Oakland Elementary School recently hosted a special event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, welcoming authors Valerie Butrón and Dr. Rita Guzman to share their bilingual story, Everything is Different Here. Again. Welcoming Gustavo / Todo es diferente aquí. De nuevo. Le damos la bienvenida a Gustavo. The event marked a meaningful wrap-up to the month-long celebration, offering students the opportunity to engage with the authors, enjoy a live bilingual reading, and explore themes of kindness and belonging.
The book tells the story of a young boy named Gustavo who arrives in a new school in a new country, feeling out of place in an unfamiliar environment. As he navigates this new chapter, Gustavo gradually finds a sense of belonging with the help of his classmates, who make an effort to welcome him. The story is a powerful tale about the challenges and rewards of adjusting to a new culture, emphasizing the importance of empathy, inclusion, and the transformative power of friendship.
With 112 students at Oakland identifying as Hispanic and 54 students identifying as Language Learners, the event had a significant impact. The bilingual reading created both a window and a mirror for many of Oakland’s students—serving as a window into diverse experiences while reflecting the lived realities of many young Latinas and Latino students. The opportunity to see themselves in the story, as well as to learn about another’s experience, was invaluable.
Principal Anita Hernandez, who initially reached out to the authors, expressed the importance of the event. “We wanted to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a way that was meaningful to our students and community. Welcoming Valerie Butrón and Dr. Rita Guzman was the perfect opportunity to show our students that their stories matter and that they are seen and celebrated here at Oakland.”
In addition to the bilingual reading, students were able to pre-order copies of the book and have them signed by the authors. This added a personal touch to the event, allowing students to walk away not only with memories, but also with a tangible connection to the story.
The event was made possible through a partnership with the Lake County Regional Office of Education, which helped secure the speakers and bring this enriching experience to the school. It was a testament to the community’s dedication to creating culturally inclusive learning experiences, fostering both understanding and celebration of diversity.
For the students at Oakland Elementary, the visit was not just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of welcoming others and embracing the beauty of stories told in many languages.
