"I act brave so I will feel brave."

Our Roof is Blue by Sara E. Echenique was such a beautiful story about strength and resilience. It's about a girl trying to help her brother, Antonio regain his voice after he stops talking due to trauma from Hurricane Maria. She wills herself to be brave in order to support him through his struggles post-storm.

The writing is beautiful and the illustrations are gorgeous and eye catching. I think it would be a useful tool to get children to talk about their emotions after facing a traumatic experience, such as a natural disaster. It also is a reminder of the importance of community and letting others be there for you when you are struggling. The sibling relationship is so special in this one and this story warmed my heart. Antonio's healing journey was so dependent on having loving people in his corner.

The hurricane destroying the family's roof is a crucial part of the story. Puerto Ricans are still facing this same dilemma post- Maria due to the lack of response from the U.S. Techos Pa' Mi Gente is an organization on the ground still providing assistance to families who need roof repairs to their homes. Visit @techospamigente.pr and consider making a donation.

Thanks to @authoraechenique for sending a copy my way. I adored this one and I know your little ones will too. I highly recommend this one if you love:

🇵🇷 Puerto Rican representation
🌺 trauma and selective mutism
🇵🇷 climate change education
🌺 sweet sibling relationship
🇵🇷 community and mutual aid
🌺 the healing power of storytelling ( )

What a wonderful and much needed book! It addresses in words and beautiful illustrations the changes wrought by a devastating hurricane (especially the roof!) and the fears of (small) people resulting from the damages those forces of nature create without rhetoric or bland reassurances. Absolutely marvelous presentation!
The illustrations by Ashley Varga are fun, colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )