By Monica Brown

Illustrated by Rosa Ibarra

On Sale: Sep 3, 2024
Page Count: 48 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316178358

$18.99

$24.99 CAD

Format

Format:

Hardcover $18.99 $24.99 CAD
Trade Paperback (Spanish) $11.99 $15.99 CAD

Buy from Other Retailers:

The inspiring story of Doña Fela, an enterprising woman who broke barriers and stopped at nothing to make the island of Puerto Rico a better home for all.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela’s inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico.

Genre:

"A loving salute to a powerful woman who dedicated herself to helping others."
Kirkus Reviews
"The text is sprinkled with words in Spanish, and the bright illustrations provide all kinds of supporting details, resulting in a rich, satisfying read."
Booklist
"A richly illustrated picture-book biography of Puerto Rico’s first female mayor, Felisa Rincón de Gautier (1897–1994), with a lively text.... Boldly colored oil-paint illustrations admiringly portray Fela, her fellow Puerto Ricans, and the island itself."
The Horn Book
"Purchase where more picture book biographies about strong Latinx women are needed."
School Library Journal

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Monica Brown

About the Author

Monica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of many award winning books for children, including Waiting for the Biblioburro and Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match/Marisol McDonald no combina. Her books have received starred reviews, Pura Belpre honors, an NCTE Orbis Pictus honor, Americas Awards, and a Christopher Award. Monica’s books are inspired by her Peruvian and Jewish heritage and her desire to bring diverse stories to children. Monica is a professor of English at Northern Arizona University, where she teaches multicultural literature. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two daughters, and she invites you to visit her website at lolalevine.net.

Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City, grew up in the great state of Texas, and now lives in Brooklyn. She is the author of Knit Together, Let’s Go, Hugo!, Maria Had a Little Llama, and Santiago Stays.

Learn more about this author