beautiful and varied voices, including Alicia Gaspar de Alba, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Luis J. Rodríguez, Gary Soto, and Martín Espada.
Presented in both English and Spanish, each poem helps us to discover the stories behind the mangoes and memories, prejudice and fear, love and life--how it was and is to grow up Hispanic in America....
"The subtle but singing lyrics frequently have a colloquial tone that will speak to many young readers."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred)
"Excellent enrichment...Whether discussing the immigrant's frustration at not being able to speak English...the familiar adolescent desire to belong, or celebrating the simple joys of life, these fine poems are incisive and photographic in their depiction of a moment."
--School Library Journal (starred)
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 15, 1994
17 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Lori Marie Carlson
21 books8 followersLori Marie Carlson was born in Jamestown, New York. She went to college at Indiana University, earning a MA in Hispanic Literature. She has taught at several universities.
Carlson has written several books for children and young adults, including Cool Salsa and Sol a Sol. The Sunday Tertulia is her first novel for adults.
Carlson has written several books for children and young adults, including Cool Salsa and Sol a Sol. The Sunday Tertulia is her first novel for adults.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 7, 2017
Similar to my own experience, Lori Marie Carlson started studying Spanish as a pre-adolescent, fostering a lifelong appreciation for both the language and the culture. When Carlson was growing up, Spanish meant Spain and all things Ibero-centric. Yet, after choosing Latin American studies as the center of her life's work, Carlson came to realize that Latin Americans and their unique culture is a vital part of the study of both the Spanish language and the fabric of the United States. Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States is an anthology of bilingual poetry written by a cross section of Hispanic poets, all who bring a distinct voice to the melting pot of American culture.
Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States contains an introduction by Pulitzer winner Oscar Hijuelos where he speaks of his family's immigrant experience and poems by now household names Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, and Pat Mora. The majority of poems in this collection, however, have been written by renown Hispanic poets, and each shares their experience of growing up both Hispanic and bilingual in the United States. The collection starts with English con Salsa by Gina Valdes. In welcoming students to ESL class, Valdes conveys emotions of a blend of what she refers to as "Latinized ingles con chile y cilantro," a thickly accented English, yet one speakers are proud of. "Si, yes simon, of course, I love English," sets the stage for the rest of this poignant collection.
While I enjoyed most of these poems, I felt affinity with Good Hot Dogs by Cisneros, as I do with the rest of her work. Her experience about kids eating hot dogs from a stand for lunch shows the experience of Chicago children, one I have seen many times. This description of hot dogs harkens to a simpler time when kids could play outside all day in the summer and adults did not question one's skin color. This contrasts with A Puerto Rican Girl's Sentimental Education by Johanna Vega where a Mexican immigrant falls through the cracks in her school simply because she is not as proficient in English as Spanish. An intelligent girl, she is met with prejudices due to her skin, name, and origin, yet she is more than capable of achieving big. The first section ends with Learning English by Luis Alberto Ambroggio, who states, "to understand me you have to know Spanish...if I speak another language...I don't know if I'll continue being the same person." Spanish continues to define Hispanics, even those fifth generation Americans, as the language is an integral part of who they are.
The collection continues with one poignant poem after another. Sections focus on subjects like survival, memories in two languages, and parties where rum runs rampant and mambo music flows all night. There are fun anecdotes like kids hitting a pinata at a family party, and not so positive instances like in Race Politics where two Hispanic kids are beaten by affluent whites simply for being Mexican. Some poets talk about getting a tattoo or spending time in jail whereas other talk about mango trees, vibrant orange suns, and positive memories with abuelos, tios, and other extended family members. Each poem reminds me why I enjoy reading about Hispanic culture, a culture that is upbeat and sensuous, with emotions flowing from the pages.
