Silenced Voices

Written and illustrated by Pablo Leon

A mother's hidden past resurfaces, revealing a family's survival amid war and separation.

4.5 Goodreads · 699 ratings

240 pages· 11,249 words· Est. 1.5 hour read· ~600L

$26.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 2013 Maryland, brothers Jose and Charlie uncover their mother Clara's hidden past during a genocide trial. Her story unfolds, taking them back to 1982 Guatemala, where young Clara and her sister Elena are torn apart by war. As Clara reveals the harrowing journey of survival and separation, the brothers grapple with the legacy of a conflict that shaped their family. Will the truth bring them closer or deepen the divide? Discover the powerful tale of resilience and hope across generations.

From the publisher

A Pura Belpré Award Honor, Young AdultA Robert F. Sibert Informational Book HonorA 2026 Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature WinnerIn this moving intergenerational tale perfect for fans of Messy Roots and Illegal, Eisner-nominated creator Pablo Leon combines historical research of the Guatemalan Civil War with his own experiences as a Guatemalan immigrant to depict a powerful story of family, sacrifice, survival, and hope.Langley Park, Maryland, 2013Brothers Jose and Charlie know very little about their mother’s life in Guatemala, until Jose grows curious about the ongoing genocide trial of Efrain Rios Montt. At first his mother, Clara, shuts his questions down. But as the trial progresses, she begins to open up to her sons about a time in her life that she’s left buried for years.Peten, Guatemala, 1982Sisters Clara and Elena hear about the armed conflict every day, but the violence somehow seems far away from their small village. But the day the fight comes to their doorstep, the sisters are separated and are forced to flee through the mountains, leaving them to wonder…Have their paths diverged forever?