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“Lavish, visually rich illustrations by Parra are done in a folk style with flat colors and figures that appear almost like cutouts… beautifully presented, written with deep admiration; recommended for elementary libraries, ­especially where baseball is popular.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Siebert Honor Book author Alonso highlights not only Valenzuela’s impressive career but the positive impact he had on Latino Angelenos, who loved seeing a Mexican player who felt like one of them. Illustrated with Parra’s bright, blocky artwork, the book focuses mainly on Valenzuela’s rookie year and fittingly concludes with a World Series Game against the Yankees. An informative, visually engaging picture book for baseball fans.”

—Booklist

“…this book is a grand slam for young baseball fans. Parra’s acrylic illustrations have a retro Americana feel, using muted, dusty pastels balanced with a few bold, primary-adjacent accents, giving them a sun-faded warmth that complements Fernando’s inspirational journey. A well-pitched celebration of talent, perseverance, and the power of representation.”

—Kirkus Reviews

¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles

Written by Nathalie Alonso
Illustrated by John Parra
Published by Calkins Creek

Meet LA Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, the rookie who became a symbol of Mexican American pride, in this Spanish-language baseball book for kids ages 7-10.

Fernando Valenzuela was just barely out of his teens when he came to the United States from Mexico to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the 1980s, Mexican Americans rarely followed baseball. But when Fernando pitched eight winning games, he inspired them to love baseball. Fernando became an international star! And the fans gained something too: a hero they could call their own.

Baseball reporter Nathalie Alonso joins Mexican American illustrator John Parra to celebrate this sensational player who was known for his signature pitching style.

También disponible en Español, ¡Viva Valenzuela!: La Fernandomanía se Apodera de Los Ángeles.

Primary ISBN: 9781662680274
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Mexico (Etchohuaquila), and United States (Los Angeles CA)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials:

Meet Nathalie Alonso + John Parra, creators of ¡Viva Valenzuela! 

¡Viva Valenzuela!  Coloring Sheet

Source: Astra Publishing House