While the subtitle of this collection is poems about growing up bilingual in the United States and was perhaps geared toward children, these poems are mature and appropriate for an adult audience. These collection contain a wide array of themes which all encourage Hispanic speakers to become proficient in English and still be proud of their language and culture. Likewise, the poetry here highlights the fun, cool salsa of being bilingual and should urge English speakers to study Spanish. Although over twenty years old, this collection is timely. Lori Marie Carlson has edited a gem here, and with a stellar introduction by Oscar Hijuelos, as well as work by many award winning poets, Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States is a wonderful addition to any study of Hispanic culture and a cool 4.5 stars.
Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States contains an introduction by Pulitzer winner Oscar Hijuelos where he speaks of his family's immigrant experience and poems by now household names Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, and Pat Mora. The majority of poems in this collection, however, have been written by renown Hispanic poets, and each shares their experience of growing up both Hispanic and bilingual in the United States. The collection starts with English con Salsa by Gina Valdes. In welcoming students to ESL class, Valdes conveys emotions of a blend of what she refers to as "Latinized ingles con chile y cilantro," a thickly accented English, yet one speakers are proud of. "Si, yes simon, of course, I love English," sets the stage for the rest of this poignant collection.
While I enjoyed most of these poems, I felt affinity with Good Hot Dogs by Cisneros, as I do with the rest of her work. Her experience about kids eating hot dogs from a stand for lunch shows the experience of Chicago children, one I have seen many times. This description of hot dogs harkens to a simpler time when kids could play outside all day in the summer and adults did not question one's skin color. This contrasts with A Puerto Rican Girl's Sentimental Education by Johanna Vega where a Mexican immigrant falls through the cracks in her school simply because she is not as proficient in English as Spanish. An intelligent girl, she is met with prejudices due to her skin, name, and origin, yet she is more than capable of achieving big. The first section ends with Learning English by Luis Alberto Ambroggio, who states, "to understand me you have to know Spanish...if I speak another language...I don't know if I'll continue being the same person." Spanish continues to define Hispanics, even those fifth generation Americans, as the language is an integral part of who they are.
The collection continues with one poignant poem after another. Sections focus on subjects like survival, memories in two languages, and parties where rum runs rampant and mambo music flows all night. There are fun anecdotes like kids hitting a pinata at a family party, and not so positive instances like in Race Politics where two Hispanic kids are beaten by affluent whites simply for being Mexican. Some poets talk about getting a tattoo or spending time in jail whereas other talk about mango trees, vibrant orange suns, and positive memories with abuelos, tios, and other extended family members. Each poem reminds me why I enjoy reading about Hispanic culture, a culture that is upbeat and sensuous, with emotions flowing from the pages.
While the subtitle of this collection is poems about growing up bilingual in the United States and was perhaps geared toward children, these poems are mature and appropriate for an adult audience. These collection contain a wide array of themes which all encourage Hispanic speakers to become proficient in English and still be proud of their language and culture. Likewise, the poetry here highlights the fun, cool salsa of being bilingual and should urge English speakers to study Spanish. Although over twenty years old, this collection is timely. Lori Marie Carlson has edited a gem here, and with a stellar introduction by Oscar Hijuelos, as well as work by many award winning poets, Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States is a wonderful addition to any study of Hispanic culture and a cool 4.5 stars.
April 3, 2022
Beautiful collection of contemporary poetry that explores the Latinx-American experience. Please don't be put off by the (frankly ridiculous) Publishers Weekly blurb on the cover or the cover art. This collection deserves better.
Sometimes melancholy, sometimes angry, sometimes resigned. Consistently vivid. These are poems about wrestling with a multicultural heritage, the wonder and frustration of it all.
Spanish poems with an English translation.
English poems with a Spanish translation.
Spanglish poems which use whichever tongue & culture best expresses the feeling at hand.
Personal favorites:
"Where You From?" Gina Valdés
"Memories of Uncle Pety" Claudia Quiróz
"Abuelito Who" Sandra Cisneros
"La Novia" Ricardo Means Ybarra
"Nothing but Drums" Oscar Hijuelos
Highly recommend.
