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Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America
Sing out! With a stunning, graphic style and a melodious text, this picture book tells the story of Latin American icon Mercedes Sosa and how she became the voice of a people from exile to triumph.
What if a voice became a symbol of justice?
I'm here to offer my heart, said that voice.
The folk rhythm of the bombo drum beats like a heart, with a resonant voice singing the truth of her people. Mercedes Sosa sang about what it means to be human, and her songs of struggle always spoke the truth of the injustice that so many workers and families in Latin America faced.
As a teen, she won a local radio contest, and as her confidence grew, so did her fame. From a folk festival to Carnegie Hall and the Sistine Chapel, Mercedes performed the world over, sharing stories through song. But not everyone loved her singing: a military dictatorship ruled over Argentina, and they saw the power of her voice. Even from exile, Mercedes Sosa was a beacon of freedom for her people, and when she returned to her homeland, she persisted in her work: to be the voice of the voiceless.
Adding a personal touch as a fellow Argentinean, Melisa Fern�ndez Nitsche fills her debut picture book with bright and breathtaking illustrations that will surely inspire and empower young readers as they read about the impact one person's voice can have.
What if a voice became a symbol of justice?
I'm here to offer my heart, said that voice.
The folk rhythm of the bombo drum beats like a heart, with a resonant voice singing the truth of her people. Mercedes Sosa sang about what it means to be human, and her songs of struggle always spoke the truth of the injustice that so many workers and families in Latin America faced.
As a teen, she won a local radio contest, and as her confidence grew, so did her fame. From a folk festival to Carnegie Hall and the Sistine Chapel, Mercedes performed the world over, sharing stories through song. But not everyone loved her singing: a military dictatorship ruled over Argentina, and they saw the power of her voice. Even from exile, Mercedes Sosa was a beacon of freedom for her people, and when she returned to her homeland, she persisted in her work: to be the voice of the voiceless.
Adding a personal touch as a fellow Argentinean, Melisa Fern�ndez Nitsche fills her debut picture book with bright and breathtaking illustrations that will surely inspire and empower young readers as they read about the impact one person's voice can have.
48 pages, Library Binding
Published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 14, 2024
This one was so beautiful!!
August 20, 2023
Thoughtful picture book biography. I didn’t feel it was feminist until the author’s note spelled it out but very solid and thorough biography. Timeline. Playlist. Spanish vocabulary. Selected sources.
September 7, 2023
Teachers often look for books featuring individuals who take a stand about an important issue. They'll find plenty to recommend in this picture book biography [3.5 for me] of Mercedes Sosa, a folk singer from Argentina who chose to lift up her voice in support of change as well as in honor of individuals who worked hard for a living but often received meagre pay for their labor. The unique illustrations, created with Procreate, feature sweeping ribbons of red, pink, violet, and white as well as leafy feathery elements and flowers, all flowing from Sosa as she sang and her audience remained mesmerized by her voice and message. The book describes her formative years as her family struggled to make a living but found ways to enrich her days as well as her rise to fame and some of the challenges she faced with shyness when singing on stage. As she became deeply involved in activism, she paid a price for challenging the status quo, being jailed and forced to leave her homeland for three years. The double-page spread showing her singing her heart out upon her return consists of those same colors seen previously with various symbols also included. An Author's Note, Timeline, a Playlist, and a Glossary of terms enhance the text. Add this one to a classroom collection of musicians as well as one dedicated to individuals who used their voices for change. I was not aware of Mercedes Sosa before reading this biography, but the text brought her to life for me. If I tried hard, I could almost summon her singing even without having heard a single note.
November 22, 2023
"Cantora" is a perfect book for children who are in 1st grade to 3rd grade. It's a biography story of this lady singing. Some kids in those grades can look up to her, and this will help them stay interested in the material.
It is especially inspiring to young girls. This is largely due to its message/theme of doing what you can to make a difference. The book is about a lady named Mercedes Sosa. She would sing about different things like what it means to be human. All of her songs spoke the truth of Injustice. She would sing all over the world. She made a huge impact by her singing. She helped her people get freedom. She made sure her voice was heard everywhere. This book is also great due to its representation of Latin girls and its inclusion of a Latin heroine.
I selected this book for my library for many reasons. I think the role model aspect of it is good, as it shows children to always be brave and to have courage if they face the same difficulties Mercedes faces in her story. This book also gives many different messages, but the one I truly like is you should use your voice to speak up if you don't like how something is.
It is especially inspiring to young girls. This is largely due to its message/theme of doing what you can to make a difference. The book is about a lady named Mercedes Sosa. She would sing about different things like what it means to be human. All of her songs spoke the truth of Injustice. She would sing all over the world. She made a huge impact by her singing. She helped her people get freedom. She made sure her voice was heard everywhere. This book is also great due to its representation of Latin girls and its inclusion of a Latin heroine.
I selected this book for my library for many reasons. I think the role model aspect of it is good, as it shows children to always be brave and to have courage if they face the same difficulties Mercedes faces in her story. This book also gives many different messages, but the one I truly like is you should use your voice to speak up if you don't like how something is.
