Lubaya's Quiet Roar

In this stirring picture book about social justice activism and the power of introverts, a quiet girl's artwork makes a big impression at a protest rally.

Newbery Honor winner Marilyn Nelson and fine artist Philemona Williamson have come together to create this lyrical, impactful story of how every child, even the quietest, can make a difference in their community and world. Young Lubaya is happiest when she's drawing, often behind the sofa while her family watches TV. There, she creates pictures on the backs of her parents' old protest posters. But when upsetting news shouts into their living room, her parents need the posters again. The next day her family takes part in a march, and there, on one side of the posters being held high, are Lubaya's drawings of kids holding hands and of the sun shining over the globe--rousing visual statements of how the world could be. "Lubaya's roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history."

Praise for Lubaya's Quiet Roar

★ "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 stands apart . . . A lovely story by a thoughtful poet and artist." - Horn Book