Viva's Voice

A native of California, Dr. Raquel Donoso is the daughter of immigrant parents who instilled in her a deep love of reading and learning. She is an activist, consultant, and philanthropic advisor who works to increase educational opportunities for students. Her books are inspired by the sights, sounds, and flavors of the world around her. Raquel is the mother of two sons and lives with her husband in the San Francisco Bay Area. Viva's Voice is Raquel’s debut children’s picture book.Carlos Vélez Aguilera is a professional illustrator from Mexico City, Mexico. He has illustrated more than 20 children’s books and is the author/illustrator of the graphic novel Salón Destino. Carlos has been recognized with two illustration awards from the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair in Mexico. He is a graduate of the National School of Plastic Arts of the National University Autonomous of Mexico.

When a boisterous Latine girl learns to direct her energy toward justice, she finds how much her voice is needed.Viva’s mighty voice shakes the playground and sometimes overpowers others. Viva also has a loving family, including her beloved Papi, who has a quiet voice but drives a loud city bus. Viva loves to join Papi on his route whenever she can, until one day she can’t. Because Papi and his fellow bus drivers are going on strike for better working conditions. But Viva begs to join her Papi on the picket line, as it seems like just the place for her big voice—“I know how to make lots of noise,” she says. Viva loves the energy of the picket line, and her enthusiasm helps give Papi the boost he needs to speak up for himself and his fellow workers. Inspired by the author’s own experiences on a picket line with her father, Viva’s story reminds us all of the power of our voice when used to help elevate the voices of others. Colorful illustrations expertly render Viva’s enthusiasm and her father’s trepidation, depict the bustling, diverse community that Viva calls home, and give a strong sense of place. Though the location is never specified in the text, small details in the illustrations evoke the author’s childhood home of Los Angeles. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Inspiring and bold. (author’s note, discussion questions) (Picture book. 3-8)