Historical Fiction for 7th through 12th Grade - A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazar

A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazar

Springfield-Greene County Library (SGCL)'s catalog lists this book as juvenile fiction.

Recommended target age group are ages eight to 12, grades fourth through sixth, and will be included in results when searching California Grape Strike, agricultural workers, strikes and lockouts, and Mexican Americans. 

Salazar's work follows Lula Viramontes and her family as they endure back-breaking work as migrant farm workers during grape harvest season near Delano, California.  Lula does not want to be a migrant worker forever, and yearns to become a circus ringleader - with many present and future obstacles including acting as a surrogate mother to her younger siblings, caring for her often ill mother, and avoiding her hot-tempered father.  However, a chance meeting will initiate events affecting her and her family's fates.

I chose A Seed in the Sun due to my interest, and degree in history, and this is an era in which I am not overly familiar.  Secondly, it combines two genres: novel in verse, and historical fiction.  Third, in the current environment of inclusiveness and diversity, I felt this work exemplified these two traits.

For this review, style and language, pacing, and setting will be critiqued.

The style and language changes depending on usage within specific settings; as this is a novel in verse combined with historical fiction, these are critical plot elements.  In some circumstances, the words read like most poetry works, while in others, lines are shortened to emphasize tension - obstacles to a better life described by walking a weed-lined path to school (Salazer, 2022).  Salazer uses different techniques when telling a story to familiarize readers with people or environments (i.e., union organization meetings, family home), or centers text when defying striking workers (scabs) in order to provide for her family.

I would categorize this story's pacing as moderate for in places, readers sense a slower pace, such as working in the fields, or at organization meetings, when one is absorbing many details.  Other times, a faster pace is detected in tense environments such as when the family patriarch's temper is evident.  The combined pacing movements entice readers to continue reading the story to its next chapter, or conclusion - will Lula and her family receive better treatment and wages, or will more obstacles emerge?

The title A Seed in the Sun is metaphorical in respect to the Viramontes as the grapes are in the sun, so is the family enduring sweltering conditions trying to earn money.  Three settings a predominant in this story: the family home, the grape fields, and when attempting to unionize.  Each setting is critical - enticing readers to continue, as the unique environments add depth to the characters, particularly Lula, and as each chapter passes, one juxtaposes symbols of their current plight along with signs of hope.

Kirkus Reviews. (2022). A Seed in the Sun cover image. A SEED IN THE SUN - Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 2, 2024, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/aida-salazar/a-seed-in-the-sun/.

Salazar, A. (2022). A seed in the sun. Dial Books for Young Readers.