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Free to Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School
From the author of the award-winning The Youngest Marcher comes a picture book about the true story of Alfredo Lopez, an undocumented boy involved in a landmark Supreme Court case that still ensures children’s right to education today.
Alfredo Lopez has so many questions before starting second grade! Will his friends be in his class? Will his teacher speak Spanish? But then his parents tell him that he has to stay home, and Alfredo’s questions change. Why can’t he go to school with the other kids? And why is his family going to the courthouse?
In 1977, the school district of Tyler, Texas, informed parents that, unless they could provide proof of citizenship, they would have to pay for their children to attend public school. Four undocumented families fought back in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Alfredo was one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe , which made a difference for children all over the country for years to come.
Alfredo Lopez has so many questions before starting second grade! Will his friends be in his class? Will his teacher speak Spanish? But then his parents tell him that he has to stay home, and Alfredo’s questions change. Why can’t he go to school with the other kids? And why is his family going to the courthouse?
In 1977, the school district of Tyler, Texas, informed parents that, unless they could provide proof of citizenship, they would have to pay for their children to attend public school. Four undocumented families fought back in a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Alfredo was one of the students involved in Plyler v. Doe , which made a difference for children all over the country for years to come.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 11, 2024
The picture book “Free to Learn” chronicles the life of Alfredo Lopez a little boy who journeys from Mexico to Texas with the desire to attend school. Alfredo often stays home and watches his friends and neighbors head to school but he asks his mother if he can go she avoids answering. Alfredo’s family are undocumented immigrants and in simple terms, it’s explained that a law prevents him from attending school.
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Eventually, the family heads to court to argue their case. They explain how difficult it is to live in Mexico, where it is impossible to survive because there are no jobs. Alfredo’s mother explains that her job in the US slicing thorns off roses is tough work but it’s better than not being able to sustain a family. Later, Alfredo is allowed to attend school in a landmark judicial decision in Texas.
The narrative of the picture book “Free to Learn” captures the entirety of Alfredo’s experience, focusing on his universal longing to be included and the right to learn with his peers. It’s a really simple desire and in the 1970’s, it was nearly impossible for undocumented immigrant children to attend school. With colorful illustrations “Free to Learn” successfully bridges the gap between the huge impact of a court case and the personal aspirations of Alfredo, making it accessible for young readers to read and digest the meaning of wanting to pursue education.
Cynthia Levinson authored a down-to-earth story with a relatable approach, with the book chronicling the real-life story of Alfredo Lopez. His case impacted millions while highlighting his simple desire to attend school and learn alongside his peers. Mirelle Ortega’s illustrations are simple but brightly colored and focus on Alfredo’s experience of feeling lonely and confused about not being able to attend school.
For those wanting to know the background of the actual case, “Free to Learn” has a summary of the Plyler v Doe case on which this book is based and some background on Judge William Walter Justice who eventually presided over the case.
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission for items purchased.
Eventually, the family heads to court to argue their case. They explain how difficult it is to live in Mexico, where it is impossible to survive because there are no jobs. Alfredo’s mother explains that her job in the US slicing thorns off roses is tough work but it’s better than not being able to sustain a family. Later, Alfredo is allowed to attend school in a landmark judicial decision in Texas.
The narrative of the picture book “Free to Learn” captures the entirety of Alfredo’s experience, focusing on his universal longing to be included and the right to learn with his peers. It’s a really simple desire and in the 1970’s, it was nearly impossible for undocumented immigrant children to attend school. With colorful illustrations “Free to Learn” successfully bridges the gap between the huge impact of a court case and the personal aspirations of Alfredo, making it accessible for young readers to read and digest the meaning of wanting to pursue education.
Cynthia Levinson authored a down-to-earth story with a relatable approach, with the book chronicling the real-life story of Alfredo Lopez. His case impacted millions while highlighting his simple desire to attend school and learn alongside his peers. Mirelle Ortega’s illustrations are simple but brightly colored and focus on Alfredo’s experience of feeling lonely and confused about not being able to attend school.
For those wanting to know the background of the actual case, “Free to Learn” has a summary of the Plyler v Doe case on which this book is based and some background on Judge William Walter Justice who eventually presided over the case.
April 20, 2024
A Must Read! Undocumented immigrant children deserve an education. This issue in the 1970’s went all the way from Tyler, Texas to the US Supreme Court. Alfredo Lopez is a little boy couldn’t go to school until his parents and a few other brave families fought a law that would require undocumented students to pay to go to public school at a price most would not have been able to afford. Levinson did a great job of showing the turmoil a confused little boy who didn’t understand why he couldn’t go to school like his friends and the bravery of the parents in fighting for their son’s education despite their fears. The illustrations by Mirelle Ortega beautifully capture the bright personality of Alfredo and all the emotions the family goes through in the quest of the right of all children to go to school. I didn’t know anything about this important issue and all of us who care about the potential of every child and their desire and need for education, should share this book. The back matter and author’s notes give important information, including that the author spend many hours talking with the Lopez family and with their permission used their real names.
May 30, 2024
A very human immigration story wrapped in a kid-friendly picture book narrative.
Cynthia Levinson is arguably one of the best social justice writers for young readers. In Free to Learn, a historical fiction picture book for ages 5 and up, young Alfredo Lopez and his family flee to the United States for work opportunities. Once settled in their new Tyler home, Alfredo longs to go to school, but when Texas institutes a new law that forbids undocumented children, specifically from Mexico and not others, from attending school, a decision is made to challenge the state in court. Ultimately, the Texas law is deemed unconstitutional. At last, Alfredo and other undocumented kids can go to school! ----------- Though the narrative is fictionalized, the characters and events of the story are factual. Levinson humanizes the immigrant experiences by establishing motivations, emotions, and the gravity of justice. This book will enlighten readers, spark conversations, and inspire greater empathy. Excellent!
