Pablo Neruda: Poeta del pueblo/Poet of the People

Gr 1-3–As a child, Neftalí Reyes Basoalto appreciated and loved the beauty of the world around him. He began to write poems about the things he loved, using the pseudonym Pablo Neruda to avoid reproach from his father. As Neruda grew and his poems began to reach people all over the world, he used his words to shine a light on the injustice in Chile and the difficult lives of its people. Because of the attention this brought to leaders in his country, the poet was forced to flee his home, but he continued to share these stories with the world. Vibrant illustrations overflow with color and bring Neruda’s world to life. Each page features words and names of poets and writers that appear to rise out of the mountains, roads, trees, seas, and homes. The bilingual text perfectly conveys Neruda’s wish to help the children of Chile, and is a revelatory journey into his life, interests, and search for justice.