Viva's Voice

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)

* Kirkus Reviews *

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.

* The New York Public Library *
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. VERDICT This sweet and accessible primer on strikes is a solid choice for picture book collections. -- Shelley M. Diaz * School Library Journ