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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!: La Fernandomanía se Apodera de Los Ángeles (¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles)

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

Conozcan a Fernando Valenzuela, el lanzador de los Dodgers que se convirtió en un símbolo del orgullo mexicano, en este libro de béisbol en español para niños de 7 a 10 años.

Fernando Valenzuela era un adolescente cuando llegó a Estados Unidos desde México para jugar con los Dodgers de Los Ángeles. En los años 80, la población mexicoestadounidense de Los Ángeles rara vez seguía el béisbol. Pero cuando Fernando ganó sus primeros ocho juegos como abridor novato, despertó en ellos un amor por el béisbol. ¡Fernando se convirtió en una estrella internacional! Y a los aficionados, la llegada de Fernando les dio algo más: un héroe de los suyos.

La periodista deportiva Nathalie Alonso se une al ilustrador mexicoestadounidense John Parra para celebrar a este legendario jugador, conocido por su estilo de lanzar único.

Also available in English, ¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles.

Primary ISBN: 9781662681363
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! (En Inglés)

¡Viva Valenzuela!  Coloring Sheet (En Inglés)

Source: Astra Publishing House