Lubaya's Quiet Roar

K-Gr 3--In a very timely book, Nelson has crafted a story about Lubaya, a young artist who uses her imagination and creates art. To others, it seems as if she is not paying attention, perhaps, as she fills the backs of her parents' old protest signs with image after image. When new protests start, her parents reuse the signs--this time with Lubaya's art on the back of them. Those bearing the signs see that Lubaya, too, has a voice. With so many protests across our nation recently, this could be a solid choice for children wondering about how they can take part. The description of Lubaya at the beginning of the book could represent any introverted or artistic child who marches to the beat of a different drummer. Reminiscent of Vera Williams's work, Williamson's oils are luminous. They are stylized and colorfully impressionistic while still setting the story into credible scenes of family and protest. The cast includes people of all races and ethnicities. Lubaya's mother is light brown, while the girl shares the darker brown skin of her father. VERDICT A great addition to any school's collection, this book bridges a gap of understanding for others who may also have a quiet but powerful roar.--Jane Mouttet, Mesilla Valley Christian Sch., Las Cruces, NM

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ This quietly powerful family story encourages children to use both voices and hands to advocate for change. —Kirkus, starred review

A great addition to any school's collection, this book bridges a gap of understanding for ­others who may also have a quiet but powerful roar. —School Library Journal

Williamson's vivid, expressive paintings that utilize primary and elementary colors in stunning, single-color backgrounds . . . Nelson's story, paired with Williamson's illustrations, reminds the quieter personalities that they possess just as much strength and talent as their more vocal counterparts. —Booklist

Nelson and Williamson share the rich interior world of a character who shows readers that everyone has more to them than meets the eye . . . Williamson's vibrant, colorful oil-paint and crayon illustrations use all the space on the pages to show how Lubaya is never fully alone, though she often tands apart . . . A lovely story by a thoughtful poet and artist. —Horn Book