{"id":9214037164269,"title":"A Light for Lucinda","handle":"a-light-for-lucinda","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing June 9, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Story from the Cuban Revolution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eOlga Herrera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe'll create our own light.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen military violence erupts in the streets outside Lucinda's home, the family joins together, pushing furniture against doors, filling cracks with wet napkins, and lighting candles when met with darkness. Amidst the blasts and cries, Lucinda's heart taps against her chest. Mamá's spoon taps against her sizzling pan. How can she cook when so much is happening outside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/i\u003e honors the human instinct to provide order and stability during times of upheaval with poignant, uplifting storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/counting-kindness\"\u003eCounting Kindness\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yiWHBNOjCW0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - LOOK INSIDE - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-spread.jpg?v=1764096655\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764096652\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096690\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlga Herrera, author-illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlga Herrera is a Cuban and Ecuadorian author-illustrator who earned her BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. She cofounded Illo Chat, a podcast for illustrators, and is an active, long-time member of the SCBWI. She was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Ecuador. She now lives in Maryland with her husband, two children, and many pets. Her debut picture book, \u003ci\u003eThe Unwelcome Surprise\u003c\/i\u003e, was published by Feiwel \u0026amp; Friends\/Macmillan in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Olga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young girl shelters in place with her family during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959).\u003cbr\u003eLucinda lives in Santa Clara, where escalating military activity fills her neighborhood with fear. As tanks rumble past and gunfire echoes in the distance, her family and neighbors remain indoors with the shutters closed tight. Inside, her tía offers quiet reassurance, echoed by the steady pressure cooker shushing on the stove. Lucinda’s mamá responds to the tension by preparing a meal for family and neighbors seeking refuge. The familiar aromas gradually replace the scent of smoke drifting in from outside. When Lucinda wonders how Mamá can cook at a time like this, her mother explains that although they cannot control what is happening beyond their walls, they can each work to create safety and comfort within them. Later, when the lights go out, Abuela gently reminds the family that they can make their own light through care for one another. Soft pastel illustrations and expressive faces emphasize the tenderness shared among neighbors. The story closes with the community stepping outside to tidy their street, carrying forward a sense of hope. Lucinda’s journey affirms that fear is natural in uncertain times and that even small acts of care can steady a community.\u003cbr\u003eA poignant tale in which love and shared purpose become a family’s brightest light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA girl and her family pull together during a chaotic night in this hopeful picture book set during the Cuban Revolution (1953–1959). Armored tanks rumble in the streets and awful smells of smoke and ­gunpowder fill the air in Lucinda’s town of Santa Clara. Her family shelters inside their humble home, taking in neighbors and extended family. Scenes alternate between their hurried reactions to the blasts and shouts in the streets and the blackout to the measured and familiar steps that Lucinda’s mom takes to make rice, beans, and picadillo, a Cuban dish of seasoned ground beef. Herrera uses onomatopoeia to immerse readers into the scene, with both the tap, tap, tap of Lucinda’s racing heart and her mother’s wooden spoon. The changes in font help reinforce what the characters are feeling. Digital illustrations capture the tensions inside and outside, while remaining sensible to a child’s experience of war and uncertainty. An author’s note details the inspiration for this tale, based on her mother’s experience during the Cuban Revolution. The message that everyone can do their parts to shine a light in the midst of darkness and situations out of their control will resonate with many children. The characters have tan skin. A recipe for picadillo is included in the back matter.\u003cbr\u003e\nVERDICT A strong choice for most picture book collections, especially where there are communities enduring hardship and ­recent trauma. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-759-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-819-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: June 9, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2026-01-12T09:42:10-05:00","created_at":"2025-12-02T10:02:03-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills"],"price":1899,"price_min":1899,"price_max":1899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":49093411832045,"title":"English Hardcover","option1":"English Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"47592","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":45648932438253,"product_id":9214037164269,"position":1,"created_at":"2025-11-25T13:50:51-05:00","updated_at":"2025-12-02T10:15:45-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":743,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","variant_ids":[49093411832045]},"available":true,"name":"A Light for Lucinda - English Hardcover","public_title":"English Hardcover","options":["English Hardcover"],"price":1899,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623547592","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":37280979222765,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.808,"height":743,"width":600,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}},{"id":49093431951597,"title":"Spanish