Sometimes melancholy, sometimes angry, sometimes resigned. Consistently vivid. These are poems about wrestling with a multicultural heritage, the wonder and frustration of it all.
Spanish poems with an English translation.
English poems with a Spanish translation.
Spanglish poems which use whichever tongue & culture best expresses the feeling at hand.
Personal favorites:
"Where You From?" Gina Valdés
"Memories of Uncle Pety" Claudia Quiróz
"Abuelito Who" Sandra Cisneros
"La Novia" Ricardo Means Ybarra
"Nothing but Drums" Oscar Hijuelos
Highly recommend.
November 20, 2019
I absolutely adored this sassy little book of poems. It is full of zesty wordsmithing and cultural spicy pizzazz...
Read
December 30, 2019I'm marking this book as "read" because I read 50% of this collection. And what a pedestrian collection! Why would an editor not pull the diamonds from a writer's repertoire? Some of the translations were frankly half-assed.
I want to be loyal to my "peeps", but this collection stinks.
Not recommending anything from this collection.
I know good collections of Latinxs born/raised in the US exist. I just finished reading Wachale, and it was a superb collection. I couldn't put it down. Cool Salsa - even the name .... ugghhck - even the name makes me wanna throttle the editor. Cool Salsa?
I want to be loyal to my "peeps", but this collection stinks.
Not recommending anything from this collection.
I know good collections of Latinxs born/raised in the US exist. I just finished reading Wachale, and it was a superb collection. I couldn't put it down. Cool Salsa - even the name .... ugghhck - even the name makes me wanna throttle the editor. Cool Salsa?
April 1, 2024
Somehow I managed to erase my review of this bilingual poetry collection. I am giving it 4 stars because of the diverse selection of poetry from known (to me) and unfamiliar poets of the USA who come from a variety of Latin American origins such as Mexican, Chicano, Argentinian, mixed, etc. While I was familiar with Gary Soto, Sandra Cisneros, Luis J. Rodriguez and some of the poems by Gina Valdes, the rest of the poets were new to me. Furthermore, learning about new poets in this space will allow me to continue reading more of their work enhancing my contact with some of my "alleys": Bilingual and bicultural literature, Spanish language literature, poetry, activism, humor, etc.
Being bilingual Spanish/English, I especially enjoyed some of the "Spanglish" poetry which was not translated, as well as the poems that were initially written in Spanish and translated to English and visa versa. Fortunately for me, I'm able to read fluently in both English and Spanish. Here is an example of a Spanglish poem from the "School Days" theme:
English con Salsa by Gina Valdes
Welcome to ESL 100, English Surely Latinized,
ingles con chile y cilantro, English as American
as Benito Juarez. Welcome muchachos from Xochicalco,
learn the language of dolares and dolores, of kings
and queens, of Donald Duck and Batman. Holy Toluca!
In four months you'll be speaking like George Washington,
in four weeks you can ask, More coffee? In two months
you can say, May I take your order? In one year you
can ask for a raise, cool as the Tuxpan River.
Welcome, muchachas from Teocaltiche, in this class
we speak English refrito, English con sal y limon,
English thick as mango juice, English poured from
a clay jug, English turned like a requinto from Uruapan,
English lighted by Oaxacan dawns, English spiked
with mezcal from Juchitan, English with a red cactus
flower blooming in its heart.
Welcome, welcome, amigos del sur, bring your Zapotec
tongues, your Nahuatl tones, your patience of pyramids,
your red suns and golden moons, your guardian angels,
your duendes, your patron saints, Santa Tristeza,
Santa Alegria, Santo Todolopuede. We will sprinkle
holy water on pronouns, make the sign of the cross
on past participles, jump like fish from Lake Patzcuaro
on gerunds, pour tequila from Jalisco on future perfects
say shoes and shit, grab a cool verb and a pollo loco
and dance on the walls like chapulines.
When a teacher from La Jolla or a cowboy for Santee
asks you, Do you speak English? You'll answer, Si
yes, simon, of course. I love English!
