I have known Rene' Colato Lainez for many years and have admired his books about the Latino experience in the United States. His new picture book Rene' Has Two Last Names is a fabulous story of a kid feeling out of water in a new school and new country.
On the first day in his new school, René’s teacher gives everyone a name tag with their first and last names. Like many Salvadoran names, Rene's name has two parts, “Colato Laínez.” But his tag reads only “René Colato.”
Thinking the teacher must have run out of ink, Rene' adds the "Lainez." René is teased about having a long name but uses the opportunity to teach his classmates--and his teacher--that his name represents both of his parents' heritage.
What is wonderful about all of Rene's stories is that they come from the heart of his own experience. I also love that the book is in English on the top of the page and Spanish on the bottom. This gives a child a chance to learn both languages. Graullera Ramírez’s fun watercolor scenes of family and classmates are bright and welcoming. The story explains cultural differences in an easy and entertaining way. Buy it for any kid.
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