California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera will share his new children's book about Hispanic American heroes with local youth next month, an event sponsored by the UC Merced Center for the Humanities and Merced County Library.
The event, focused on what it means to be a hero, will also feature local artist Edelweiss Pfister.
Herrera's new book, “Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes,” will be given to the first 35 families who register for the Nov. 10 event, which starts at 10:30 a.m. in the county library's Little Theatre.
The children's book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism and athletics.
“We often think of heroism as being exceptional or extraordinary, requiring special powers,” said Christina Lux, assistant director for the UC Merced Center for the Humanities. “But kids in our community make heroic choices every day. This program is designed to help them recognize those everyday acts of heroism among their friends, in their family, and in their community and to think about how heroic choices have developed great leaders.”
Herrera, who is originally from Fowler, is a creative writing professor at UC Riverside. Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him as the state’s poet laureate in 2012. His work has received wide critical acclaim including numerous national and international awards.
“Being a hero is when you put someone else or your community first without thinking of the benefits or costs for yourself. It is a split second decision when you jump into action to do what is right,” Merced County Librarian Amy Taylor said. “Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes shows how everyday people took a stand to make our world a better place. -This book will inspire you to find your passion and make a difference.”
After his receipt of the PEN Beyond Margins Award in 2009, the University of Arizona Press wrote, “For nearly four decades Juan Felipe Herrera has documented his experience as a Chicano in the United States and Latin America through stunning, memorable poetry that is both personal and universal in its impact, themes, and approach. Often political, never fainthearted, his career has been marked by tremendous virtuosity and a unique sensibility for uncovering the unknown and the unexpected.”
Families interested in attending can register at http://bit.ly/MercedCountyHeroes or in person at the Merced County Library at 2100 O St, Merced, CA 95340.
Email humanities@ucmerced.edu for more information.
