Best Selling Books by Carmen Tafolla

An insightful novel in verse about the joys and struggles of a girl who’s a warrior for her name, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life Celina and her family follow both Mexican and United States traditions, and she revels in her Mexican American heritage. But at school it feels like the world wants to erase that part of her identity, as her name is repeatedly mispronounced, her people’s stories are left out of textbooks and lessons, and some classmates choose to treat her as a second-class citizen. Fortunately, she makes three wonderful friends who help her fight the ignorance. And her gramma, Celina’s biggest inspiration, shows her how to build a shield of joy around herself that can’t be pierced by defeat. Some days, though, it’s hard to find the joy—like when her dad’s deported or when a pandemic hits. Then Celina turns to her writing, which turns out to give a lot of people joy. And she determines that no matter what, she’ll always live up to her last name: Guerrera—woman warrior; and use her talents and courage to make the world a more beautiful place where all cultures are celebrated.

Carmen Tafolla’s New and Selected Poems continues TCU Press’s series of collections by the Poets Laureate of Texas. Named the first-ever Poet Laureate of San Antonio in 2012, Tafolla was named Poet Laureate of Texas in 2015. This collection displays her mastery of the art of bilingual code switching, mining the riches of two languages—Spanish and English—to produce works that celebrate the beauty and vigor of a Hispanic heritage that has enriched American culture for generations. Called “a world-class writer” by Alex Haley and a “pioneer of Chicana literature” by Ana Castillo, in 1999 Tafolla was presented with the Art of Peace Award for writings that contribute to “peace, justice, and human understanding.” Her works “thematically cross cultures and move into questions of human survival on this earth”—Dr. Wolfgang Karrer.

I might have to visit a very sick friend, or rescue a sinking canoe, but I will always, always, always come back to you! What happens when someone you love heads out the door? When a mother goes out to work and her daughter stays behind, Mom reassures her child that nothing can keep her from coming back home again. Mom promises that she would even ride on a whale or fight off a passel of bears, if that''s what it takes to return to her child! Her daughter might have to wait with Gramma or a friend at home. Whether their time apart has been long or short, the family will be together again. This humorous and touching book reminds young readers that distance cannot diminish love. Perfect for children struggling with separation anxiety or a change in family life, this book represents a parent’s promise that they will be back, no matter what! Reassuring rhyme and amusing illustrations create a story to cherish when loved ones have gone away—and also when they’ve come back at last.

San Antonio poet laureate Carmen Tafolla captures her hometown—the city of her ancestors for the past three centuries—in poems that celebrate its history as a cosmopolitan multilingual cultural crossroads. Discover San Antonio''s corazón in Tafolla''s poetry, accompanied by historic and contemporary photographs that convey its enduring sense of place. A century ago, San Antonio gave Oscar Wilde "a thrill of strange pleasure." J. Frank Dobie claimed that "every Texan has two hometowns—his own and San Antonio," and Will Rogers declared it to be "one of the three unique cities of America." To Larry McMurtry, "San Antonio has kept an ambiance that all the rest of our cities lack." Carmen Tafolla calls forth the soul of this place—the holy home of the waters, called Yanaguana by los indios—and celebrates the many cultures that have made of it "un rebozo bordado de culturas y colores."

This major poetry collection is a fearless depiction of a Latina living in the best and worst of times.

Where the paleta wagon rings its tinkly bell and carries a treasure of icy paletas in every color of the sarape . . . As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer''s day--there''s so much to do with a paleta.

A collection of short stories set in the Southwest.

A spunky young girl explains the many uses of her mother''s red rebozo, a traditional Mexican woven shawl.

This culinary history unwraps the extensive culture surrounding the tamale, bringing together writers, artists, journalists, and Texas'' regional leaders to honor this traditional Latin American dish. It is filled with family stories, recipes, and artwork, and also celebrates tamaladas--the large family gatherings where women prepare the tamales for the Christmas festivities. Humorous and colorful, this collection reveals the importance of community and good food.

A celebration of the power of public art to express a community''s cultural heritage, Arte del Pueblo explores San Antonio''s heart and soul. In moving photography and poetic commentary, it covers five genres of public art in a variety of artistic styles, from murals, sculpture, and mosaics to street art and digital art projections. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of this multicultural crossroad through an introduction to its major artistic influences, as well as thought-provoking interviews with 11 of the 190 artists featured. San Antonio''s public artworks can be found everywhere: from its famous River Walk to the West Side Barrio, in parks and libraries, along roadways and bridges, on high-rises and restaurants. The book''s suggested self-tours guide those who wish to appreciate their favorite pieces in person.

