10 pages from inside this book
Viva's Voice
- Subject
- Social Themes - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
- Age
- 3-5 years
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Kind World Publishing
- Size
- 23.1 cm × 23.1 cm
- ISBN
- 9781638940067
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.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
What reviewers said
Best Children's Books of 2022
Viva, a zealous young Latina girl, admires her dad and his job as a bus driver in Los Angeles. When the transit workers go on strike, Viva accompanies her dad to a protest. Energetic illustrations depict a vivacious young voice in an important and empowering role.
Winner of the 2025 The Social Justice Children's Book Fair Award, Social Justice Children's Books
Viva’s Voice, written by Raquel Donoso and illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera, is the story of Viva and her Papi standing up for change and is inspired by the author’s childhood experiences as the daughter of Latinx immigrant parents living in Los Angeles. Viva’s Papi works as a municipal bus driver and often lets Viva ride with him on his route. All is well with Viva while riding the bus, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. One Day, as Viva prepares to join her Papi, he informs Viva he won't be driving the bus. Viva asks why, he explains that bus drivers are on strike. Papi goes…
The U.S. has a storied history of strike actions, from the first labor strike by tailors in 1768 to present day UAW (auto workers) strikes. Viva’s Voice is a perfect representation of what is entailed in labor union membership. The intersection of Papi’s identities as an immigrant, Latinx person, and blue collar worker adds layers of social pressure as Papi is preparing to speak at the picket line. Going on strike could lead to extended time without a paycheck. In the face of uncertainty, Papi finds strength and inspiration from a daughter whose voice has always been the loudest in the room.…
Depicting the rally, award winning illustrator Carlos Velez Aguilera includes people with a diversity of identities amongst striking crowd members, many shown holding signs and chanting in support of Papi. These illustrations highlight class members being united towards a common goal. In light of recent high visibility strike actions, Viva's Voice is essential in carrying the torch of organization and labor rights.
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