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

Inspired by actual events, the book recounts what happened in East Harlem, New York in 1969 when the activist Young Lords Organization united with residents to make positive neighborhood changes. The Young Lords organized in Puerto Rican communities across the United States pursuing justice and human rights.

The story follows Vicki 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, Young Lords start sweeping the streets. Neighbors with brooms eagerly jump in, and Vicki joins them. “You’re never too young to make a difference!” her sister says. Together they discover they can help 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.