And you'll hum
a Mixtec chant that touches la tierra and the heavens.
I appreciate the tongue in cheek humor and the unusual enjambments in English con Salsa. Also the general theme of salsa as a mixture of many ingredients or cultures is embedded in the book. To that I say "Cool Salsa" or "Cool Beans!"
Here's another example of a poem. This one is from the "Memories" section:
Abuelito Who by Sandra Cisneros
Abuelito who throws coins like rain
and asks who loves him
who is dough and feathers
who is a watch and glass of water
whose hair is made of fur
is too sad to come downstairs today
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
whose little eyes are string
can't come out to play
sleeps in his little room all night and day
who used to laugh like the letter k
is sick
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick
is tired shut the door
doesn't live her anymore
is hiding underneath the bed
who talks to me inside my head
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes
who snores up and down up and down up and down again
is the rain on the roof that falls like coins
asking who loves him
who loves him who?
What a seemingly simple, beautiful poem with the universal theme of loving those elders who have passed. It rings like a clear bell of love and the sound of the coins falling and remembering him.
"Cool Salsa" would make a great text to use with middle school or high school students. Personally, I'm looking forward to following up on some of these authors that I didn't even know wrote poetry!
Being bilingual Spanish/English, I especially enjoyed some of the "Spanglish" poetry which was not translated, as well as the poems that were initially written in Spanish and translated to English and visa versa. Fortunately for me, I'm able to read fluently in both English and Spanish. Here is an example of a Spanglish poem from the "School Days" theme:
English con Salsa by Gina Valdes
Welcome to ESL 100, English Surely Latinized,
ingles con chile y cilantro, English as American
as Benito Juarez. Welcome muchachos from Xochicalco,
learn the language of dolares and dolores, of kings
and queens, of Donald Duck and Batman. Holy Toluca!
In four months you'll be speaking like George Washington,
in four weeks you can ask, More coffee? In two months
you can say, May I take your order? In one year you
can ask for a raise, cool as the Tuxpan River.
Welcome, muchachas from Teocaltiche, in this class
we speak English refrito, English con sal y limon,
English thick as mango juice, English poured from
a clay jug, English turned like a requinto from Uruapan,
English lighted by Oaxacan dawns, English spiked
with mezcal from Juchitan, English with a red cactus
flower blooming in its heart.
Welcome, welcome, amigos del sur, bring your Zapotec
tongues, your Nahuatl tones, your patience of pyramids,
your red suns and golden moons, your guardian angels,
your duendes, your patron saints, Santa Tristeza,
Santa Alegria, Santo Todolopuede. We will sprinkle
holy water on pronouns, make the sign of the cross
on past participles, jump like fish from Lake Patzcuaro
on gerunds, pour tequila from Jalisco on future perfects
say shoes and shit, grab a cool verb and a pollo loco
and dance on the walls like chapulines.
When a teacher from La Jolla or a cowboy for Santee
asks you, Do you speak English? You'll answer, Si
yes, simon, of course. I love English!
And you'll hum
a Mixtec chant that touches la tierra and the heavens.
I appreciate the tongue in cheek humor and the unusual enjambments in English con Salsa. Also the general theme of salsa as a mixture of many ingredients or cultures is embedded in the book. To that I say "Cool Salsa" or "Cool Beans!"
Here's another example of a poem. This one is from the "Memories" section:
Abuelito Who by Sandra Cisneros
Abuelito who throws coins like rain
and asks who loves him
who is dough and feathers
who is a watch and glass of water
whose hair is made of fur
is too sad to come downstairs today
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
whose little eyes are string
can't come out to play
sleeps in his little room all night and day
who used to laugh like the letter k
is sick
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick
is tired shut the door
doesn't live her anymore
is hiding underneath the bed
who talks to me inside my head
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes
who snores up and down up and down up and down again
is the rain on the roof that falls like coins
asking who loves him
who loves him who?
