Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Born of Mexican parents, Ofelia Dumas Lachtman is a native of Los Angeles, California, where she still lives. She attended Los Angeles City schools, including Log Angeles City College and a brief stint at UCLA, which she left for marriage and a move to Riverside, California. She has a son and a daughter.
During World War II, Lachtman worked as a medical stenographer. Later when her two children were grown, she became a group worker and eventually the executive director of the West Los Angeles-Beverly Hills YWCA.
Her first publication was at age twelve when her work appeared in an anthology of children's poetry. She is the author of a bilinugal children's picture book, Pepita Talks Twice/Pepita habla dos veces (Arte Público Press/Piñata Books, 1995), two novels for young adults, The Girl from Playa Blanca (Arte Público Press/Piñata Books, 1995), the recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award for best young adult novel, and Campfire Dreams (Harlequin, 1987), which has been translated into French and German, and a novel for adults, A Shell for Angela (Arte Público Press, 1995).
She is a member of PEN International, The Society of Children's Book Writers and Sisters in Crime.
Reviews
Big Enough/Bastante grandeOfelia Dumas Lachtman
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sánchez
La Paloma, a special piñata with a carved wooden head, is all that the family has left of Papa. The piñata hangs in the restaurant run by Lupita's mother. Lupita wants to help, but she is always told that she isn't big enough; one day when her mother's helper is out, Lupita dons an apron and starts to carry a load of dirty dishes, but she drops the tray. Shamed and hidden from view, she sees Mr. Grubb steal La Paloma. Thanks to Lupita's quick wits and speed, she is able to help her Mama and the police chief catch the thief. Everyone then agrees that Lupita is "big enough." A story that most kids will relate to as they fantasize about being big enough to do many things. A bilingual story (Spanish/English). 1998, Piñata /Arte Público, Ages 4 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-55885-221-2
The Girl from Playa Blanca
Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Elena Vargas and her little brother Carlos leave their aunt's house in the Mexican seaside village of Playa Blanca to find their father in Los Angeles after he abruptly stops writing to them. In Los Angeles, they are unable to locate their father or anyone with information as to his whereabouts. However, with her ability to speak English very well, Elena is hired by a wealthy Mexican-American family. As she works to solve the mystery regarding her father, Elena finds adventures, surprises, enemies, and even love. Girls will relate well to Elena as she sorts out the pieces of the mystery and establishes her own identity. 1995, Piñata Books, Ages 12 to 16, $14.95 and $7.95. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 1-55885-148-8
ISBN: 1-55885-149-6
Leticia's Secret
Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
This poignant work by the award-winning Dumas Lachtman follows the story of two cousins, Rosario and Leticia, and their journey through childhood illness. Every time Leticia visits eleven-year-old Rosario and her family, the adults treat Leticia like a princess, they whisper a lot, but they never provide any explanation. At first, Rosario's imagination comes up with a variety of reasons for Leticia's puzzling visits: Perhaps Leticia is trying out for the movies, or maybe television commercials. Perhaps she's going to become famous! The shocking truth about Leticia's visits is finally revealed to Rosario just as the girls are becoming best friends, and together they must face life's most heartbreaking turn. 1997, Pinata Books, Ages 9 to 13, $7.95. Reviewer: Catherine Campbell Wright
ISBN: 1-55885-209-3
Pepita Talks Twice / Pepita habla dos veces
Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Pepita is tired of people who ask for her help because she can speak both Spanish and English. She wants to get home before her brother Juan so she can teach her dog Lobo a new trick. Therefore, she decides she no longer will speak Spanish. However, she later realizes the importance of speaking two languages when she must use Spanish to save Lobo's life. The story, with its text in both English and Spanish, will delight children who speak either language. 1995, Piñata Books, Ages 6 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 1-55885-077-5
Pepita Thinks Pink/Pepita y el color rosado
Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Illustrated by Alex Pard Delange
Pepita doesn't like pink--nothing pink. When a new family with a girl her age moves in next door, Pepita learns that her new neighbor loves pink. Her clothes are pink, her skin is pink--everything is pink. Pepita's family and an opportunity to meet and talk to Sonya, make Pepita think. She learns that no matter what color people are, they are people, and they have the same feelings that she does. It is a bit pedantic, but the message is positive and the point is well taken. 1998, Piñata/Arte Público, Ages 4 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-55885-222-0
Added 1999
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