A SEED IN THE SUN

Victoria Villarreal's lilting tones highlight 12-year-old Lula's sunny disposition in the face of her challenges as the daughter of a migrant farm worker in the 1960s. Villarreal's heartfelt performance captures what Lula sees: the terrible living and working conditions of migrant farm workers, including women and children. Villarreal sensitively conveys Lula and her sister's vulnerability from predatory supervisors. There's power in Villarreal's narration, especially when Lula has mysteriously lost her voice and when she finds a place for herself among labor rights activists as they fight against oppression. The author adds to the poignant and compelling elements of this story with her own narration of the closing notes. An important listen and springboard for discussion for young teens. M.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]