A spunky young girl explains the many uses of her mother''s red rebozo, a traditional Mexican woven shawl.

Told in both Spanish and English, this story tells of a young coyote who teaches an old woman to recycle when her trash heap begins to clutter his desert.

La biografía de Emma Tenayuca, quien, en 1938, llevó a 12,000 trabajadores Mexico Americanos pobres a un paro para pedir mejores salarios y mejores condiciones de vivienda.

Carmen Tafolla''s New and Selected Poems continues TCU Press''s series of collections by the Poets Laureate of Texas. Named the first-ever Poet Laureate of San Antonio in 2012, Tafolla was named Poet Laureate of Texas in 2015. This collection displays her mastery of the art of bilingual code switching, mining the riches of two languages--Spanish and English--to produce works that celebrate the beauty and vigor of a Hispanic heritage that has enriched American culture for generations. Called "a world-class writer" by Alex Haley and a "pioneer of Chicana literature" by Ana Castillo, in 1999 Tafolla was presented with the Art of Peace Award for writings that contribute to "peace, justice, and human understanding." Her works "thematically cross cultures and move into questions of human survival on this earth"--Dr. Wolfgang Karrer.

Subjects: 1. The Last Butterfly / La última mariposa. 2. Children''s literature. 3. Regina Moya. 4. Carmen Tafolla. 5. Environmental awareness. 6. Bilingual literature. 7. Science Education. A brave young butterfly, a small boy, and a dancing blue planet build a bond of love and hard work, drawing on the magic of their relationship. A delightful adventure into the migration of monarch butterflies, and the value of protecting those things we love, this touching story is told in simple but poetic language aimed at children from 5 to 99 and is beautifully illustrated with the rich colors of the Mexican forests where the monarchs head each winter.

Celebrating both the rebozo as a cultural icon of Mexico and the series of rebozo-inspired paintings by Mexican-California artist Catalina Garate, this bilingual collection of poems gives voices of strength, endurance, joy, and sorrow to the women of Garate''s paintings. The rebozo is considered a physical manifestation of Mexican womanhood throughout every stage of life and can be used as a tool of daily labor: a sling to carry children, a shield from weather or from prying eyes, an heirloom, and even a shroud. Inspired by each painting, these poems, in both Spanish and English, are accompanied by a historical explanation of the role of the rebozo in Mexican history, art, and culture.

Una novela perspicaz escrita en verso sobre las alegrías y las dificultades de una niña chicana que es una guerrera por su nombre, su historia y su derecho a elegir lo que ella quiere celebrar de la vida. Celina y su familia son bilingües y siguen las tradiciones mexicanas y estadounidenses. Celina se maravilla con su herencia mexicana, pero una vez que comienza la escuela, siente que el mundo quiere que borre esa parte de su identidad. Afortunadamente, tiene un ejército de familiares y tres nuevos amigos fabulosos que la ayudarán a luchar contra la ignorancia. Pero su abuela, quien es su mayor inspiración, la anima a construir una barrera de alegría a su alrededor. Porque cuando estás de fiesta y alegre, cuando encuentras un motivo para cantar o bailar o pintar o jugar o reír o escribir, no te han quitado nada. Por supuesto, no es posible mantenerse en modo celebración cuando las cosas se ponen feas, como cuando deportan a su padre y llega una pandemia, pero si hay algo de lo que Celina está segura es que siempre estará a la altura de su apellido: Guerrera, y que usará su voz y su talento para escribir para mostrarle a todos que el mundo es un lugar más hermoso porque hay gente como ella en él.

Where the paleta wagon rings its tinkly bell and carries a treasure of icy paletas in every color of the sarape . . . As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer''s day--there''s so much to do with a paleta.

Join in the lastest fun from a Pura Belpr� Honor-winning team. These Fiesta Babies dance, march on parade, and sing along to mariachi songs in their spirited celebration of fiestas. From pi�atas to flower coronas, little ones are introduced to the many coloful aspects of an important and lively Latino cultural tradition.

A baby coyote and an old woman become friends and work together on a recycling program to preserve the natural beauty of the desert.

Sumario en español: Una valiente niña explica los múltiples usos de el rebozo rojo de su madre, un chal tejido tradicional mexicano.