Bronze, International Latino Book Awards, Most Inspirational Nonfiction Book
Gold Medal, International Latino Book Awards, Mimi Lozano Best Family History Book
Gold Medal, International Latino Book Awards, Dolores Huerta Best Cultural & Community Themed Book
A Kansas Notable Book
Las Madres is an incredible story of generational resilience and transformation with family and community at its heart. Dennis Raphael Garcia deftly writes the tale of three generations of women in his family, recounting the difficult challenges each of them faced in their lifetimes as they pursued the same goal—the advancement of the well-being of their families from poverty to success.
Las Madres focuses on Candelaria Garcia, who was born in Mexico; her daughter Rafaela; and Rafaela's daughter Irene, the author's mother. Each of these Latina women followed a separate path on their journey to security and freedom from want. Though they traveled with apprehension and uncertainty into unknown places and arenas, they were courageous, patient, and steadfast in their pursuit.
Las Madres dispels any notion that immigrants and their families who come to the United States are given a life of ease. Very few people living on the high plains of Kansas in 1900 had it easy, especially Mexican railroad workers and their families. Their journeys remind readers that there is no one true path to achieve an end. Las Madres will inspire readers, especially Latina women, to continue the pursuit of their dreams.