A review by hereisenough
Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle

4.0

Bravo! does not read like poetry. Yes, the format is poetry, but I’d probably use this as a biographical text, rather than a study of poetry. That being said, the poem aspect makes biography feel very accessible; the reader receives glimpses into entire lives, synthesizing lifetimes into short and easy to read and retain descriptions. Bravo! is both valuable and beautiful, though. The art fills whole pages with vibrant, warm, and lively depictions of people. It reminds me of stained glass windows: realistic, but warm, friendly, but awe inspiring. In terms of content, this book covers so many incredible and different people I have never heard of, working in art, science, politics, and more. One can not only learn about people and untold moments in history, but also learn that “Hispanic” is a broad word, covering many areas, and not restricted to a certain skin tone. Representation is important, and in such a white washed American history, I was pleasantly shocked that so many Hispanic people have been actively involved and valued in American politics and organizations. This book opens the ranges of possibility for readers to envision themselves in many realms.