From School Library Journal
Grade 7-12-A solid presentation that updates and enhances previous titles on the subject. Though it lacks the compelling narrative of Brent Ashabranner's Dark Harvest (Shoe String, 1985) and the poignancy of S. Beth Atkin's Voices from the Fields (Little, 1993), Altman's treatment offers a wealth of well-documented statistical and political information within its chronological overview. Clearly sympathetic to the plight of farmworkers, the author analyzes and reports rather than pontificates. While Mexican farmworkers are given the most attention, many other ethnic groups, unions, and organizations are covered. Average-quality black-and-white photos and reproductions adequately break up the text. A book that complements existing titles well while offering broad coverage itself.
Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. Altman takes an in-depth look at the economic factors that created and support the migrant labor market in the U.S. Focusing on the labor demands of an evolving nation, opening chapters provide a chronological overview that travels from the period before the 1849 California gold rush to the founding of the United Migrant Farm Workers of America and the activities of Cesar Chavez. Black-and-white photographs break up dense blocks of text and give face to people in the movement. For report writers and interested readers, Altman includes chapter source notes and a short list of books for further reading. The documentation and the breadth of the story will make the book a solid addition to both media center and public library collections. Janice Del Negro
