Jovita Wore Pants

By Aida Salazar, Molly Mendoza (Illustrator)

A woman defies norms, disguises herself, and joins a war for freedom. Will her courage change history?

4.2/5 Goodreads · 970 ratings

48 pages· 913 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Jovita dreams of freedom, not skirts. When her family joins the Cristero War, she's forbidden to fight. Undeterred, she cuts her hair, dons pants, and leads a battalion in disguise. As she challenges societal norms and battles for religious freedom, will her daring actions inspire change or lead to peril? Discover the true story of a revolutionary who defied expectations and fought for her rights.

From the publisher

A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOKThe remarkable true story of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for her rights! “Graceful . . deft . . . mesmerizing. . . . Bravery and determination prevail in this inspiring tale.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Gorgeous…hits the perfect balance of lively and lyrical…outstanding.” – School Library Journal, starred review* “Exquisite prose. . . . stunning spreads.” – BookPage, starred reviewJovita dreamed of wearing pants! She hated the big skirts Abuela made her wear. She wanted to scale the tallest mesquite tree on her rancho, ride her horse, and feel the wind curl her face into a smileWhen her father and brothers joined the Cristero War to fight for religious freedom, Jovita wanted to go, too. Forbidden, she defied her father’s rules - and society’s - and found a clever way to become a trailblazing revolutionary, wearing pants!This remarkable true story about a little-known maverick Mexican heroine is brought vividly to life by her great-niece and Américas Award-winner Aida Salazar, and Eisner Award-honoree Molly Mendoza.