Take a closer look at the powerful themes of this year’s citywide National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read. Explore the topics of social class, race, identity, and gender.
The House on Mango Street is a 1984 coming-of-age novel. It is told through a series of poetic vignettes and tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Chicana girl growing up in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago. Based, in part, on Cisneros’s own experience, the novel follows Esperanza, over the course of one year, as she enters adolescence and begins to face the realities of life as a young woman in a poor and patriarchal community.
The story explores elements of the Mexican-American culture and themes of poverty, race, gender, and the search for self-definition, as Esperanza dreams of a better life and a home of her own and goes on a journey to find her voice and power.
You can check out a copy of The House on Mango Street in person at one of our library locations or through the Hoopla app as an e-book.
If you are looking to read books with related subjects, be sure to check out our micro branches. Click the links below to discover titles that can be checked out in person or a selection of e-books available online 24/7.
Young Minds and Teen Picks
Our Young Minds micro branch includes a selection of books for children and teens that dive into the themes of immigration and finding home.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is this year’s companion read. It is a picture book that tells the story of the author’s own immigration from Mexico to the U.S. with her infant son. The book celebrates the resilience of immigrants and the power of your dreams, your hopes and history.
You can borrow Dreamers in-person.
Events at NHFPL
Bilingual Stay and Play / Quédate y Juega
Fair Haven Branch
Tuesday, May 19, 10:30-11:30 am
Join us for a special Bilingual Stay and Play to celebrate the NEA Big Read! We will read Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, then sing, play and craft with our library friends.
After-School Activity: Community Quilt
Wilson Branch
Tuesday, May 26, 3:30-5 pm
Join us for pizza and an inclusive discussion about identity, culture and home. We’ll eat, share, and listen while reflecting on what it means to belong to a community, all within the safe space of the library.
Big Read Stay and Play
Stetson Branch
Saturday, May 30, 10-11:30 am
Join us for a special story time and breakfast creating space for parents and caregivers to engage in conversation surrounding identity, culture and belonging while children play.
Wonderful Books and Where to Find Them
Ives Main Library
Saturday, June 6, 11-11:30 am
In June, we are celebrating Summer Reading Program’s theme (Plant a Seed, Read) AND the New Haven city-wide Big Read! We’ll read Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. Then, make a pouch to keep your library card in! Recommended for ages 3-8, with caregiver. Presented in partnership with Yale Affinity Groups.
Don’t Miss any of the NEA Big Read Events Happening Across New Haven!
Be sure to check out the Arts & Ideas website for a calendar of the NEA Big Read events relating to The House on Mango Street happening from April to June!
