Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor - American Library Association (ALA) The powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies. All year long Chico and his family move up and down the state of California picking fruits and vegetables. Every September they pick grapes and Chico starts at a new school again. Often other children pick on him - maybe because he is always new or maybe because he speaks Spanish sometimes. Chico's first day in third grade turns out to be different. His teacher likes him right away, and she and his classmates are quick to recognize his excellent math skills. He may even get to go to the math fair! When the fourth-grade bullies confront Chico in the lunchroom, he responds wisely with strengths of his own. Readers of all backgrounds will relate to Chico's bravery and the creative way he finds to resolve conflict. This story of personal triumph is a testament to the inner strength in all of us. "[Chico's] story will resonate with migrant students and those who have moved frequently. For others, it's an insightful glimpse of another way of life and reminder that different kids have different talents." -- Booklist "Realistic watercolor, pastel, and colored-pencil illustrations portray Chico's emotions as he moves from school to school, attempts to make new friends, and struggles with bullies. . . This title could serve as a launching point for discussions about the migrant experience, bullying, and even where food comes from." -- Book Links "Chico's success story is cheering, and will be useful in introducing some of the issues facing migrant kids." -- Kirkus Reviews "[ First Day in Grapes ] sheds light on the life of migrant children in a poignant, balanced manner." -- School Library Journal "[ First Day in Grapes ] was exceptional because the child being bullied was not a victim and did not behave as a victim. His response was clear, honest and effective." -- Sherryll Kraizer, Ph.D. Author, Take A Stand Program, The Safe Child Book safechild.org L. King Perez has won many awards for her fiction and poetry. In addition to writing, she accompanies visiting authors to their appearances around Dayton, Ohio, where she and her husband live. Pérez based the story of Chico in First Day in Grapes on her husband's experiences growing up as a migrant child in California. Robert Casilla is the illustrator of several books in Holiday House's A Picture Book... biography series, as well as many award-winning books, including Jalapeño Bagels (ALA Notable; Atheneum), Daddy Poems (Children's Choices; Boyds Mills), and The Little Painter of Sabana Grande (Reading Rainbow Book; Bradbury). A full-time illustrator, Casilla earned his BFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He lives in Yonkers, New York, with his wife and their two children. To find out more about Robert Casilla, visit his Web site: www.robertcasilla.com.