The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding

Reviewed by Rethinking Schools

Book Author: Karina Nicole González

This is a beautifully written and illustrated story of resilience and community, seen through the eyes of a young girl in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane María. The silence and return of the song of the native coquí threaded throughout shows a sacred connection to nature and place.

As climate chaos makes hurricanes more destructive and far-reaching, this book will serve educators to deepen children’s understanding and empathy toward those who live through such horrific weather events. Special care should be taken by teachers if their students or students’ families have been harmed by hurricanes.

A Spanish edition is also available – Los Coquíes Aún Cantan: Un Cuento Sobre Hogar, Esperanza Y Reconstrucción

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The Coquíes Still Sing by Karina Nicole González
Published by Roaring Brook Press on August 23, 2022
Genres: Environment, Latinx, Puerto Rico
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781250787187
Review Source: Rethinking Schools

Publisher's Synopsis: "This book is more than beautiful." - Yuyi Morales, Caldecott Honoree and New York Times bestselling creator of Dreamers

A powerful story about home, community, and hope, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017, written by debut author Karina González and illustrated by Krystal Quiles. Co-quí, co-quí! The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family’s beloved mango tree — their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, “You are home, you are safe.” But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.

As time passes, Elena, alongside her community, begins to rebuild their home, planting seeds of hope along the way. When the sounds of the coquíes gradually return, they reflect the resilience and strength of Elena, her family, and her fellow Puerto Ricans.

The Coquies Still Sing is also available in Spanish.

Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Text, Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Illustration.

A Chicago Public Library Best Picture Books of 2022 selection.