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My Own True Name
Pinata
Books
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Highlighted Reviews“Interlaced with Mexican phrases and cultural symbols, these
powerful selections, representing more than 15 years of work,
address bicultural life and the meaning of family...The rich,
symbolic imagery, raw emotion, and honesty will appeal to mature
teens, and young writers will find inspiration in the warm
introduction addressed to ‘Dear Fellow Writer,’ and its challenge to
‘Listen to your inside self, your private voice . . . explore the
wonder of being alive.’” “Mora...has chosen poems with themes that are
accessible to, yet challenging for teens, a few of which appear in
both English and Spanish. Occasional footnotes explain historical
references or Spanish phrases. The introduction encourages young
writers, as do the poems themselves. This anthology speaks to a
young adult audience, and it should find many readers.” “Pat Mora’s new collection of nonrhyming poetry
calls on young adults to embrace their identity with passion...Again
and again, she compares generations and speaks of differences, of
changes. Mora’s goal is to provide confidence for her young readers
and to encourage a path of passion and interest without
misrepresenting the difficulties they might encounter.” “Mora gives voice to the soul of the American Southwest...This anthology will enhance unit studies in multicultural issues, American diversity, immigration, and the Mexican-American experience. Using the subtly vivid palette of the desert, Mora applies rich brushstrokes to her canvas to create a Mexican-American reality.”—Linworth Publishing, Inc. "This collection does know life, flower, and
song. It is a collection for young adults to build upon their own
voices, right above Pat Mora's bones." "In "My Own True Name," Pat Mora investigates
the origin of identity through 62 poems, crafted to give the reader
a more-than-cursory view of the Mexican-American's status in this
country. . .Mora is careful to illustrate how important language can
be. When words are combined with the spirit of the land, the poet
reveals the secret of language's power. Because she is a native of
the southwestern United States, Mora translates that area into a
homeland that rises above borders and nationalities. There is an
indomitability accompanying that region, and it gives its people the
strength to survive." |
