CSUF Alumna Dedicates
Book to Education Faculty
Book is being considered for the Tomas
Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, presented
annually for the top children’s book that authentically
reflects the lives of Mexican-American children in the U.S.
May 19, 2005
By Valerie Orleans
“Not only did I receive a wonderful education
from the faculty at Cal State Fullerton, I received self-confidence,
a greater understanding of how children learn, and the desire
to mentor student teachers,” said author and alumna
Jane Medina, whose recently published children’s book,
The Dream on Blanca’s Wall, is dedicated to
faculty members in the College of Education.
An elementary school teacher for 28 years,
Medina completed her master’s degree in education in
1999. “Prior to starting my master’s, I transferred
to a school that segregated English learners into classes
that only taught ESL...no other subjects. I was shocked that
my 9- and 10-year-old students couldn’t read,”
she said. “I was incensed that they were considered
second-class citizens, consigned to separate and unequal classrooms.”
A desire to “understand the injustice”
these children suffered led to Medina earning her graduate
degree, as well as writing poetry about her students’
struggles.
Those experiences also led to the publication
of her first book, My Name is Jorge: On Both Sides of
the River, about a young boy.
Her second book focuses on Blanca, who wants
to be a teacher but has noticed that none of the teachers
in her school are brown-skinned like she is. The story culminates
when a Hispanic student-teacher arrives and Blanca learns
that she can indeed follow her dream. The book is being considered
for the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book
Award, presented annually for the top children’s book
that authentically reflects the lives of Mexican-American
children in the U.S.
Boyds Mill Press published both books.
“I wanted to dedicate this book to the
faculty at Cal State Fullerton because of their belief in
me,” she said. “I think every student deserves
to be encouraged by at least one teacher. I was in my 40s
before I found the teachers to encourage me. I am so thankful
to them.”
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