Lubaya's Quiet Roar

by Marilyn Nelson, Philemona Williamson (Illustrator)

A quiet girl makes a powerful impression through her artwork in this lyrical story of introversion and peaceful protest--a stirring picture book from Newbery Honor winner Marilyn Nelson and fine artist Philemona Williamson.

Lubaya is a quiet girl who doesn't raise her hand in class and who prefers daydreaming to soccer games. She spends most of her time drawing, often behind the sofa while her family watches TV. That's where she is, creating happy pictures on the backs of her parents' old protest posters, when upsetting news shouts into the living room. The next day her family takes part in a march, and there, on one side of the posters being held high, are Lubaya's drawings of kids holding hands and of the sun shining over the globe--rousing visual statements of how the world could be. "Lubaya's roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history."

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Social Justice, Activism, African American, Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Marilyn Nelson is the author of many acclaimed books for young people and adults, including CARVER: A LIFE IN POEMS, a Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and A WREATH FOR EMMETT TILL, a Printz Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She also translated THE LADDER, a picture book by Halfdan Rasmussen. She lives in East Haddam, Connecticut.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/marilyn-...

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teachers, can we talk? How can we honor our introverts and quiet thinkers in the classroom without forcing their loud and vocal participation? When I read QUIET by Susan Cain many years ago, I realized that the world caters to and accommodates extroverts and forces introverts to try to change to be loud and brash and overly assertive in sharing their opinions. That’s not how introverts operate. And we need to live in a world that makes space for both the quiet and the loud thinkers. I’m CONSTANTLY thinking of ways to honor the Lubayas in my classroom. I want them to find ways to feel comfortable sharing their views and being part of the discussion while not forcing it on them. Because sometimes their quiet presence can be just as profound and influential as the extroverts.

[Adriana Martinez Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As its title boasts, this book quietly works in a way to talk to kids about police brutality and racism as well as creativity and even neurodivergence. Nothing is ever outright said, leaving most of its content to be deduced by the reader, letting its implicit nature exist in the vibrant pages.
Thank you to Dial Books and Edelweiss for the review copy!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this gorgeous picture book, Lubaya is a quiet, artistic, introverted girl who listens and notices the details of what goes on around her. She may be easily overlooked by the crowd as she is never attention-seeking, but by the end of this story, her voice is very important. However, Lubaya doesn’t need to yell to be heard.

Lubya’s roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history.

It’s a very important message during these crucial times! Lovely artwork matches simple words in this important picture book. And in the back matter, we learn that in Swahili, Lubaya means “young lioness.” The paintings for this were created using oil paint and crayon on Arches oil paper.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!!

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion, and I'll read it again with fresh eyes and an open mind, but this one didn't work for me. I appreciated Lubaya's contributions, and the power of introverts in communicating through non-verbal methods. But the narrative felt disconnected and the illustrations a bit flat.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a Real book. About Family. About events.
Love the art.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[BlackhamBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I just didn't get this ... maybe it was too deep for me? But then I think it would be for children as well. I'm just not sure that the story here is one that would catch kid's attention, and everything is so oblique, not really coming out and telling us, leaving too much up to interpretation.

The blurb on the cover itself says "Lubaya has always liked being quietly alone ... creating happy pictures on the backs of her parents' old protest posters, when upsetting news shouts into the living room" ... so yes, this is all set up in the simple story. The little girl prefers to be in the background.

BREAKING NEWS: We aren't told WHAT the news is. At all. The family is black, so are we to assume it has something to do with race? They are going to march in a protest. On the next page, two posters with words say "Freedom Now" and "Clean Water" ... both good causes, but are they for the same protest? Earlier, the book mentioned "She draws her friends Madison and Skylar dressed in their prettiest birthday party clothes. She draws a snowman on a towel at the beach. She draws Elijah, Jayden and Jose standing on ladders to paint a rainbow. She draws an Egyptian bird, a hip-hop frog ..." In the scenes of the protest, where the illustrations show the pictures she's drawn on the backs of the posters ... instead of the scenes specifically mentioned, it's bees, two people with a heart, the statue of liberty, two penguins on splitting ice. "Everyone comments on how great they are, how beautifully they speak truth. Lubaya's roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history."

Again ... back to the blurb telling us what we SHOULD be seeing ... "Lubaya's drawings-- rousing visual statements of how the world could be. Her artwork is the most important statement on that powerful day."

