Doña Fela’s Dream: The Story of Puerto Rico’s First Female Mayor

Gr 2-5–Starting off with an image of La Perla neighborhood ravaged by a storm and then the community rushing up to Doña Fela’s doorsteps, this picture book introduces readers to Felisa Rincón de Gautier, or better known to Puerto Ricans as Doña Fela. The textual and visual narrative takes a step back to depict Doña Fela’s childhood, relationship with her siblings, and her affluent and patriarchal upbringing in her family’s plantation. Despite her father’s views that “women had no place in politics,” Rincón de Gautier immersed herself more into politics and leadership, ending up being the mayor of Puerto Rico’s capital city and becoming the first woman mayor in the archipelago. Brown’s words provide a brief introduction and glimpse into her work and relationship with community members and political leaders. Ibarra’s oil paintings are reminiscent of the colors and landscapes characteristic of Puerto Rican “estampas costumbristas” of the 1940s and 1950s. Although the book portrays a narrative of saviorism and how San Juan blossomed under Doña Fela’s reign, no references, time line or bibliography are included. However, readers unfamiliar with this political figure will be inspired to learn more about her life and work. Author’s and artist’s notes, as well as a glossary, are appended in the back matter.