October 10, 2023
Author Illustrator Melisa Fernadez Nitsche has created this beautiful picture book biography of Mercedes Sosa a beloved Latin American singer whose songs inspired generations. Like many picture book biographies, her subject will be well known to some but not to many. The book will help readers come to know of the life and music of Mercedes Sosa. Beautifully illustrated in a subdued color palette, the story shows how Sosa rose to fame, was silenced by political foes and made a triumphant return after being exiled by foes. Nitsche adds an author's note that provides more information and insights. There is also an extensive timeline documenting Sosa's life. There is a Spanish-English dictionary for phrases and words used in the book. Nitsche also includes a playlist if Sosa's songs and links to other resources for more information. The book is published in both English and Spanish versions. It is a wonderful example of how the picture book biography genre has the power to bring an important person's story to those that don't but should know about it.
October 6, 2023
This stirring picture book biography traces the life and singing career of Mercedes Sosa. Overcoming shyness and stage fright, she built a name for herself singing folk songs and songs about injustice. During the years of Argentina’s military dictatorship, her records were banned, then she was arrested. After spending some years in Europe, she returned with a hero’s welcome.
I like that the author emphasized Sosa’s feeling that her voice was a vehicle for fighting injustice. The dictatorship years are evoked by images of crowds with signs, a spread of black figures on red in silhouette, and one of Sosa behind bars. Stylized images of people convey deep emotions. The writing is a personal and affectionate portrayal of Sosa. Both versions contain useful back matter, including a time line, a playlist, and sources, and the English language version also has a glossary of Spanish words and phrases.
I like that the author emphasized Sosa’s feeling that her voice was a vehicle for fighting injustice. The dictatorship years are evoked by images of crowds with signs, a spread of black figures on red in silhouette, and one of Sosa behind bars. Stylized images of people convey deep emotions. The writing is a personal and affectionate portrayal of Sosa. Both versions contain useful back matter, including a time line, a playlist, and sources, and the English language version also has a glossary of Spanish words and phrases.
September 5, 2023
In her debut picture book, Melisa Fernández Nitsche masterfully tells the story of the greatest Latin American singer, Mercedes Sosa. The author was able to condense a lifetime of stories and social commitment into a children's book, which is proof of her capacity to poetically narrate both verbally and visually.
The words flow, though meaning is not sacrificed in the wake of style; quite on the contrary, much as in a folk song, the two of them fuse in a delightfull way. The illustrations don't just accompany it, but rather tell a compelling story on their own. It sways between the warmth and heartfelt scenarios of Sosa’s childhood, yet being able to convey the brutality of the injustice Sosa so dilligently sang and fought against.
I hope this book by Fernández Nitsche is the first of many to come.
The words flow, though meaning is not sacrificed in the wake of style; quite on the contrary, much as in a folk song, the two of them fuse in a delightfull way. The illustrations don't just accompany it, but rather tell a compelling story on their own. It sways between the warmth and heartfelt scenarios of Sosa’s childhood, yet being able to convey the brutality of the injustice Sosa so dilligently sang and fought against.
I hope this book by Fernández Nitsche is the first of many to come.
December 21, 2023
An enchanting storyteller with a narrative that resonates deeply, but what truly sets this book apart are the mesmerizing illustrations. A masterpiece that visually transports you into a world of beauty and imagination, making every page a work of art. The narrative is not only inspiring but also deeply enjoyable for young minds. Don't hesitate – make it a delightful holiday gift, treat yourself and your loved ones to this charming journey!
March 14, 2024
It's not my favorite book but I didn't hate it. It had a similar visual flavor as Listen by Shannon Stocker.
Mercedes Sosa was an Argentinian folk singer who used her singing as a political statement but she didn't necessarily set out to be a cultural leader. It was the public's favorable response to her music (and the government's unfavorable response) that pushed her to keep performing as the voice of the voiceless when the democracy of her country was challenged.
Mercedes Sosa was an Argentinian folk singer who used her singing as a political statement but she didn't necessarily set out to be a cultural leader. It was the public's favorable response to her music (and the government's unfavorable response) that pushed her to keep performing as the voice of the voiceless when the democracy of her country was challenged.
December 19, 2023
Tuve la suerte de ver de cerca el proceso de creación de este hermoso libro y me llena de felicidad tenerlo ya conmigo. Orgullosa de mi gran amiga Melisa Fernández Nitsche desde hace mas de 25 años. Todos deberían tener un Cantora en sus casas <3
September 26, 2023
Excelente libro. La historia muy bien narrada y las ilustraciones con detalles sublimes en cada rincón y muy representativas, te envuelven en la vida de Mercedes Sosa. La recomendación de la playlist hace sentir la historia muy de cerca. Lo disfrute mucho.
October 2, 2023
The extremely powerful story of an icon, where her journey is told with freshness, intensity and power, demonstrating the reflection of her legacy. Also, the theme is skillfully handled with top notch illustrations.
A must-have on the shelf of every book lover.
A must-have on the shelf of every book lover.
August 26, 2026
bio in a picture book. so nice!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews