Rebels with a Cause

César Chávez is best known for uniting Mexican American farmworkers and for his efforts to obtain civil rights for his people. He followed the nonviolent methods of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. A dedicated, stubborn religious leader, Chávez stuck to his cause in spite of tremendous obstacles. With numerous documented quotes from Chávez, union members, and even Pope Paul VI, the Chávez story recounts his difficult early life and how he inspired countless people to advocate for farmworker justice. Students will be guided through their reading with a glossary of important words, a timeline, and references for further reading on the topic.