That's the blurb ... IS that what the book says. I guess yes, but ARE the drawings "rousing visual statements" and "the most important statement" of the protest? If the drawings were just a child's drawings ... she wasn't creating them TO make a statement, that wasn't the purpose, just a happy accident. Without purpose, it just doesn't have the same punch. And really, is someone trying to assign more meaning than is actually there in a picture of some cats? I struggle to think she would have really happened to draw the statue of liberty (yes, perhaps overhearing things on the TV for inspiration), the bird peace symbol? The earth with a rainbow and hands? I could see a child creating these when asked to make something FOR a protest or assignment, but it just seemed a stretch, and to attribute it to her "roar" ... was she just drawing?

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is really thoughtful and quiet but powerful, like Lubaya. Lubaya is one of those introverted kids, a dreamer who prefers to make art rather than engage much in noisy activities. She draws on the backs of old protest posters and when a march is needed again, her art is out there showing how the world should be.

I haven't found many books about protest marches for kids that shows the power we introverts can have. I love that it isn't centered on one topic.

"Mom cries, 'Oh, my God, not again!' She and Dad spring to their feet.
Dad says a swear. Lubaya comes out of her niche.
Mom says, 'I had hoped the time for marching was past."

Her family marches with her posters and the artist is so wise to show the protesters from the back, so we see Lubaya's art but not the message on the front. We see one sign saying, "FREEDOM NOW" and one sign saying, "CLEAN WATER" so this book can be used for all kinds of reasons why we march.

Beautiful language, beautiful art, thought-provoking, great to use when big issues come up and to talk about what kids can do.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lubaya's roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history."

How lovely to read this story of a born artist. Most dramatically, in this book: After one of the many horrendous assassinations during that era lit up by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lubaya wound up making an eloquent contribution to a demonstration, through her posters.

Details of the deaths are not disclosed here, which seems appropriate to me: Partly because there were so many deaths; partly because this is a picture book for the tender eyes and ears and hearts of children. But mostly because the story -- to this Goodreader, at least -- is really about the power of noticing truth, then expressing it.

A priceless lesson for each of us is included in this treasure of a book. FIVE STARS, for sure, along with my gratitude for the stirring words by Marilyn Nelson and also moving artwork by that fine artist Philemona Williamson.

All of us who lived during any of the Civil Rights Movement -- those of us who paid attention, anyway -- will never forget. I sure don't.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubaya's Quiet Roar is written by Marilyn Nelson and painted by Philemona Williamson

This is a sweet and expressive story about a little girl who likes to live her life quiet, out on the fringes, and away from the action. But she still expresses herself through her art and this leads to her making a stand and making change, in her own small way.

I really liked how this book tackles "the quiet kid". There is no admonishment or push for her to change. She is allowed to be how she is and still be celebrated. I also think that it does a great job of gently approaching hard topics such as why people march and what is happening in the world. Because of this, it is best suited as a one-on-one read between children and their caregivers where there is plenty of time to talk about what is going on in the story and why.

All in all this is a well done book filled with diverse characters and approaching an important and timely topic. I recommend it to all libraries.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lubaya’s roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history.”

Lubaya likes to be alone with her imagination. At school she listens, but rarely participates. At home, she quietly observes her world and the interactions of her family. She may play video games with her brother, Jelani, for awhile, but will eventually go to her special place behind the couch to draw while her family watches to the news on television. What she hears, she incorporates in her drawings.

When her family reacts to the news (never stated but implied that there’s been yet another wrongful shooting/death) with the promise to protest, Lubaya’s drawings become their protest posters. “Everyone comments on how great they are, how beautifully they speak truth.”

Students will see through the text that even those students who are quiet can make an impact on their world.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubaya notices things, happily alone. She isn't a joiner. Behind the couch in her alone spot, she draws on the backs of old protest posters. When it's time to use those posters to protest again, her drawings inspire the crowd.
Beautiful story about a quiet dreamer. I found the page turn from "we need to take back the posters" to "That's why the speakers, the spotlighted ones, are carrying posters of Lubaya's drawings" was jarring, though. I flipped back a couple of times, thinking I'd missed a page - I feel like it needed one more sentence there to help the reader move from one idea/setting to the next. Or if the protest was mentioned at the beginning and we went back to it from a kind of flashback, that would have worked, too.

[Faith Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubaya’s quiet roar was very interesting! This is a sweet story that shows kids it’s okay to be shy and they’re not alone. There are other ways to get a message across other than words. I love the advocacy
for peaceful protests. Lubaya is an artist who takes old protest posters and draws on them, but little did she know, they were going to be used again in a protest. Everyone loved them and the author notes that a quiet roar made history, because the protest signs made a loud impression. The illustrations in this book played a huge part in the story, successfully. With recent protests taking place in the last two years, I think readers could easily make some form of connection to this book. Another connection could simply be for being an introvert. I was very quick to pick up my own copy of this book to share with others.

[Erica (The Literary Apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the full review, please visit The Literary Apothecary.

