Viva’s Voice

PreS-Gr 2–A Latinx girl with a big voice inspires her picketing father to use his at a rally for workers’ rights. Rambunctious Viva has had a mighty voice since she was born. She especially loves to greet her bus driver father’s customers as they enter the vehicle. But when he goes on strike for better pay and benefits, she can’t ride with him anymore. As Viva’s soft spoken father tries to step on the platform to make a speech, the brave girl stands alongside him and gives him a boost of courage. In this simple text, Donoso introduces readers to the concepts of workers’ rights, protest, and strikes through the eyes of a precocious little girl. The accessible narrative is complemented by vibrant, candy-colored illustrations. Viva has a vivacious personality; Vélez adeptly infuses her facial expressions with mischief and energy. She is constantly in motion, and the energy jumps off the page. The pictures present a bustling city full of life. When Viva accompanies her father to the picket line, she sees the workers and eye-catching signs and right away jumps into the fray, happily using her loud voice for good. Spanish words and phrases are sprinkled throughout.