“An important window into the ravages of colonialism and the plight of the Indigenous peoples of Mexico.”

– Kirkus Reviews

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★ “Amescua sensitively excavates the compelling story of the woman known as “the spirit of Mexico…”

– Publishers Weekly

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"This perfectly paired collaboration provides both reclamation and revelation."

–Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon

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"Indeed, it’s this complicated relationship between old traditions and modern influences that make his art such a good complement to Amescua’s text."

–Horn Book

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“I believe that Child of the Flower-Song People is a wonderful resource for classroom discussions.”

– PPBF

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★ “The moving story of one of the biggest cultural influences on Mexican culture.”

–School Library Journal

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“CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE – PERFECT PICTURE BOOK FRIDAY”

–Jilanne Hoffmann

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“Their Stories Changed the World.”

— BookPage

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★ "Amescua's spare yet lyrical text reminds readers that Luz was a 'child of the flower-song people,”

―Booklist

“I really like the story of this woman, who is familiar from all these paintings and artwork, but we don’t know her story.”

―Duncan Tonatiuh SLJ Interview

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“A timely and thought-provoking true story.”

“Occasionally, a picture book biography comes along about an unlikely hero from the past who inspires a contemporary reckoning of conscience. Such is the case with Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua, by Gloria Amescua and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh. Threaded with cultural insights, poetic language, and stylized art, Jiménez comes to life—her cultural contributions as a model for Mexico’s most notable artists, as a teacher, and as Nahua storyteller preserving her Indigenous language. Layered within this inspiring tale are the harsh realities of the Mexican Revolution, government schools, and the forced assimilation of Indigenous people. A timely and thought-provoking true story.”

– Donna Janell Bowman, author of King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara—Bank Street Best Books of 2020 list and other award-winning books

“Child of the Flower-Song People is a gift to young readers,”

“Through Child of the Flower-Song People, Gloria Amescua carries on the legacy of her subject, Luz Jiménez, by modeling exquisite writing and teaching Nahuatl culture.”

"Child of the Flower-Song People is a gift to young readers, all of whom should know how Luz Jiménez carried on the skills, beauty, and pride of native Mexican people."

– Cynthia Levinson, author of The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art and others.

“An important book and spectacular debut!”

“Gloria Amescua narrates the amazing life of Luz Jiménez with lyrical beauty that echoes the very xochicuicatl—ancestral Nahua poetics—that Luz sought to preserve for her people. Child of the Flower-Song People deftly balances fascinating biographical moments with an earnest sense of social justice for the indigenous people of Mexico. Duncan Tonatiuh’s now famous codex-style art, drawn from his own Nahua heritage, makes the story and message even more poignant.”

– David Bowles, author of My Two Border Towns.