Hear Ye Mortals - Hardcover

by Yamile Saied Méndez (Author)

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard

From the award-winning author of Furia--two brothers struggle against a totalitarian regime in this historical YA about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world around you tries to silence your voice.

In 1976 Rosario, Argentina, brothers Daniel and Adrián Aguirre share a passion for music and a bond as best friends. However, under the authoritarian military government, artists and musicians are considered enemies of the state, even if they're just teenagers playing at home. When one of their songs unexpectedly gains popularity on the radio, Daniel and Adrián, along with their band Río Babel--comprised of children of immigrants from Spain, Palestine, and Germany--face a daunting choice.

They must decide whether to pursue their dream of becoming musicians or to remain silent to protect their families. Ready to challenge the military regime, their resolve is tested when one of their own goes missing.

This novel delves into the power of music in the fight for a better tomorrow, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of courage, family, and the enduring spirit of resistance against a totalitarian regime.

Author Biography

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers and adults, including Furia, a Reese's YA Book Club selection and the 2021 Inaugural Pura Belpré Young Adult Gold Medalist. Her books have received many accolades such as the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Whitney Award, Cybils Award, Américas Award, Bank Street Spanish Language Book Awards, Amelia Elizabeth Walden book Awards finalist, and others.

She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah. An inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she's also a graduate of Voices of Our Nations (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children's and Young Adult program. Yamile is also a founding member of Las Musas, a Latine collective of women and nonbinary authors.