Separate is Never Equal ~ Using Diverse Picture Books

Retrieved from Amazon.com

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation is a true story written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. The illustrations incorporate mixed media to enhance the depth of the images. Tonatiuh wrote that the book "is inspired by conversations I had with Sylvia Mendez in October 2012 and April 2013", and he utilized shortened dialogue from court transcripts to share an authentic retelling.

Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) is often viewed as the landmark decision by the Supreme Court regarding segregation in public schools; however seven years prior to this Sylvia Mendez's family filed a law suit against Westminster School District of Orange County (California) to challenge remedial schools for Mexican students.

Sylvia Mendez offers this short interview regarding her experiences: 

Sylvia and her family had moved to Westminster, CA for her family to own a farm. As a 3rd grader, she was a US citizen and spoke English, but the closest school to their home would not allow her and her siblings to enroll. Instead, they were directed to a remedial Mexican school that had a less stable building, fewer academic supplies, less qualified teachers, and domestic curriculum. Sylvia's father advocated for his children to attend the school closer to their home by addressing various administrators, but to no avail. Eventually, he was advised to file a lawsuit. Here is a book trailer from Texas Bluebonnet Award:

This story is important to share with students who are learning about the Civil Rights Movement because it adds an additional perspective. Some students have a misconception that the Civil Rights Movement promoted equal rights for only Blacks, but there are also the marginalized voices of those who were considered lower class during that time period: Hispanics, Native Americans, and others. It is also important to share with students that this case would have provided a precedent for the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. In this interview, Tonatiuh also explains that it's important to share this story because even though segregation is not allowed in public schools, there are still divides in education that make this story relevant. By sharing this book with students of all ages, we create an opportunity for students to not only learn a new perspective but also begin a dialogue of where they may see divisions in our education system.