Cesar Chavez: The 5 Easiest Books for Kids
>>Books @ the 2nd Grade level


Cesar Chavez
is perhaps the best known Mexican-American labor activist. His charismatic personality and peaceful efforts helped low income farm workers, and brought their plight to the attention of the world.

That said, I was rather dismayed that our local library system had none of these easy readers. As time allows we are planning on tracking them down so we can expand the information we make available to you.


bookcover of Schaefer's Cesar ChavezCesar Chavez
(Famous Americans)
by Lola M. Schaefer

Ms. Schaefer's book is the simplest volume we could find about Cesar Chavez. Like all of her books, we expect this one to feature simple text and a photograph on every other page.

I usually use this series with my children as a first introduction to a topic. There's always a time-line, photos or drawings and just enough information that even young children aren't overwhelmed. Our library doesn't have this volume though. Will have to check out ILL :)

Reading Information:
Word Count: 264
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.1 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 31811
Lexile: 420L
  • Publisher: Capstone Press (1998)
  • ISBN-10: 0736881107
  • amazon


bookcover of Jerry Tello's Let's Read About Cesar ChavezLet's Read About-- Cesar Chavez
(Scholastic First Biographies)
by Jerry Tello

This profile of César Chávez, examines the life of the Mexican American union leader who fought to get migrant farm workers better wages.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 415
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 87169
  • Publisher: Scholastic (2004)
  • ISBN-10: 0439680514
  • amazon


bookcover of by Stephen Feinstein's Cesar ChavezRead About Cesar Chavez
(I Like Biographies)
by Stephen Feinstein

This book discusses the life of Cesar Chavez and his work to unionize and ensure the rights of migrant farm workers.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 446
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 80314
  • Publisher: Enslow Pub (2004)
  • ISBN-10: 076602296X
  • amazon

bookcover of Susan Eddy's Cesar ChavezCesar Chavez
(Rookie Biographies)
by Susan Eddy

GoodReads: 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings (updated 2/2012)

These Rookie Biographies feature simple sentences.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 346
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR Quiz: 86399
Lexile: 400L
  • Publisher: Children's Press (2004)
  • ISBN-10: 0516279238
  • amazon -- sample pages available



bookcover of Fight in the Fields: Cesar ChavezFight In The Fields: Cesar Chavez
by Margo Sorenson

**Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Nomination** --American Library Association/YALSA

**Recommended resource for Cesar Chavez holiday**
--State of California Dept. of Education

This one is FICTION, and as you can see from above a good choice for middle-schoolers on up who need more story. Here's a sample of text from the book:

The group fell silent. Kenneth felt goose bumps on his arms. Guns, again. These union farmworkers really faced danger.

Chavez smiled gently. "Think for a moment. A man with a gun has a harder decision to make," he said. He paused. "You -- the picketer -- you're just standing there. You're just there. It's up to him to do something.

"You must listen," Chavez continued. "If we fight back, every picket line would be a battle. And who would be stronger in the fight? Who would win? Who has all the money? The power?" Chavez asked. He folded his arms. "The growers. The big people. They would win. This is the only way we can win. No fighting back."


Reading Information:
Word Count: 19,390
Page Count: 104
Accelerated Reading level: 2.9 / points: 3.0
AR quiz: 24554
Lexile: 330L

  • Publisher: Perfection Learning (1998)
  • ISBN-10: 0780767799
  • amazon


Other resources: Crossword puzzle
http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdpuz75.htm