What a seemingly simple, beautiful poem with the universal theme of loving those elders who have passed. It rings like a clear bell of love and the sound of the coins falling and remembering him.
"Cool Salsa" would make a great text to use with middle school or high school students. Personally, I'm looking forward to following up on some of these authors that I didn't even know wrote poetry!
March 7, 2018
Esos poemas son lleno de amor y vida. It was a pleasure to read
February 9, 2018
So I'm Latinx, right? And I noticed there isn't much representation of us in media, despite us making up a large portion of minorities in the United States (almost 20%, and still Asians are better represented though they make up only 6%!).
So what happened? I wanted to find more stuff that represents me and a whole bunch of other Latinx. Through my intense research, I came across this book of poetry.
Granted, I wasn't fond of every single poem here. Some were amazing in both English and Spanish. But then some still lacked that poetic feature, regardless of what language it was written in. Still, this was a good diving in for me to learn about more Latinx writers out there.
Also, if you don't know Spanish, that's okay. The book shows the poems in English and Spanish for you to read in either format. For the most part, I was able to read both--and I always think I don't know a lot of Spanish!!
Easy read. Highly recommend.
So what happened? I wanted to find more stuff that represents me and a whole bunch of other Latinx. Through my intense research, I came across this book of poetry.
Granted, I wasn't fond of every single poem here. Some were amazing in both English and Spanish. But then some still lacked that poetic feature, regardless of what language it was written in. Still, this was a good diving in for me to learn about more Latinx writers out there.
Also, if you don't know Spanish, that's okay. The book shows the poems in English and Spanish for you to read in either format. For the most part, I was able to read both--and I always think I don't know a lot of Spanish!!
Easy read. Highly recommend.
May 10, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book. I bought it in the fall when I started working on my Spanish speaking and reading. Many of the poems are in English and Spanish. So you can read them in either or both languages. Some are truly bilingual in that they flow back forth between both languages in a really beautiful way.
Also this book helped me in my understanding of growing up Latino in the United States in the same way ZZ Packer’s Drinking Coffee Elsewhere helped me better my understanding of growing up black in the United States.
There are a variety of poets and styles throughout the book. I highly recommend it!
Also this book helped me in my understanding of growing up Latino in the United States in the same way ZZ Packer’s Drinking Coffee Elsewhere helped me better my understanding of growing up black in the United States.
There are a variety of poets and styles throughout the book. I highly recommend it!
March 19, 2021
This short bilingual poetry anthology gives a quick, meaningful sense of what it is to grow up Latino in the USA. Some poems are written in either English or Spanish and then translated into the other language on the following page(s). Other poems are written in a mix of the two and left for the reader to decipher on their own.
Bilingial speakers/readers will have no issues reading this. English-as-the-primary-language speakers with some Spanish language education should also have little trouble reading this.
Bilingial speakers/readers will have no issues reading this. English-as-the-primary-language speakers with some Spanish language education should also have little trouble reading this.
October 6, 2023
I really enjoyed it.
Not only is it an interesting connection with something to say about the immigrant/child of immigrant experience, but I think it could be good for students. The poems feel youthful, even if some of them are older now. In addition, because there are translations -- some by the original author, some with the original author, and some by third parties, it can give some good ideas about word choice and poetry and the subtle variations that can make big differences in expression.
Not only is it an interesting connection with something to say about the immigrant/child of immigrant experience, but I think it could be good for students. The poems feel youthful, even if some of them are older now. In addition, because there are translations -- some by the original author, some with the original author, and some by third parties, it can give some good ideas about word choice and poetry and the subtle variations that can make big differences in expression.
November 7, 2017
Genre: Poetry
Grade Range: 4-6
Review:
This is such a great tool to help incorporate Spanish and Latino items into the classroom. I can see this being very useful in a Spanish class. Latino students will also be able to relate to it and feel more welcome in the classroom. I really liked how some of them has side by side translations of the poems. Others were ore difficult to read because it didn't have any translations.
