Viva's Voice
Five-year-old Viva learns there is a need for girls with powerful voices everywhere when she helps Papi raise his voice on the picket line.
Viva’s Papi is a bus driver and Viva loves going to work with him. The sounds of the traffic and the voices of the passengers are music to Viva’s ears. When she finds out that Papi’s union is going on strike, she convinces Papi to take her along to the picket line. When quiet Papi is too nervous to give his speech, Viva uses her powerful voice to give him the confidence to find his own. A first introduction to labor unions, strikes, picket lines, and workers’ rights, this powerful picture book is both educational and endearing.
Debut author Raquel Donoso has crafted a beautiful story about courage, family, and using your voice to help others. Viva’s story is based on Donoso’s own childhood experience, in which her father’s union went on strike.
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.