Calling the Doves/El canto de las palomas

Immerse yourself in the vibrant memoir "Calling the Doves/El canto de las palomas" by Juan Felipe Herrera, a heartfelt recount of his early years as the child of migrant farmworkers. Published in 2001, this bilingual masterpiece offers a rare, uplifting glimpse into a life that, despite its hardships, is rich in culture, family, and tradition. Herrera's narrative flows beautifully as he describes the simple pleasures of eating under the vast sky, the spirited festivities among farm families, and the soothing sounds of his mother’s Mexican songs intertwined with his father calling the doves. This book not only provides elementary school readers with a profound understanding of immigrant rights and racial justice but does so through a lens of joy and familial love—making it a significant departure from the often grim accounts of the migrant experience. Engage with this inspiring story and reflect on the resilience and solidarity that shape the lives of many immigrants in our communities.