Elena narrates in first person, present tense, describing her life in Puerto Rico before, during, and after Hurricane María, when much of the island - buildings, infrastructure, rainforest - was destroyed, and aid was slow to come. Elena believes in the power of her community to help each other and themselves, and her faith is rewarded when plants - including their backyard mango tree - begin to come back to life, and she hears the sound of coquíes (frogs) again.

Illustrations show marvelous attention to detail. Gouache and acrylics on a variety of papers, finished digitally.

Back matter: glossary, notes on Hurricane María, notes on frogs, Puerto Rico and the United States, life after Hurricane María, food sovereignty, a call to action, a list of grassroots organizations, author's note and photos, illustrator's note and photos. ( )

Honor book - Pura Belpre
Author/illustrator notes, plus end pages of information make this far more than a picture book ( )