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Separate is Never Equal
Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation
Separate Is Never Equal is a powerful picture book telling the true story of Sylvia Mendez and her family’s experience in California segregated schools almost ten years before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. The Mendez family led local organizing efforts that improved education outcomes for all students. Their story encourages us to believe in the potential of all kids. To encourage conversation with children about the book’s themes, our team is including this bilingual reading discussion guide with your order.
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Year of Publishing: 2014
Number of Pages: 40
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Reviews
claplaca (verified owner) –
Wonderful!
nunnj (verified owner) –
So excited to utilize this book in the classroom! Thank you!
cynthiaalyssag (verified owner) –
This is a great story full of rich culture that kids need to hear. Love it!
Ellen Balkovec (verified owner) –
so excited for this book, thank you
cduarte (verified owner) –
Such a great book with a great message!
stokesfolks (verified owner) –
This is a beautiful, high-quality book. I enjoyed the unusual style of art which combined collage and digital painting. Although I grew up in the same area as Sylvia, I never heard anything about this historical event. It was very educational.
Nicole Owens (verified owner) –
For a child’s book, it requires a longer attention span as it’s fairly long story. Overall, message is beautiful and important!
MCalvert123 (verified owner) –
Through compelling illustrations and accessible language, the book highlights the courage and perseverance of a family in the face of injustice.
Heather Duering (verified owner) –
A beautiful book, Duncan Tonathiuh never disappoints. Can’t wait to use the discussion guide in my classroom!
Lindseyloo (verified owner) –
Dutch s good quality book and the art was great! Long story but great message!!
Kodabearbaby (verified owner) –
very good book
kitoread (verified owner) –
Great way to tell such a powerful story to the younger population.
sueone (verified owner) –
Beautiful book, excellent read for all not just children
Cece Martin (verified owner) –
Great read! My almost 7 year old could understand it and it sparked a great conversation
tahermarpe (verified owner) –
This was a powerful book to read to my child. I liked that it showed the Hispanic struggle that this culture faces and how they are a strong nation.
stormiautumn (verified owner) –
I was not able to finish the book. I hope that it provided an opportunity for learning and growth but the first couple of pages made me so uncomfortable that I chose not to read further.
eweber23 (verified owner) –
Such an incredible book. I really like how the author approached and made it very relatable with the images and content for all students.
alyssakornbrath (verified owner) –
Great book for elementary age kids
Dr. Vicky Roller (verified owner) –
Separate Is Never Equal tells the powerful true story of Sylvia Mendez and her family’s fight to desegregate schools in California years before Brown v. Board of Education. Duncan Tonatiuh blends engaging storytelling with his signature folk-art–inspired illustrations to show how one family’s courage changed history.
The book makes an important piece of American history accessible to young readers, highlighting themes of justice, perseverance, and equity. It’s an excellent resource for classrooms and families alike, sparking meaningful conversations about civil rights and the ongoing struggle for equality in education.
SMohler (verified owner) –
This book is a wonderful and insightful way to teach children about segregation and how it impacts people everywhere.
LRoundy (verified owner) –
This book is great for both kids and adults. Very educational about a lesser known story in the fight for equal educational opportunities.
Robert Davis (verified owner) –
This book puts a useful perspective on race equality.
Blibertad (verified owner) –
Beautiful book. Will share with my 5 year old.
ashleyfaye (verified owner) –
This book is written wonderfully and with beautiful pictures. It helps readers learn about desegregation in the public schools. Even though it’s a picture book, its content and the number of words per page is geared towards older readers such as upper elementary or middle school. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has adolescent children or for teachers as it’s written in an interesting way to draw in that age range and is a fun way to educate them in some important lessons in history.
tlslibrary (verified owner) –
Very good read with a strong message for youth.
Mayra Navarro (verified owner) –
This is great to let students know that everyone should feel excluded and are worth the same
Mayra Navarro (verified owner) –
This is great to let students know that everyone should feel excluded and are worth the same and treat others with dignity
Sage Halvorson (verified owner) –
Good book for children to read and to learn about the history of this country.
Ainslee Pressly (verified owner) –
This was a wonderful book about segregation, prejudice, injustice, and inequality. Even as an adult, reading it, I learned many new things, not realizing that this story occurred before the Brown v. Board of Education decision. While the story teaches wonderful lessons, some concepts may be too difficult for young listeners and may not keep their interest.
Giselle Naranjo-Nelson (verified owner) –
This was a great conversation about how things were before with my son. We were able to speak about the experience of people that looked like us.
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