LAS MUSAS BOOK BIRTHDAY - Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People

Today we celebrate the book birthday of Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People by Musa and author-illustrator Aixa Perez- Prado. We sat down with Aixa to learn more about the inspiration behind this book.

Have you ever heard a song that made your heart soar?
A canción that captured your corazón?
A voice so powerful that it made you feel ready to change the world?
This is the story of a singer whose voice sailed through the air like the wings of a condor,  inspiring people everywhere!

Written and illustrated by Aixa Pérez-Prado, Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People is the powerful biography of Argentinean folksinger and human rights advocate Mercedes Sosa. Affectionately known as La Negra, Mercedes used her musical talents and powerful voice to speak out against poverty and inequality in her home country. In the face of a cruel dictatorship, Mercedes refused to be silenced. She bravely stepped on stage to lend a "voice to the voiceless" with uplifting songs of empathy and empowerment. Her unforgettable music and messages of hope continue to resonate with people across the world to this day.

Want to learn more about this moving story? Read on after the link...

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Where did you get the idea to write this particular story?
Growing up, Mercedes Sosa's music was the soundtrack of my childhood. My mother, a devoted fan, would play her albums, and in those moments, Mercedes' powerful voice would transport us from Buffalo, New York, back to Argentina. Listening to her wasn’t just about music; it was like receiving a warm, familiar hug from home—an auditory embrace that carried the scent of empanadas, the soothing ritual of mate, and the comfort of our native language.
Mercedes embodied more than just melodies; she represented home, resilience, and the quiet strength of a mother who holds her people close. Despite her fame, she remained humble—a voice for the voiceless, a beacon for the marginalized. Her kindness, her unwavering fight for justice, and her connection to the earth inspired me deeply. Writing this story felt like a natural extension of the love and admiration I’ve always had for her. It’s my way of sharing her legacy with a new generation, of inviting others into that abrazo she so generously offered to all of us.

Can you share your path to publication for this book?
The journey to publication for this book was a long and winding one—about four years from offer to final product. The story began as a lyrical homage to Mercedes Sosa, filled with musicality but light on historical context. My editor, Jessica Echeverria, recognized the need for readers to better understand the world Mercedes lived in, so the manuscript evolved to include more facts about Argentina and the political climate she navigated. This shift posed a challenge: how to weave complex topics like government, politics, and culture into the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The word count fluctuated—starting at around 700 words, doubling, and then being trimmed back during revisions.
Another challenge came with the translation, which I undertook with the help of my Spanish writer friends whose guidance was invaluable. But perhaps the biggest turning point in the process was when no illustrator had been found, and I decided to submit my own illustrations. I had been doodling illustrations of Mercedes since writing the text, and though I was new to illustration, I had just finished my first author-illustrator picture book, CITY FEET. My agent and I felt confident enough to show my work to my editor at Lee and Low, and to my delight, she agreed I was the right fit for the project.
Creating illustrations that conveyed themes like social justice, heartache, and intimidation for a children’s book was no small task. Yet these aspects are integral to Mercedes’ story. I'm proud of the final artwork and invite readers to spot the bird or birds hidden in each spread—a subtle nod to Mercedes, who is often associated with a bird in Argentina. The journey was long, but every twist and turn was definitely worth it to honor her legacy.

What was the most difficult scene to write in this story?
Several scenes in this story were challenging, but none more so than those depicting loneliness, despair, and the harsh realities of government terror. The scenes filled with hope and music were easier to write and illustrate—they flowed naturally because Mercedes was not just a singer and activist, but also a captivating performer. Her body language, her energy, and her voice conveyed joy and resilience, and I found inspiration in the countless photos and videos I researched to capture that essence.
But when it came to illustrating the darker moments—like the abduction scene or the spread featuring Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo—the weight of responsibility was immense. These were not just images or words; they were representations of real pain, real loss, and unimaginable strength. I wanted to ensure that both my words and illustrations conveyed the depth of their suffering while also honoring their resilience and dignity, just as Mercedes did through her music.
It was crucial to strike a balance: providing enough context to help young readers understand the gravity of the situation without overwhelming them. For this reason, I carefully crafted the text to offer a glimpse into the horrors of the time, with additional details provided in the backmatter for those who want to delve deeper. In the end, my hope is that both the words and images reflect the courage of Mercedes and all those who endured, and the profound legacy they left behind.

What message are you hoping readers will take away from this story?
I hope readers leave this story with a deep curiosity for the vibrant and diverse region of Latin America and an understanding that, regardless of where one comes from or their circumstances, everyone has the potential to be a voice of hope and inspiration. Mercedes Sosa dedicated her life to her craft—continuously honing her voice until the very end—and used her platform to shine a light on the injustices faced by the poor and indigenous peoples across Latin America.
She was more than just a singer; she was a bridge that connected the entire continent and even the world, collaborating with artists from various countries and always celebrating the richness of Latinidad, with all its complexities and colors. Through this book, I want young readers to see that there are countless ways to fight for justice—through music, through art, through words—and that every voice, no matter how small, deserves to be heard and respected. Mercedes’ legacy reminds us that the creative arts can be a powerful force for change, and I hope her story inspires children to find their own way to make a difference.

What comes next for you as an author?
Well, that’s a secret… for now! You know how the world of publishing works. What I can share is that my passion for both writing and illustrating continues to grow, and I plan to create stories for both children and adults. Recently, I had the honor of contributing a short story to the middle grade horror anthology The Haunted States of America. The anthology features a tale from each state, each with a twist on a local legend, written by authors who live in or are from those states. I was thrilled to represent Florida with my story, "Spanish Moss", which puts a haunting spin on a Florida legend while exploring the lingering wounds of colonialism and the heartache of unrequited love.
Writing that story reminded me of how much I enjoy crafting tales for a middle grade audience, especially those with a touch of darkness. My doctoral dissertation focused on immigrant middle graders and the complex challenges they face as they navigate their intersecting identities and cultural expectations. Getting to know those students and their families deeply impacted me, and ever since, I’ve been captivated by this age group. I would love to continue writing for middle graders—they are endlessly fascinating and full of untold stories waiting to be shared.

Photo credit: João-Roberto Doering

Aixa Perez-Prado is an Argentine author/illustrator, translator, sensitivity reader and university professor who draws inspiration for stories and illustrations from the many colorful locations where I’ve lived.

She writes and illustrates picture books aimed at giving diverse children a chance to see their multilayered
identities through stories that resonate with heart and humor.

Aixa writes in both Spanish and English
and enjoys mixing languages in prose and materials in collage art.





​Connect with Aixa:
Website: aixaperezprado.com
Instagram: @aixasdoodlesandbooks
TikTok: @aixasdoodlesandbooks
Twitter: @professoraixa

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