Farmworker's Daughter: Growing Up Mexican in America

Teens will be moved and inspired by Rose Castillo Guilbault's memoir, "Farmworker's Daughter: Growing Up Mexican in America" (Heyday Books, $11.95 paperback). The chapters in this richly detailed book arose from a series of essays first published in the San Francisco Chronicle. Guilbault is best known as an award-winning broadcast and print journalist who now is vice president of corporate affairs at the Automobile Association of America of Northern California. Her memoir recounts the intellectual, cultural and emotional trek from her youth in the border town of Nogales, Mexico, to growing up in California's Salinas Valley. Guilbault fights bigotry, economic hardship and sexism. She eventually finds success in the world of words -- although the phrase "I can't" has no place in her vocabulary. [This review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's beautiful, descriptive passages. It is a very touching personal story, told through the eyes of a young Mexican-American girl, as she struggles to assimilate into a new culture and new life in California. Please read this book to better understand the Mexican-American experience, and to appreciate the sacrifices and struggles made by people trying to assimilate into another culture. I know you will love this book as much as I did!

This book intimately shares the life and observances of a young girl who is growing up in America while straddling two cultures. It's a poignant tribute to the everyday lives of hardworking family members who continue to celebrate their Mexican roots while pursuing the American dream - a compelling read!

A book must capture my attention on the first page and keep my interest throughout. The Farmworker's Daughter: Growing Up Mexican in America did just that and more! The author captured her young life on paper in an amazing manner! I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I was heartfelt! This is an easy read and one that I will pick up again and again just to relive the charm. WONDERFUL BOOK!! Wanda Raney, Hayes, VA

I read this lovely book in one evening; I could not put it down. Castillo Guilbault writes with obvious affection of her childhood in Mexico and in California, and the book (like Francisco Jimenez's popular "Breaking Through") gave me new insights into the Mexican-American experience, especially in California (very interesting to me as a native Californian and a college instructor who has taught courses in Californian Literature and the California Dream). I am considering ordering this book for my beginning English students to read next semester, as I think many of them will relate to the story and that all of them will enjoy it.