Simple, yet realistic. Appearing effortless, but soulful.

Lubaya's Quiet Roar is an excellent book to share with young people at this time. With protest marches going on, our youth will have many questions and this book is an strong conversation starter.

Every child, regardless of the color of his or her skin, needs to understand that their voice matters.

To every child, I say let the world hear you roar. You can and will make a difference.

To Ms. Nelson, I say THANK YOU!

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thoughtful book with vibrant, inviting illustrations, shows how even a quiet child like Lubaya (brown skin and black hair) can make a big impact. She draws pictures on old protest signs that her family has used in the past, but when another terrible thing happens (implied to be the killing of an unarmed Black man, though this is not explicitly said), and her family joins the marches that are organized in protest, Lubaya's art is seen and praised by all who protest alongside them. An empowering and honest story.

Themes: Use Your Voice, Stand Up!, Empowerment, Art
Age Range: 3-7

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite illustrations accompany rich reminder that protests & messages come in many forms. Lubaya’s quiet, artistic qualities gently introduce the strength of creativity and the horrors of police brutality. Now, as the reader, and given the time I read this story, I assumed it was a police shooting of a black man – I inferred it … you may infer differently. But Lubaya’s drawings on the backs of her parents’ protest posters are definitely an alternative way of expression, one that Lubaya felt comfortable with.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marilyn Nelson remains a national treasure.
In a world that doesn't value introverts and that seems to require that everyone Speak Up or they must Be Wrong here's a celebration of ALL the ways kids can understand the world and change it. Very very needed...I could see this being incredibly useful in classrooms as well as a reminder to us all to value our quiet thinkers as much as our loud talkers.
I very much appreciate the definition of her name as back matter. Pronunciation would also have been helpful.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for a character who contributes her talents to a cause she believes in.

She may not be a loud person, but that isn’t necessary to make a difference.

I do wish she were more engaged in things outside of art; she just sort of watches the kids at school participate.

She just sort of watches the sports, just sort of watches her family at home.

Just because she is a talented artist doesn't mean that has to be her only interest. Or that her art is made any better through being disengaged with everything else.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubaya is not an outspoken child. In fact she never speaks in this book. Instead she draws while the world goes on around her. One night she's drawing on the backs of old protest posters when tragedy strikes and she knows her parents will need those posters again. But Lubaya's gentle art is perfect for this protest march.

Beautifully done. Not recommended for storytime unless you are ready to have a difficult conversation with your kiddos.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story semi-rhyming about a girl who loves to draw and create art. She is constantly thinking of art and drifting away from others in the present to a faraway kind of place. She prefers to be alone and draw. One day her mom realizes they can use her art to speak for them at a political rally. The illustrations are colorful and warm. Kids will enjoy this one. Highly recommended for Grades K-3.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lubaya is quiet and a dreamer. Quietly, she draws everything she observes. When a peaceful protest march happens Lubaya designs art of activism posters. In school I was a dreamer and observer and activism in art, music , and culture is my favorite form of protest instead of aggressivly screaming and name calling.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Lubaya’s roar may not be loud, but a quiet roar can make history.” This story about introversion and social protest means well, but it ends up being a bit too didactic. The “breaking news” also seems abrupt, and reference to “the time for marching” too oblique. Colorful illustrations emphasize Loobie’s artistry, which holds this patchwork of a story together.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lubaya doesn't care much about winning, being picked first, or being the center of attention. She likes when things are quiet. She's good at noticing things. And she is a fabulous artist. When things in Lubaya's community became not-so-quiet, her art joins protestors as they try to spread a message of acceptance.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting take on child activism and participation in marches and protests. While the timing of the publication makes it great to reflect on the BLM protests of summer 2020, this book does not tie the family's activism to any specific clause and their signs reference "freedom now," "clean water," and "peace."

[Abby Johnson]

Lubaya may not speak up in class or participate when her friends play soccer, but she can make a difference without saying a word. She watches and she listens and she draws the most beautiful art on her parents' protest signs, making a roar without making a sound.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I didn’t really like but feel bad not liking. I’m not a huge fan of the illustrations or the actual plot. I do like how Lubaya is down as a little bit different than others but still able to contribute a great deal.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a girl who seems to be in her own world, at least most of the time.
But, she uses her drawings to echo what she sees of the other world.

When her family goes to protest, it's her drawings on the back of their posters that draw the attention.

[Natalie Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubaya is a quiet, thoughtful girl who notices things. She likes her space, but that doesn't mean she isn't listening or that she doesn't have something to say. I love that this book validates introversion, but the story lacks some coherency for me.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the message and the art, but the language felt a bit disjointed. As a fellow introvert, I definitely connected with Lubaya.