Grade Range: 4-6
Review:
This is such a great tool to help incorporate Spanish and Latino items into the classroom. I can see this being very useful in a Spanish class. Latino students will also be able to relate to it and feel more welcome in the classroom. I really liked how some of them has side by side translations of the poems. Others were ore difficult to read because it didn't have any translations.
June 25, 2018
A wonderful selection of poems by a variety of Hispanic authors including Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, Pat Mora, Oscar Hijuelos, and many others. The English version of the poem is juxtaposed with the Spanish version. A great way to introduce fun poetry and another culture to a young audience.
December 23, 2020
Cool Salsa is a great addition to any YA library (great read for adults as well). The poems offer a place for all who grew up Latinx in the US to see themselves and have their lives acknowledged. No matter the struggle, these poems reaffirm that we are enough.
May 21, 2021
The poems hit on important issues faced by immigrants and people of color specific to the Latinx community. The poems are targeted at YA audience and would be a great read for all kids to open up discussions of America, culture, and identity. I enjoyed the Spanish language woven throughout.
September 26, 2017
i like it
November 5, 2018
Todo y mucha mas. Hogar, identidad, lenguas, y historias. Muy rico, difícil algunas veces, y una salsa muy buena!
November 14, 2018
I loved the style of this book! I definitely would recommend if you are interested in the Latin culture.
September 19, 2021
Unfortunately couldn't relate. :(
February 2, 2022
Interesting, wistful, bilingual poems about finding a new home and trying to adjust to a new life.
October 13, 2022
Much better than I thought it would be. It taught me something about some of my students.
November 22, 2022
I'm just learning Spanish, so this was a stretch for me. I did enjoy it and need to find more like it.
Read
January 9, 20237 Copies
October 15, 2016
Great compilation for high school and up!
February 13, 2012
Cool Salsa Bilingual Poems on Growing up Latino in the United States by Lori M. Carlson is a collection of poems that tells a story about how a young Hispanic faces challenges in the United States and the memories that stuck with him. Each poem is labeled with a title above that relates to what the author is speaking of such as the poem labeled learning English which explains him trying to learn English and the challenges of if he will stay the same person. Furthermore, the author supplied the readers with both the Spanish as well as the translated version.
The sound of the poem didn’t rhyme which enabled readers to predict what the words were at the ends of the lines. Even though the poem didn’t supply images, the reader was still able to get a clear picture from the use of language arts. The author was able to create a clear insight by stating the memories and troubles he went through growing up in the United States which expanded the reader’s awareness of how hard it is. Furthermore, the poem met the criteria for a positive stretch by using illuminating observations which was able to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind. However, I believe that the poem didn’t use creative word play because it was a simple written poem. The poem hits the criteria for appropriateness for occasions because it is able to deepen a reader’s awareness about what troubles follow from being a different nationality in the United States.
I didn’t enjoy the collection of poems since there were no rhyming poems that I like reading. However, I was struck by the use of both the English and Spanish poems that author used. It was able to show readers where he is coming from through his language and understand it through the translation. I find the poem not relatable because I have always lived in the United States and had no trouble with my nationality. However, I feel that someone that has a different nationality can relate to the issues and challenges that he faced.
The sound of the poem didn’t rhyme which enabled readers to predict what the words were at the ends of the lines. Even though the poem didn’t supply images, the reader was still able to get a clear picture from the use of language arts. The author was able to create a clear insight by stating the memories and troubles he went through growing up in the United States which expanded the reader’s awareness of how hard it is. Furthermore, the poem met the criteria for a positive stretch by using illuminating observations which was able to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind. However, I believe that the poem didn’t use creative word play because it was a simple written poem. The poem hits the criteria for appropriateness for occasions because it is able to deepen a reader’s awareness about what troubles follow from being a different nationality in the United States.
I didn’t enjoy the collection of poems since there were no rhyming poems that I like reading. However, I was struck by the use of both the English and Spanish poems that author used. It was able to show readers where he is coming from through his language and understand it through the translation. I find the poem not relatable because I have always lived in the United States and had no trouble with my nationality. However, I feel that someone that has a different nationality can relate to the issues and challenges that he faced.
