Book Rec: The Boy From Mexico Becomes a Farmworker
The Boy From Mexico Becomes a Farmworker is a picture book written and illustrated by Edward Dennis. It is part of a three-book series and was published in October 2024.
Set in California, it tells the story of Luz, a man who works in the fields as a farmworker. Luz helps with all aspects of the crops, working tirelessly throughout the year.
“Luz can do it all, from planting to growing and even picking.
Heavy machinery, tractors in all shapes, tools in all sizes.”
First Impressions
This book reminded me of my family’s journey in the U.S. Like Luz, my ancestors worked in various aspects of farmwork in California. My paternal grandparents followed the crops in the 1940s, moving temporarily throughout Northern and Southern California, setting up in camps, depending on where the work was. My maternal great-grandmother packed oranges at the Anaheim Packing House in the 1940s and early 1950s.
I think a lot of kids (and adults) reading this book can relate to Luz’s story—either by having firsthand experience with family members who were/are farmworkers, or by living in an area where farmworkers are prominent in the community. And the illustrations vibrantly showcase California agriculture through Luz’s story.
It is actually surprising that there are not more picture books about farmworkers, given the vastness of agriculture in California. (Farming commodities in California represent over a third of the vegetables and nearly three quarters of the fruits and nuts in the U.S. Likewise, there are hundreds of thousands of farmworkers that help keep the industry running.)
The Journey
The story begins in the produce section of a grocery store. It tracks the journey of how produce, such as avocados, arrives on store shelves.
Following Luz in his daily life, he keeps his family nearby as they follow the harvest. He takes on all kinds of responsibilities as a farmworker. Luz works through the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
“Before anyone else wakes up, Luz is already working in the fields.”
The reader gets a peek behind the curtain on the work involved in farming avocados and other produce available at the grocery store.
Why I Like This Book
In addition to relating to my own family history, I like how the story focuses on the positive aspects of Luz’s work. Farmwork is no doubt difficult labor, and it is often overlooked in mainstream society. This is an easy-to-follow picture book story that shows Luz’s work ethic, integrity, and dreams for his family (with beautiful artwork to accompany it).
Luz sees the benefit of it all. Farmwork provides income for his family, and he feels connected with the land. He is helping others. He doesn’t complain, he just does what needs to be done. This is something so common in immigrant families. Doing hard work for the dreams of future generations.
I remember passing by strawberry fields as a child, and my dad looking over at the fields and telling me, “That is back-breaking labor.” Farmworkers bent over to pick strawberries from the ground, day in and day out. Along with stories of family history, I knew from an early age that this should not be taken for granted.
This book gives voice and representation for the people behind the food America eats that can be shared with the littles. I would have loved to read this story as a kid.
And now, around the holidays, when families across the country are making delicious meals with the produce that was grown and picked by farmworkers, I can say I am beyond grateful for farmworkers (and this book in the world)!
Where To Find More
Learn more about the author of The Boy From Mexico Becomes a Farmworker at https://www.theboyfrommexico.com/
Buy The Boy From Mexico Becomes a Farmworker at a local bookstore near you or online at our Bookshop
Marcella Lopez is a freelance authenticity/sensitivity reader, copyeditor, and writer based in San Diego, CA. She is a Mexican American woman, born and raised in Southern California. She loves hanging with her golden retriever and watching the beautiful game of fútbol. IG: @marcellalopezeditorial | Work with Marcella