My Papi's Hands

Name: My Papi's Hands
ISBN: 9780316570374

by Melissa Seron Richardson

This heartwarming story celebrates a Latine father's hard work, illustrating how his hands build cities and strengthen his community. His daughter learns from his example, vowing to use her own hands

About This Book

My Papi's Hands is a beautiful, lyrical picture book that honors the dedication and love of Latine laborers through the eyes of a child. The story centers on a young girl who observes her Papi's strong hands, which build cities and contribute to their community 'piece by piece, día tras día.' This observation sparks a realization in her about her own potential and the power of her hands to create change. It's an empowering narrative about parental love, the dignity of labor, cultural pride, and the intergenerational transfer of values like perseverance and community building. Perfect for children aged 4-11, it offers rich opportunities for discussions about family, work, heritage, and making a difference.

In this lyrical and empowering tribute to Latine laborers, one child realizes how her Papi's love and labor make their community, home, and future stronger, and illustrates her vow to do the same--perfect for fans of SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM and MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE. My Papi's hands are bigger than mine...That's because they build cities piece by piece, día tras día. Because of my Papi's hands, I know what my hands can do. And together, our hands will build a brighter future, piece by piece, día tras día. With lyrical text and striking wood block illustrations, this heartwarming ode to parental love uses the metaphor of a father's labor to illustrate how manos poderosas can teach little hands how to create change within their community.

Concepts

Love & Family Resilience & Perseverance Empathy & Kindness Self-Confidence & Identity Teamwork & Collaboration Curiosity & Wonder Justice & Fairness Creativity & Imagination Joy & Gratitude Growing Up Cultural Identity Family & Siblings

Discussion Prompts

What kind of work does your Papi (or another grown-up you know) do with their hands? How does it help our family or community?

The book says Papi builds cities 'piece by piece, día tras día.' What does that mean? What are some big things that are built one small piece at a time?

The child in the story feels inspired by her Papi. What are some things you feel inspired to do with your hands to help others or make something new?

How does Papi's work make the community stronger? What does it mean to make a community stronger?

The book mentions 'manos poderosas.' What do you think that means, and how do Papi's hands show that power?

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