December 9, 2012
The poems in this book are grouped into several themes. These are my thoughts about a few favorites.
In “School Days,” I was touched by the short poem Learning English. As a former Language Arts teacher in Texas, I taught a number of ESL students. I remember the struggles that come with learning a new language. In this poem Lori M. Carlson examines the feelings she has speaking her native tongue, Spanish, and wonders if speaking English will change the way she feels.
In “Home and Homeland,” most of the poems are written in a combination of both English and Spanish, rather than a Spanish version followed by a translation. I think this illustrates the Latino culture as homeland in the new home the United States. The Día de los Muertos by Abelardo B. Delgado is my favorite. Delgado ends this poem by explaining why talking to the dead is necessary. This day reminds us “to enjoy our lives,” … we shouldn't waste time in sadness.
In “Hard Times,” Luis J. Rodriguez writes about the separation line between the white and Mexican neighborhoods “Race” Politics. When two Mexican brothers decide to step out of their “boundary” they are beat up by a gang of whites. Despite the cuts and bruises the humiliation is far worse as the brothers promise each other to never tell a soul.
In “Time to Party,” Mango Juice is a most romantic poem. Written by Pat Mora, this poem is so easy to visualize with all the senses. A celebration with music, confetti, streamers, pinatas, and sweet mangoes. The characters in the poem are no doubt lovers, and one verse innocently expresses sensual feelings.
In “A Promising Future” I found Ana Castillo's poem on YouTube: We Would Like You to Know. Castillo writes to dismiss stereotyping … a powerful message.
In “School Days,” I was touched by the short poem Learning English. As a former Language Arts teacher in Texas, I taught a number of ESL students. I remember the struggles that come with learning a new language. In this poem Lori M. Carlson examines the feelings she has speaking her native tongue, Spanish, and wonders if speaking English will change the way she feels.
In “Home and Homeland,” most of the poems are written in a combination of both English and Spanish, rather than a Spanish version followed by a translation. I think this illustrates the Latino culture as homeland in the new home the United States. The Día de los Muertos by Abelardo B. Delgado is my favorite. Delgado ends this poem by explaining why talking to the dead is necessary. This day reminds us “to enjoy our lives,” … we shouldn't waste time in sadness.
In “Hard Times,” Luis J. Rodriguez writes about the separation line between the white and Mexican neighborhoods “Race” Politics. When two Mexican brothers decide to step out of their “boundary” they are beat up by a gang of whites. Despite the cuts and bruises the humiliation is far worse as the brothers promise each other to never tell a soul.
In “Time to Party,” Mango Juice is a most romantic poem. Written by Pat Mora, this poem is so easy to visualize with all the senses. A celebration with music, confetti, streamers, pinatas, and sweet mangoes. The characters in the poem are no doubt lovers, and one verse innocently expresses sensual feelings.
In “A Promising Future” I found Ana Castillo's poem on YouTube: We Would Like You to Know. Castillo writes to dismiss stereotyping … a powerful message.
February 21, 2017
Great collection of poems from Hispanic and American writers done in both Spanish and English.
March 5, 2012
Cool Salsa Bilingual Poems on Growing up Latino in the United States by Lori M. Carlson was a good book. The book contained poems in both English and Spanish, which I found quite interesting. It is an assortment of poems about a young Hispanic man who grew up in the United States and the struggles he faced as minority. Each poem talked specifically about different events in his life like learning English, fights with street gangs and different events throughout his life. Each poem had a theme and was named after the story being told. They were sectioned into categories such as School Days, Hard Times and Learning English.
I found this book very interesting because the author supplied readers with the poems in both English and Spanish. This made the book very diverse and although I do not speak much Spanish it was intriguing to read the poems in both languages.
