JulieAnn Caputo
Latinx Text
Process Book
Abstract: For years, the American curriculum has disproportionately cast a brighter light on the history of significant People of European descent than those of Latin American origin. The purpose of my thesis is to highlight and address the issue of the underrepresentation of the accomplishments of Latinx figures in US history books. I addressed how can we expose young students to more than just Eurocentric history lessons and make all Latinx students feel represented. e main component of my thesis project is an 8.5 x 8.5-inch illustrated book. My revisionist approach to history highlights the life and accomplishments of 20 notable Latinx figures, including Ellen Ochoa, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, and María Elena Moyano, in a textbook format aimed at middle-grade high school students and their teachers. My illustration style relies on a limited color palette, pronounced use of linework, shapes, and patterns, stylized figures, and flatness. Collateral elements are a website that functions as an educational tool for both the target audience and educators, five 10 x 30-inch timeline infographics, and an interactive educational game, Loteria. Through these components, my thesis introduces various notable Latinx figures to provide Latinx youth a proper window into their heritage to allow others to develop an understanding and increase awareness about these significant Latinx figures.
Check out JulieAnn’s website: julieanncaputo.myportfolio.comLatinx Text Book
The 8.5 x 8.5-inch hardcover book showcases the life and accomplishments of 20 notable Latinx figures.
Project Elements
Website
This website is offered to both educators and young people to be used as a tool to test one’s knowledge of the Latinx figures after reading the book. The website has multiple-choice quizzes, downloadable PDFs of Loteria games to be printed and played, and a list of resources where individuals can find where they can further their knowledge of Latinx history in New York. To view the website, go to https://latinxtext.bss.design/
Loteria Games
This mockup displays one Loteria tabla from each of the three game levels. To view the full Loteria game, go to https://latinxtext.bss.design/loteria.html
Tote Bags
Tote bags showcase Latinx Text’s logo and textbook iconography and are designed for both educators and students to carry their items, such as books and other school supplies.
Notepad
The notepad functions as a tool for educators and students to use within a school setting.
Buttons
Six 2.25-inch round buttons showcase icons used throughout the book, including the Latinx Text logo. The buttons are for educators to give out to students in a classroom setting when they demonstrate their knowledge of Latinx history.
Pens
Six 5-inch pens, both for educators and students, feature the Latinx Text logo and an icon from the book.
Postcards
A set of twenty, 5 x 7-inch postcards displays an illustrated portrait of a Latinx figure, their name, and their country of origin on the front, with a short description of the figure on the back.