Hardcover","option1":"Spanish Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"48193","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":45648932503789,"product_id":9214037164269,"position":2,"created_at":"2025-11-25T13:50:52-05:00","updated_at":"2025-12-02T10:15:45-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":747,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","variant_ids":[49093431951597]},"available":true,"name":"A Light for Lucinda - Spanish Hardcover","public_title":"Spanish Hardcover","options":["Spanish Hardcover"],"price":1899,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623548193","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":37280979288301,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.803,"height":747,"width":600,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"],"featured_image":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":37280979222765,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.808,"height":743,"width":600,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"},"aspect_ratio":0.808,"height":743,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":37280979288301,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.803,"height":747,"width":600,"src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"},"aspect_ratio":0.803,"height":747,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/steamworksbooks.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003eComing June 9, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Story from the Cuban Revolution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eOlga Herrera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe'll create our own light.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen military violence erupts in the streets outside Lucinda's home, the family joins together, pushing furniture against doors, filling cracks with wet napkins, and lighting candles when met with darkness. Amidst the blasts and cries, Lucinda's heart taps against her chest. Mamá's spoon taps against her sizzling pan. How can she cook when so much is happening outside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/i\u003e honors the human instinct to provide order and stability during times of upheaval with poignant, uplifting storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/counting-kindness\"\u003eCounting Kindness\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yiWHBNOjCW0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - LOOK INSIDE - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-spread.jpg?v=1764096655\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764096652\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096690\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlga Herrera, author-illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlga Herrera is a Cuban and Ecuadorian author-illustrator who earned her BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. She cofounded Illo Chat, a podcast for illustrators, and is an active, long-time member of the SCBWI. She was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Ecuador. She now lives in Maryland with her husband, two children, and many pets. Her debut picture book, \u003ci\u003eThe Unwelcome Surprise\u003c\/i\u003e, was published by Feiwel \u0026amp; Friends\/Macmillan in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Olga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young girl shelters in place with her family during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959).\u003cbr\u003eLucinda lives in Santa Clara, where escalating military activity fills her neighborhood with fear. As tanks rumble past and gunfire echoes in the distance, her family and neighbors remain indoors with the shutters closed tight. Inside, her tía offers quiet reassurance, echoed by the steady pressure cooker shushing on the stove. Lucinda’s mamá responds to the tension by preparing a meal for family and neighbors seeking refuge. The familiar aromas gradually replace the scent of smoke drifting in from outside. When Lucinda wonders how Mamá can cook at a time like this, her mother explains that although they cannot control what is happening beyond their walls, they can each work to create safety and comfort within them. Later, when the lights go out, Abuela gently reminds the family that they can make their own light through care for one another. Soft pastel illustrations and expressive faces emphasize the tenderness shared among neighbors. The story closes with the community stepping outside to tidy their street, carrying forward a sense of hope. Lucinda’s journey affirms that fear is natural in uncertain times and that even small acts of care can steady a community.\u003cbr\u003eA poignant tale in which love and shared purpose become a family’s brightest light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA girl and her family pull together during a chaotic night in this hopeful picture book set during the Cuban Revolution (1953–1959). Armored tanks rumble in the streets and awful smells of smoke and ­gunpowder fill the air in Lucinda’s town of Santa Clara. Her family shelters inside their humble home, taking in neighbors and extended family. Scenes alternate between their hurried reactions to the blasts and shouts in the streets and the blackout to the measured and familiar steps that Lucinda’s mom takes to make rice, beans, and picadillo, a Cuban dish of seasoned ground beef. Herrera uses onomatopoeia to immerse readers into the scene, with both the tap, tap, tap of Lucinda’s racing heart and her mother’s wooden spoon. The changes in font help reinforce what the characters are feeling. Digital illustrations capture the tensions inside and outside, while remaining sensible to a child’s experience of war and uncertainty. An author’s note details the inspiration for this tale, based on her mother’s experience during the Cuban Revolution. The message that everyone can do their parts to shine a light in the midst of darkness and situations out of their control will resonate with many children. The characters have tan skin. A recipe for picadillo is included in the back matter.\u003cbr\u003e\nVERDICT A strong choice for most picture book collections, especially where there are communities enduring hardship and ­recent trauma. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-759-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-819-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: June 9, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}