Back to News

Kirkus’ Top Children’s Picture Books Of 2022: “Until Someone Listens”

Published on 19/12/2022

We are delighted to announce that “Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission” by Estela Juarez with Lissette Normal, illustrated by Astound’s Teresa Martinez has been selected in Kirkus’ Top 100 Children’s Picture Books of 2022!

Read the digital review below.

When Juarez’s mom was 18, she traveled across the Mexican border into the United States to attend school, work, and live. She met and married a U.S. Marine, and they had two daughters. But when Juarez was 8, her mom was deported to Mexico. The girl was devastated by the loss of her mom, and her mother’s absence left the family confused and distraught. Desperate to reunite her family, Juarez wrote letters to Congress and the president, among others. When these letters received media exposure, lawyers were able to help Juarez’s mother return to the country. Juarez, now a teen, with co-author Norman, tells the story of her family’s struggle to reunite and underscores the importance of speaking out against injustice. This sincerely told story conveys the difficulties and heartbreak that families of undocumented immigrants encounter as well as the complexity of the pathways to citizenship in the United States. Martinez’s illustrations use color to depict the devastating effects on the family; a close-up of a young Juarez huddled on the floor is especially poignant. Yet the gentle artwork tempers the sadness. Both Spanish and English editions of the story are available; the message is powerful in any language.

“Until Someone Listens” is published by Roaring Book Press, Macmillan US and is available to purchase here.

The ITSme Society is a collective of top creative agencies that represent award-winning talent worldwide. The ITSme Society agencies represent illustrators and writers across 7 agencies: Advocate Art, Astound US Inc, Illo Agency, Artistique, Yeon, CWLA, and Collaborate.

Other News

How to Create the Perfect Puzzle for the Adult Market

Illustrations by Advocate Art illustrators Victor McLindon, Jo Parry, James Newman Gray, and Lisa Alderson How to Create the Perfect Puzzle Teacher: Amanda Hendon, Global Manager at Advocate Art I often think of jigsaw puzzles as something that will never go out of fashion – tried and true, they’re a reliable form of entertainment for…

Celebrations to Include in Your Portfolio Part 3

Illustrations by Advocate Art illustrators Aditi Kakade Beaufrand, Anuki Lopez, Fabiana Attanasio, and Beatrice Tinarelli, and Astound US Inc. illustrators Joel and Ashley Selby. Celebrations to Include in Your Portfolio Part 3 Teacher: ITSme Society Who doesn’t love a celebration! As we talked about earlier in this series, books that celebrate a special occasion or…

Top 10 Writing No-No’s

Top 10 Writing No-No’s  Teacher: Lil Chase, senior editor at Caroline Wakeman Literary Agency There are many tropes and cliches writers use that immediately turn off an agent or commissioning editor. Some are worse than others and some are personal to that particular editor. Here are a few of the repeat offenders you might want…

New On Demand / Self Paced Courses Coming Soon!

Character Study Intensive and Graphic Novel Bootcamp ITSme Learning is excited to announce our new on demand, self paced Character Study Intensive and Graphic Novel Bootcamp courses! We have been asked for an in depth look into these areas, and we are here to provide that education. In addition to our free resources and mentorship…

Poetry Tricks for Children’s Authors

Poetry Tricks for Children’s Authors Teacher: Lil Chase, senior editor at Caroline Wakeman Literary Agency I would not advise people to use flowery prose when writing for children. In general, it’s best to speak plainly and let the action tell your story. However, studying the tricks used in poetry is a really good way to…

International Trends: Children’s Book Illustrators in the Chinese Book Market

Illustrations by Yeon Agency Illustrators Alizee Favier, Caroline Romanet, Fann Chen, Jisun Lee, Kousuke & Konatsu Sako, and Mai Ngo. International Trends: Children’s Book Illustrators in the Chinese Book Market Teacher: Zejun Yao, Yeon Agency Managing Agent Children’s books have a special place in our hearts, and their stories have their roots firmly planted in…

Menu