Muriel Stanek (1915–2005)

This book was about a little girl who speaks English for her Spanish speaking mother. The story is told by the little girl talking about their daily routines and how everywhere she goes with her mother she has to speak for her and translate. At one point in the book she talks about how when she’s just trying to be a kid playing with her friends, but her mom needs her right then to go with her to the dentist to speak for her. This story was so touching in. Way to see a daughter really be there for her mother. At one point her mother’s job at a Spanish speaking factory was letting people go, so she decided that she needed to start learning English in order to get a better job to support her and her daughter. So in the end she starts going to high classes to learn English. You see that the daughter was proud of her and even felt that she will miss speaking for her, but will be happy to have her mom speak on her own. I’ve found in the real world that i see a lot of young kids helping their parents talk to their teachers and to other people. It breaks my heart, but at the same time I think it’s also something very important.… (more)

"I Speak English for My Mom" is about a little girl named Lupe and her mother. Lupe speaks and understands English and Spanish, while her mom only speaks and understands Spanish, causing Lupe to translate for her mother in many different situations. Lupe and her mother take every day as it comes and try their best to help one another. Eventually, Lupe's mother comes to the conclusion that she needs to find another job to better support themselves and decides to learn English to better her chances of getting it. Overall, this story is great for children to read because it dives into the subject of parents coming to the United States for a better life for their children and some of the hardships they may go through. Many people go through similar situations that Lupe and her mother deal with, showing how hard it can be to adjust to a new country and the challenges that can come with it for the parent and child. This story also hits close to home because of how my parents came to the United States for a better life for us. I have translated for my parents ever since I could remember and have gone through very similar situations that she has gone through, so I feel connected to Lupe and relate to her. "I Speak English for My Mom" is a very important read for children because it gives them an insight on this kind of diversity and helps children that are going through this know that they're not alone.… (more)