Vicki and A Summer of Change! !Vicki y un verano de cambio!

Inspired by actual events, Vicki and A Summer of Change! !Vicki y un verano de cambio! recounts what happened in East Harlem, New York in 1969 when Puerto Rican activists joined by Latinx and African Americans formed the Young Lords Organization. They unite with neighborhood residents to make positive community changes.

The story follows Vicki Alegria Rodriguez and her older sister, Valentina, who live in East Harlem. Rotting garbage overwhelms the streets because city sanitation trucks rarely pick up the trash. Determined to make a change, the Young Lords start sweeping the streets. Neighbors eagerly jump in and bring brooms. Vicki joins them. You’re never too young to make a difference! her older sister says. Together they discover they can change their community and the world.

The beautifully illustrated English/Spanish book is for children 5 to 8 years old. It presents social justice themes in an accessible and age-appropriate way.