Spring 2024

Best Believe

The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good

  • Interest Level: Grade 1 - Grade 4
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Meet the Tres Hermanas: Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera.

They moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents. Lillian became a librarian and administrator who fought for Spanish and bilingual books and Spanish-speaking library staff. Elba worked closely with Evelina and became an ambassador and advocate for the arts.

Rhythmic verse by NoNieqa Ramos and vibrant illustrations by Nicole Medina provide a stirring look at three dynamic changemakers.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-6044-4
$14.24
978-1-7284-9399-2
$23.99
979-8-7656-4899-5
$34.99
979-8-7656-4901-5
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 4
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Class, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-02-06
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF007110, JNF007120, JNF071000
Dewey 305.48/8687295073
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Guided Reading Level P
Features Author/Illustrator note, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Original artwork, Page Plus™, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Timeline, and eSource

Author: NoNieqa Ramos

Raised in the Boogie Down Bronx, NoNieqa Ramos is an educator and literary activist. Their work includes the young adult novels The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary and The Truth Is, as well as the picture book Hair Story. They believe Halloween is a lifestyle, not a holiday. If you’re in Virginia, you might catch NoNieqa getting motorcycle lessons from their soulmate Michael or going indie bookstore hopping with their preciosos Jandi and Langston. Connect with their works on www.nonieqaramos.com or on the Latinx collective www.lasmusasbooks.com.

Illustrator: Nicole Medina

Nicole Medina is a first generation Latina American and proud. She’s a Philly based illustrator with a love for art history, horror movies (the good and the bad), fun pattern and bold color.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Best Believe

Meet the Tres Hermanas: Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. They moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents.… View available downloads →

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Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A good educational book that introduces children to the activism of these three ladies. Great for reading anytime during the year, or during Hispanic heritage month. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

School Library Journal

“Ramos’s pride and reverence exudes from out of every word. Medina’s vibrant digital illustrates the powerful presence that these hallmarks had—capturing the righteous anger that drove the sisters to their to help their people. The jewel-tone palette of rich purples and teals is perfect for this tale of Bronx royalty. . . A wonderful choice for picture book biography shelves, especially where there’s a gap in women’s, Latinx, and activism history coverage.”—School Library Journal

Booklist

“The sisters’ fiery spirit runs through the text, which frankly calls out disparities and celebrates the Tres Hermanas’ many victories as they passionately defended the rights of Puerto Rican Americans and lifted up their culture. . . Illustrations channeling the sisters’ Puerto Rican roots feature saturated colors, tropical flower embellishments, moving portraits of the family and community, and a clean, modern aesthetic.”—starred, Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“The art, a vibrant tapestry of jewel-tone colors that leap off the pages, creates a visual feast for young readers. Dynamic and expressive, the illustrations captivate the imagination and beautifully bring to life the warmth of the sisters’ inspiring bond.
Stories of important Puerto Rican women, told vividly.” —Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Medina’s digital illustrations have a sumptuous risograph-like quality, rendering a floral motif alongside images of “Tres Hermanas” working powerfully in concert. An author’s note and glossary conclude."—Publishers Weekly