Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War

Dive into the stirring narrative of "Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War," where Duncan Tonatiuh, a celebrated author and illustrator, brings to life the heroic struggles and achievements of José de la Luz Sáenz. Born in the U.S. but often confronted with prejudice due to his Mexican heritage, Luz dedicated himself to educating both children and adults within his community. His service extended to the battlefields of World War I, where his linguistic skills proved crucial, though recognition for his efforts was frequently denied due to racial biases. Undeterred, Luz returned to Texas and helped establish the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a pivotal organization in the fight for Latinx civil rights. Published on September 3, 2019, this book is not only a 2020 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book and a 2020 Association of Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book, but also an essential resource for elementary school readers exploring themes of racial justice and immigrant rights. Through Tonatiuh’s unique illustrations and excerpts from Luz’s wartime diaries, young readers will find a powerful model of resilience and advocacy.