A few years ago, multicultural parenting books were all the rage, with titles like The Tiger Mother book and Bringing Up Bébé sparking widespread discussions about different parenting styles across cultures. I remember picking up both books, intrigued by what Chinese and French mothers had to say about their approaches to raising children.
They were insightful reads, but something was missing. They didn’t speak to me, to my experience as an immigrant mother in the United States—someone straddling two worlds and navigating the complexities of raising children in a foreign land while trying to hold on to my cultural roots.
Like many other Latina mamás, I longed for a parenting book that would reflect our triumphs, our struggles, and all those little everyday victories and challenges we face. We needed a guide that would honor both our dreams and our worries as immigrant mothers. And then I came across Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie: Raising Bicultural Children—and everything clicked.
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Why Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie Matters
I first heard about Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie: Raising Bicultural Children on my friend Mayra’s Facebook page. The title alone, with its beautiful blend of Latino and American cultures, grabbed me. It felt like a personal invitation, as if the author, Maritere Rodríguez Bellas, was speaking directly to me before I even opened the book.
Maritere, a Puerto Rican mom, does an exceptional job of compiling stories and experiences from other Latino immigrant families. Each chapter explores a different challenge or aspect of raising bicultural children, from the “Stages of Immigrant Adjustment” to “Building a Culture of Education at Home.” Maritere’s words are empowering, filled with practical advice and heartfelt suggestions that resonate deeply. It felt like finding the answers I’d always been searching for—answers that I hadn’t realized I needed.
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A Personal Connection
One of the most touching parts of the book is when Maritere talks about how the birth of her son made her feel like she truly belonged to this country. As an immigrant mother myself, I can completely relate. When my first child was born, I, too, felt a deep sense of connection, not just to my child, but also to this new country I was raising her in. It was as though motherhood was the bridge that helped me reconcile my two identities.
Maritere also touches on something so many of us know all too well: the emotional tug-of-war of whether to go back home to our native countries or stay in the U.S. The chapter on this dilemma hit me hard—there’s always that pull between wanting to raise our children with the love and traditions of our homeland while also making a life in the U.S. The mix of emotions, the personal conflicts—Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie puts words to what many of us feel deep down.
More Than Just a Parenting Guide
What makes this book even more invaluable is how inclusive it is. Maritere doesn’t just write for one type of immigrant parent—she considers the diversity of experiences within the Latino community. For example, in Chapter 7, “Special Concerns for the Single Immigrant Parents,” she offers real stories from single immigrant parents facing unique challenges. As I read these accounts, I found myself nodding in agreement, feeling the shared wisdom and encouragement that made me realize I wasn’t alone in facing these struggles.
The voices of other Latinos, like journalist Jorge Ramos and singer Milly Quezada, also appear throughout the book, adding depth and diverse perspectives that make this an even more comprehensive resource.
Why You Should Read It
Whether you are raising your kids in the U.S. or balancing life between two cultures, Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie is an essential guide for Latino parents. The book offers not just tips, but a sense of connection—a reminder that we are not alone in this journey of raising bicultural children. Maritere’s insights, along with the contributions of others, will help you navigate the challenges of parenting while embracing the richness of your heritage.
This book was exactly what I needed—something that acknowledged my personal struggles, celebrated my successes, and gave me the tools to continue raising my children with pride in both their Latino roots and their American future.
So, if you’re a mamá who is trying to find balance, trying to raise children who are proud of their Latino heritage while thriving in an American context, I cannot recommend this book enough. Arroz con Pollo and Apple Pie will make you feel seen, heard, and empowered to continue your beautiful journey of raising bicultural children.
