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From Booklist

February 15, 2023
Grades 1-4 This illustrated history follows Jovita Valdovinos, an early twentieth-century Mexican freedom fighter, who takes matters into her own hands after she isn't permitted to join the Cristero War with her father and brothers. Jovita is supposed to stay home and wear skirts (among other expectations), but all she wants is to ride her stallion and race her brothers--all while wearing pants! When soldiers burn down her house, leaving her abuela and sisters with nothing, Jovita takes a stand, cutting her hair, calling herself Juan, and riding into battle dressed in the outfit she dreamed of. Mendoza's vibrant, dreamlike paintings capture the spirit and courage of Jovita as well as the natural beauty of the desert and campo landscapes depicted here. The text does not shy away from tough historical events, such as death of family members or Jovita's torture and capture, but it focuses on Jovita's persistence and passion for being a soldier. Salazar notes her personal connection to relative Jovita in a closing note, which provides more information on Jovita's life after the war.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From School Library Journal

Starred review from February 1, 2023

Gr 2-5-A gorgeous picture book about a groundbreaking woman who fought for gender equality and made a mark on Mexican history. Told by the subject's great niece and based on her memoir, this biography centers around Jovita Valdovinos, a young woman who longed to wear pants and follow in her brothers' and father's footsteps as they revolted against the socialist Mexican government that took away citizens' right to practice their religion freely. The daring and courageous teenager went against her family's wishes, cut off her hair, wore pants, renamed herself Juan, and led fellow peasants in the Cristeros War (1926-29). This telling hits the perfect balance of lively and lyrical, giving readers the sense that this larger-than-life legend is worthy of awe and celebration. The empowering message that young people should cast gender-limiting stereotypes and barriers aside to do what's right will feel revelatory for readers. Mendoza's magnificent artwork was composed using digital brushes and color; bright, jewel-toned images seem to leap off the page, perfectly matching Valdovinos's sweeping story. Readers will be able to feel the wind on their faces as she gallops on her horse and accomplishes great feats. Back matter includes a more detailed account of Valdovinos's life, author and artist's notes, and archival photos. VERDICT Purchase this outstanding picture book biography for all nonfiction collections.-Shelley M. Diaz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Kirkus

Starred review from February 1, 2023
A young Mexican freedom fighter proves that traditional gender roles aren't important--heart is. Born in 1911, Jovita Valdovinos was just 14 years old when the resistance that would later become the Cristero Revolution began in her rural community. The newly installed socialist government was cracking down on religious freedom, and many of Mexico's poor were beginning to fight back. Jovita longed to support her father and two brothers in the fight, but her father wouldn't permit it. Eventually, he allowed her to accompany him as an observer, but she would not be allowed to fight. Jovita learned strategies as well as the topography of the land on these trips, and she still yearned to become a soldier. The years brought devastating loss and hardship, and Jovita became resolved to lead the revolution. Cutting her hair, donning pants, and adopting the name Juan, Jovita charged into battle at the head of a peasant army. An afterword contains a more detailed biography of Jovita Valdovinos--a distant relative of Salazar's--and her incredible heroism. Gracefully told, with deft use of figurative language, the story is mesmerizing, bringing to life this chapter in history by focusing on one incredibly relatable, resolute individual. The illustrations are replete with vivid hues and bold brushstrokes that convey energy and movement. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Bravery and determination prevail in this inspiring tale of unconventional leadership. (author's and illustrator's notes, photographs) (Picture-book biography. 6-10)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Publisher's Weekly

January 23, 2023
The defiant courage of Mexican freedom fighter Jovita Valdovinos (1911â€"1996), Salazar's distant great-aunt, drives this expressive tribute, which begins with a child who prefers trousers to skirts. When Valdovinos's Papá joins the Cristeros-"the revolutionaries fighting for their rights against the Federation"-she longs to accompany him. The fighting soon comes to her, with saturated pink and red scenes depicting her home's destruction and candid prose describing her later assault by government soldiers ("No matter how they hurt her, she stayed strong as the mountain"). After her brothers and father are killed, Valdovinos dons overalls, renames herself Juan, and reignites the revolution, leading a peasant army for six years until a truce is reached. Painterly brushwork in Mendoza's ink and digital illustrations emphasizes boldness and movement with strong colors that swirl and blend together, accompanying poetic text. Back matter offers historical context behind the lengthy story, and photographs of its subject. Ages 6â€"9.