A novel based on the childhood and young adulthood of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (born Neftalí Reyes) is grounded in events and activities of the often tense family life of the poet’s early years, and his increasing awareness of class, race, and politics in Chile as he grew. Neftalí and his siblings were raised by a gentle mother and a domineering father who diminished his children’s dreams and sense of worth. An observant, sensitive child, Neftalí, like his older brother, both feared this man and longed for his approval. Pam Muñoz Ryan’s artful narrative, imbued with magical realism, is alive with Neftalí’s sensitivity and his love of sounds, words, and language. These become a source of discovery, solace, and transformation as he matures, giving him the means to explore and express his observations, dreams, and ideals that become increasingly political in nature. Ryan’s writing is beautiful, full of imagery suited to a story about a boy becoming a poet, while illustrations by Peter Sís feature a delicacy and strength suited to Neftalí’s character. (Age 10 and older)

Pura Belpré Award Winner

Children's Literature Legacy Award Winner

A tender, transcendent, and meticulously crafted novel from Newbery Honoree, Pam Muñoz Ryan, and three-time Caldecott Honoree, Peter Sís!

From the time he is a young boy, Neftalí hears the call of a mysterious voice. Even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself, Neftalí knows he cannot ignore the call. He listens and follows as it leads him under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain on an inspiring voyage of self-discovery that will transform his life and, ultimately, the world.

Combining elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, literary fiction, and transporting illustrations, Pam Muñoz Ryan and Peter Sís take readers on a rare journey of the heart and imagination as they explore the inspiring early life of the poet who became Pablo Neruda.