The poems in this book were very emotional. I thought the author did a very good job of creating a visual picture in the readers head. While reading these poems I felt a rush of emotions; sad, happy, angry, etc. The poems met the criteria for poetry. The poems did not rhyme, but the author did a very good job of using words that allowed the reader to visualize, in their heads, the story being told. Overall the book was good. I would’ve liked if there were some rhymes, that’s what comes to mind when I think of poetry. The author did a good job telling the story and showing the struggles faced growing up Latino in the US. Two cultures were brought into one with the two languages used. This would be a good multicultural book for the classroom. it would be a good way to show students how two cultures can be used together.
I found this book very interesting because the author supplied readers with the poems in both English and Spanish. This made the book very diverse and although I do not speak much Spanish it was intriguing to read the poems in both languages.
The poems in this book were very emotional. I thought the author did a very good job of creating a visual picture in the readers head. While reading these poems I felt a rush of emotions; sad, happy, angry, etc. The poems met the criteria for poetry. The poems did not rhyme, but the author did a very good job of using words that allowed the reader to visualize, in their heads, the story being told. Overall the book was good. I would’ve liked if there were some rhymes, that’s what comes to mind when I think of poetry. The author did a good job telling the story and showing the struggles faced growing up Latino in the US. Two cultures were brought into one with the two languages used. This would be a good multicultural book for the classroom. it would be a good way to show students how two cultures can be used together.
July 5, 2009
This collection is a treasure among poetry, not only for its rich collection of voices and poignant social commentary on being Latin in America, but for its brutal honesty and courageous content that reveals both the beautiful and horrendous aspects of American culture as well as the Latin culture that these poets have left behind. All of the voices teach educational lessons to the readers, and bring an edge about the realities of living in America that can only be told accurately through the mouths of those experiencing it.
This is an excellent read for all cultures who’ve found themselves in America, especially those who grow up in secluded suburban neighborhoods and have no concept or empathy for ‘the other’. I recommend this text to all readers, especially early teens since so few books of poetry are written for this age group.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
This is an excellent read for all cultures who’ve found themselves in America, especially those who grow up in secluded suburban neighborhoods and have no concept or empathy for ‘the other’. I recommend this text to all readers, especially early teens since so few books of poetry are written for this age group.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
March 13, 2011
Cool Salsa is a collection of poetry that the editor compiled to celebrate the influence of Spanish language and Ibero-Latin American heritage in hopes to “…contribute to an even greater appreciation and understanding of Latinos in cities…” She stays consistent to this theme with strong poetry selections that are sectioned into categories such as School Days, Hard Times and A Promising Future. The poets come from all nations including Cuba, Argentina, Mexico and Guatemala. The poems vary greatly in form, style, tone and language. What doesn’t vary is the underlying message in the work about the realities and situational intricacies that make being a Latino in the United States a unique experience. The poems are presented in English and Spanish and sometimes a blend of both languages which personifies the Latino experience in America, often straddling two languages that at times divide and other times overlap.
February 20, 2012
This little book contains fun poetry that is by different writers through out the contry, but they all are centered about the latino culture and how immigrants are seeing the old and new world. Their present and past are who they are and they are just sharing their ideas in this booklet.
Carlson wroked with Hijuelos on this collection and they each introduce themselves at the begining of the book. There is a table of contents that can let you search for the poem that you are trying to find. What is really cool and unique is that many of the peoms are both in English and translated in Spanish, or vise versa. Some of the contect is not apropraite for young grades, but i think it might be good for older grades to look over and see that they can write different poems in different languages, or a combination of the two. Great for bilingual students who do know how to read in both languages.
Carlson wroked with Hijuelos on this collection and they each introduce themselves at the begining of the book. There is a table of contents that can let you search for the poem that you are trying to find. What is really cool and unique is that many of the peoms are both in English and translated in Spanish, or vise versa. Some of the contect is not apropraite for young grades, but i think it might be good for older grades to look over and see that they can write different poems in different languages, or a combination of the two. Great for bilingual students who do know how to read in both languages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews