Jessie de la Cruz: A Profile of a United Farm Worker

"Jessie de la Cruz: A Profile of a United Farm Worker" chronicles the remarkable life of Jessie De La Cruz, the first female organizer of the United Farm Workers (UFW), through the empathetic narrative of acclaimed author Gary Soto. Published on October 1, 2002, this young adult biography delves into Jessie's experiences from the tender age of five as a field worker, illustrating the severe poverty, exploitation, and harsh conditions that she and her fellow workers endured. Driven by a relentless desire for justice, Jessie's journey from a laborer to a pivotal figure in the labor movement encapsulates themes of economic justice, gender equality, and racial justice. Her roles ranged from leading strikes to advocating for the ban of the debilitating short-handle hoe, all while becoming an influential delegate to the Democratic National Convention. This book not only highlights an individual's capacity to drive monumental change but also serves as a source of inspiration for middle school readers to understand the power of resilience and activism in shaping a more equitable society.