There are a few other areas that seem a little cluttered, but, again, no more so than in a $200 textbook. The aforementioned inclusion of gustar as a two-verb construction and the discussion of masculine and feminine gender patterns (specifically the section that generalizes patterns that are limited to adjectives of nationality) are unclear. ![]() This is a generally clear book, with a few things that are less-clear. The things that will probably need to be changed over time those things that change with social changes to language use, and the book has addressed gender-neutral language. The presentation of gustar as part of another two-verb construction is confusing for students because it is not a two-verb construction-the infinitive is acting as a noun in this structure. The book is quite accurate there are a few spelling/typo/grammar errors, but no more than are found in other texts. The book covers the main content of an introductory Spanish course: present and past tenses, basic vocabulary about school/family/food/work/travel, noun and pronoun use, and a quick (last chapter) overview of commands, subjunctive, future, and conditional. Reviewed by Linda Miller, Associate Professor, Tidewater Community College on 8/1/22 While it is a very grammar-heavy text, it can be supplemented with additional cultural information and a more task-based approach to provide an amazing free resource for introductory level students. Overall, I am very impressed with Libro libre. None of the comments are offensive and all provide clarification. The cultural readings and references are all appropriate, and special attention is given to cultural similarities and differences in the vocabulary sections. (pg 293) Actividad 12 – Give the English equivalent. (pg 182) Some of the “gender only” professions now have both genders - Ex: el bombero, la bombera (pg 93) Actividad 3 – look back at vocabulary on pg 68. There were few grammatical, spelling, or instructional issues: I really like the check-your-answer activities via QR code as well. The links to audio and video segments work well, and the video clips are an excellent addition for students to hear Spanish spoken with different accents. Only Chapter 10 seems extremely verb tense-heavy and I could see its content spread out into an additional semester’s text. The topics are well-ordered and organized and could easily be re-ordered according to the instructor’s preferences. They are easy to access in the PDF by page number, although hyperlinks from the table of contents to each sections would be an excellent addition. The book is divided into ten chapters and each has separate sections on culture, grammar, vocabulary, etc. Libro Libre is consistent and well-organized, with each chapter containing a cultural reading, a goal-setting page, a list of student learning outcomes for the chapter, a pre-chapter activity, vocabulary and grammatical explanations with interspersed activities, the list of student outcomes, a reflection page of goals achieved, a list of the chapter’s vocabulary, and a space for additional vocabulary learned. An instructor can always supplement with further discussion. I think this is an advantage as a reference and initial explanation that won’t overwhelm a student. The instructions and explanations are clear and concise. There is also vocabulary that would be useful not only to students but also to a younger generation. I appreciated the inclusion of an explanation of transgender and non-binary pronouns in particular. I appreciated the mention of things to look out for/errors to avoid and pneumonic devices or other strategies to help students understand the usage of structures in Spanish. Libro Libre contains accurate and concise explanations of grammar. ![]() ![]() There is a cultural reading at the beginning of each chapter and some cultural information (such as regional differences in vocabulary), but additional cultural information such as grammar and vocabulary in a cultural context (videos, for example) would make the OER text more comprehensive. ![]() There are listening and video exercises, games, spaces to jot down additional vocabulary, and goal-setting pages. This is a truly comprehensive text in terms of grammatical structures, inclusive language, and variety of activities. Libro Libre would be ideal for the first two semesters of Spanish. Reviewed by Anna Proffit, Associate Professor, City Colleges of Chicago on 3/8/23
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