Cynthia Levinson is arguably one of the best social justice writers for young readers. In Free to Learn, a historical fiction picture book for ages 5 and up, young Alfredo Lopez and his family flee to the United States for work opportunities. Once settled in their new Tyler home, Alfredo longs to go to school, but when Texas institutes a new law that forbids undocumented children, specifically from Mexico and not others, from attending school, a decision is made to challenge the state in court. Ultimately, the Texas law is deemed unconstitutional. At last, Alfredo and other undocumented kids can go to school! ----------- Though the narrative is fictionalized, the characters and events of the story are factual. Levinson humanizes the immigrant experiences by establishing motivations, emotions, and the gravity of justice. This book will enlighten readers, spark conversations, and inspire greater empathy. Excellent!
May 29, 2024
Alfredo Lopez is so excited to be starting the second grade! However, he cannot go to school because he is in the country illegally. Unfortunately, a new state law prohibits undocumented children from being educated. His family takes his case before a judge (and eventually all the way to the Supreme Court) to fight to get Alfredo back in school.
This was an engaging biographical account of the Plyler v. Doe (1977) case in Tyler, TX. I wasn’t familiar with the history, and especially with my background in education, it was interesting to see the long ranging implications of this landmark court case. I argue that it’s advisable, because it could be used in history classes or ELA classes in units that deal with immigration, but it is going to be one that adults love more than kids. Still, it could be a good mentor text for writing a personal narrative comparing their experience with education with Alfredo’s.
This was an engaging biographical account of the Plyler v. Doe (1977) case in Tyler, TX. I wasn’t familiar with the history, and especially with my background in education, it was interesting to see the long ranging implications of this landmark court case. I argue that it’s advisable, because it could be used in history classes or ELA classes in units that deal with immigration, but it is going to be one that adults love more than kids. Still, it could be a good mentor text for writing a personal narrative comparing their experience with education with Alfredo’s.
September 25, 2024
This is the fictional story of Alfredo, an undocumented boy in TX who was told that he did not have the right to go to school. He was so sad and his parents were very upset as education was part of the reason they had left Mexico. They took the case to court and it went all the way to the Supreme Court, which said Alfredo DID have the right to an education! Based on the real court case of Plyler v Doe.
This is so important to remember as immigration continues to be such a hot button topic and as students so often groan about "having" to go to school, especially as they get older. I appreciated the additional back matter that told more about the actual court case that the story is based on.
This is so important to remember as immigration continues to be such a hot button topic and as students so often groan about "having" to go to school, especially as they get older. I appreciated the additional back matter that told more about the actual court case that the story is based on.
June 19, 2024
Alfredo was so excited for school to start. But then he wasn't able to go and Ama wouldn't explain why. Each day, he watched his best friend head to school, looking forlornly out the window. Texas had passed a law that undocumented children must pay a large fee to go to school. His parents decided to fight back. Joining several other families, they took the case to court. Their lawyer argued (using the 14th Amendment) that excluding undocumented children of Mexican decent from school (especially while allowing other undocumented children of other national origins to attend) was unconstitutional. Eventually, they won the case and Alfredo was able to go to school!
June 11, 2024
The fictionalized tribute to a landmark case from the 1970s that secured education for undocumented students. With appealing illustrations and kid-directed text, this book is a good one to share with young learners about kids who have fought for the right to education. Backmatter for adults will help continue a discussion about this important issue.
April 22, 2024
This is an important book that tells the story of the legal battle for the right to a free public education for all children. Especially now, it also provides insight into the immigrant experience. Levinson explains the law in easy to understand ways. Recommended.
May 20, 2024
Nonfiction picture book about historic discriminatory laws in Texas that kept undocumented children from being able to attend school and the fight to change them, told through the eyes of a child. Learned a lot!
August 19, 2024
I loved this book so much. It really humanizes an issue that is, at its heart, truly a human issue. How we treat people who were born elsewhere and what rights they should have. Beautifully written and illustrated.
January 8, 2024
Great informational book, told from a child's perspective.
April 15, 2024
Didn't flow very well, I thought I was missing pages.
July 15, 2024
Such an important story!
The chronology of the book was confusing for me at first, so it is probably confusing for children, too. But other than, an accessible and beautifully illustrated story.
The chronology of the book was confusing for me at first, so it is probably confusing for children, too. But other than, an accessible and beautifully illustrated story.
September 16, 2024
Dear Cynthia,
I want you to know that Free To Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School written by you with images by Mirelle Ortega was read to all my fifth grade classes last Friday and one fourth grade class on Thursday. The fourth grade students gave it a huge thumbs up. You could have heard a pin drop during and after I finished with each of the fifth grade classes. We will discuss it more this week. This book is excellent in words and art in explaining a historic case which is still relevant today, if not more so. It shows the power of our Constitution and its amendments, in this case, the Fourteenth Amendment. Thank you for writing this and for the extensive back matter.
I want you to know that Free To Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School written by you with images by Mirelle Ortega was read to all my fifth grade classes last Friday and one fourth grade class on Thursday. The fourth grade students gave it a huge thumbs up. You could have heard a pin drop during and after I finished with each of the fifth grade classes. We will discuss it more this week. This book is excellent in words and art in explaining a historic case which is still relevant today, if not more so. It shows the power of our Constitution and its amendments, in this case, the Fourteenth Amendment. Thank you for writing this and for the extensive back matter.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews