Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Summary

Yuyi Morales reminds us how important libraries are in her book Dreamers. When Morales first arrived in America with her young son, she didn’t know how to speak English. She was afraid and unsure of her new surroundings. One day, she visited the library. Picture books captured her attention. Morales discovered she could read the illustrations and understand the storyline. The language difference was no longer a barrier. She learned to read, speak and write in English by spending hours exploring books. This beautiful story weaves words of poetry with compelling illustrations. Each page holds layers of meaning. Readers will enjoy exploring fascinating details in this gorgeous book.

Response to Literature

AASL Standards Framework for Learners: Explore/Think V.A.1 Learners develop and satisfy personal curiosity by reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write and create for a variety of purposes.

Morales is a self-taught artist. She spent hours copying illustrations from picture books. Her story of independent exploration and creativity will inspire learners to delve into art.

• Ask learners to share titles of their favorite picture books. Invite them to turn and talk about why those books speak to them.
• Introduce Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. Explain that her favorite picture books compelled her to create. She copied illustrations to learn art techniques.
• Watch Live Art: Yuyi Morales by the New York Times. This video clip is on Facebook. If your district blocks Facebook, listen to Morales speak on the podcast  Is There Someone You Need to Thank? by Public Radio International (PRI). Learners will hear how grateful she is that a librarian welcomed her in the library.
• Read Dreamers. Invite learners to collect picture books that compel them to create. Give learners time to explore the illustrations and consider their favorite mediums. Ask them to make a list of the materials they’ll need to recreate their favorite illustrations.
• Set up art stations for the next class visit. Stock the stations with needed art supplies. Encourage learners as they work with different mediums. Display work with books when finished.