Best Believe

December 11, 2023
“The Bronx is a library of stories./ Of poetry in graffiti./ Of sheroes who have changed history,” declares Ramos at the start of this reverent homage to Puerto Rico–born “Bronx royalty” Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. Through the refrain “you best believe,” rhythmic verse lays out the activist sisters’ life work. In the face of systemic discrimination, Antonetty becomes a community organizer who demands better school conditions, librarian and library coordinator López works to put Spanish and bilingual books on the shelves, and Cabrera works as an ambassador for the arts. Medina’s digital illustrations have a sumptuous risograph-like quality, rendering a floral motif alongside images of “Tres Hermanas” working powerfully in concert. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 6–10.