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Inspiration This book was locally inspired from the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood in Austin, Texas. The focus was the concept of nostalgia, more specifically, what generates nostalgic memories within a variety of different individuals. I interviewed my classmates about their experiences in East Austin, particularly what they may have longed for or a circumstance that reminded them of their childhoods, and what East Austin was able to provide.
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poems and illustrations by Brandy Shigemoto
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Bittersweet memories tend to exist Mostly when we see what’s missed Stories told and have been leased To present the poems of the East
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We must find a stand They have to be California brand Fresh and crisp is the only way Making a sweet bouquet Please can we find a stand Before we go home as planned I want one sweet with cream A churro that will make me beam
Inspired by Erika Marquez
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Red, blue, and yellow The colors are never mellow Rather vibrant and bright Almost like a kite The houses in Mexico Painted like Van Gogh Red, blue, and yellow The colors are never mellow
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Inspired by Adela Arreola
Paintings big and bright Sometimes twelve feet high Usually of history Or maybe a mystery The tales murals carry Sometimes of the Virgin Mary Share the stories in our heart So that others can take part
Inspired by Alex Amesquita
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The mailman comes everyday Even when it’s dark and gray Every time he comes and goes I can’t wait to see what he holds A package for you, and you, and you It could be a zoo that grew and mooed No matter what, it’s always a prize When the mailman brings a surprise
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Inspired by Brandy Shigemoto
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Piùatas swing around the tree Holding candy I can’t see I take my baseball bat and swing As candy falls I fill with glee
Inspired by Kimberly Irwin
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Pebbles get tossed Five squares are crossed Five times I jump Hip, hop, thump Playing a game of hopscotch Drawing squares in pink chalk Oh, Summer days I miss those ways
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Inspired by Katie Strahl
My brother and I run and scream The ice cream truck is finally near 2 cold scoops of vanilla cream I always used to miss those years
Inspired by Elyssa Turner
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Going to the store Is such a bore I stand and wait They talk so late Hours pass on Half past dawn But I would never trade This small town parade
Inspired by Allison Santos
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Everyday he honks his horn After you eat, my mother warns So munch, munch, munch We scarf down lunch Then run and grab, from his cart Always sweet and always tart The Paletero man rides away See you again another day
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Inspired by Andrea Rojas
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Summer weather The kids all gather Porches and chairs The stories are shared Neighbors eat and greet Kids play across the street Suburbs are roamed This feels like home
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Inspired by Megan Colwell
Everyday we come and go What we’ll do I never know Popsicles and party stores I love these trips more and more Grandma by my side Mexico trip car rides Everyday we come and go What we’ll do I never know
Inspired by Sonia Astorga
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As we browse the aisle I can’t help but smile So many choices And big voices Birthday supplies So much to buy Piñatas and balloons Can’t forget the tunes
Inspired by Vanessa Fuentes
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This book was such a treasure Showing cultures pieced together Bittersweet memories tend to exist Uniting people like a gift
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Adela Arreola
Andrea Rojas
Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Alex Amesquita
Brandy Shigemoto
San Antonio, Texas
San Jose, California
Allison Santos
Elyssa Turner
Oakhurst, Texas
Pearland, Texas
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Erika Marquez
Megan Colwell
Ben Bolt, Texas
Cypress, Texas
Katie Strahl
Sonia Astorga
Austin, Texas
Brownsville, Texas
Kimberly Irwin
Vanessa Fuentes
Houston, Texas
Mesquite, Texas
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