Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America by Melisa Fernández Nitsche
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on 9/12/2023
ISBN: 0593645979
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

A solid picture book biography of Argentinian singer Mercedes Sosa for readers in grades 1-3. The book starts with her childhood when she first discovers the power of her voice and moves readers through her escalating fame and her increasing influence with the people of Argentina who were protesting a tyrannical regime. As the book is written for children, the book does not get into any detail about the political climate but makes it clear that the government did not approve of her music and even put her in jail. The book avoids the word exile at first explaining that Sosa had to “flee to Europe” but then does mention that “Three years in exile felt endless…”. The book focuses on the power of Sosa’s songs and the emotions evoked by her presence and her voice. The palette of reds and browns, purple, grey, and ochre is subdued and peaceful, even when dealing with the strife happening throughout Argentina. The author’s note explains the influence Sosa’s music had on her childhood and offers back matter with an extensive timeline, glossary of Spanish phrases, a playlist, and bibliography. A photo of Sosa would have been a welcome addition to that back matter. A thoughtful biography about a lesser-known Latinx icon for an American audience.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School