You Have A Voice

by Vera Ahiyya, Fabiana Faiallo (Illustrator)

Overview

You Have a Voice celebrates the power every child naturally holds in using their voice to make change for good and empowers both kids and grown-ups to use their voice.
Inspired by Vera Ahiyya’s viral video that has been viewed by millions comes her powerful debut children’s book. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733904988
Publisher:	Hightree Publishing
Publication date:	01/20/2022
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Vera Ahiyya was born in Germany and raised in El Paso, TX. Originally a pre-med student, Vera realized her calling as an educator at Austin College in Sherman, TX, where she majored in History and Psychology and earned her MA in Education. Vera has taught Kindergarten and first grade for the last 15 years and has an online presence dedicated to influencing other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of diverse children’s books. Vera lives in Brooklyn with her husband Lonnell and her dog, Mozi.

Fabiana Faiallo was born and raised in Southeastern Brazil. She graduated in Social Communication, majoring in Advertising and Media, but her passion has always been art. Fabiana studied drawing and painting on her own and today she works with digital illustration, leaving pencils and inks for her personal work. She loves animations and children’s books and believes that the world can become a better place through good stories told to children.

Editorial Reviews

2021-11-05
A teacher emboldens her students to fight against racism in this picture book.

A Black teacher talks to her class about racism—when people believe that individuals “with certain skin colors should not have the same rights or privileges as others.” Although racism is “everywhere and seems to want to stay,” she explains, “we need to work to end it.” Repeating “You know what’s right, you know what’s wrong, you have a voice, so SPEAK UP, BE STRONG!” the teacher describes ways students can make a difference. For example, she implores them to speak up “when someone is being treated differently because of the color of their skin” and march to “create the world that you want to see.” She also urges the kids to “listen to your heart, work together, do your part.” The teacher asks readers:“WHAT WILL YOU DO?” Ahiyya commendably emphasizes the importance of condemning racism and injustice. The text will enlighten and inspire people of all ages to take action. Faiallo’s animated illustrations portray diverse people, including Black, Asian American, and White students. Vivid background scenes emphasize unity, as when the students create a mural and a crowd marches with signs for BLM, #Stop Asian Hate, LGBTQ+, and peace. Some images feature powerful details, such as figures like Rosa Parks, when the teacher says, “Remember our words about equality, justice, and skin color / fairness, gender, hope, and respect.”

An engaging and inclusive tale that encourages kids to unite and speak out against racism.

Kirkus Reviews