🟢 Book Review: Zonia's Rainforest by Juana Martínez-Neal
- Brianna Edmunson
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Brianna Edmunson
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books from the Social Justice Books Project, Teaching for Change
“Every morning, the rainforest calls to Zonia. Every morning, Zonia answers.”
Zonia’s Rainforest follows a young Indigenous girl named Zonia as she explores her lush, vibrant rainforest home. Each page introduces animals native to the Amazon and shows Zonia joyfully interacting with them. The tone shifts when Zonia stumbles upon a part of the forest that’s been destroyed. Concerned, she runs to her mother, who tells her that the rainforest is speaking to her. The book ends with a subtle call to action that we all must answer.
At its core, this book is about connection. It’s not just about a girl and some animals. It’s about culture, land, identity, and the responsibility to protect what we love. The story is told in a way that’s accessible to young children, but the message resonates for all ages. It gently introduces environmental awareness through the eyes of a child, making it both emotional and empowering.
Juana Martinez-Neal is a Peruvian author and illustrator who brings so much heart and care to this story. While she’s not Asháninka herself, she honors their presence, culture, and fight to protect the rainforest through both her words and art. The book ends with factual information about the Asháninka people, making it clear that her storytelling is rooted in research and respect, and not just imagination.
That said, it’s worth thinking about the question of who gets to tell which stories. If this book had been written by a non-Indigenous U.S. author with no real ties to the Amazon or the people who live there, it might have felt uncomfortable or even appropriative. But Martinez-Neal’s relationship to the land, being Peruvian herself, and the way she centers Indigenous voices with care make this feel different. Her storytelling doesn’t speak for the Asháninka but instead uplifts them and invites readers to learn more. It feels like an act of allyship, not overstepping.
The illustrations are warm, textured, and full of life. Zonia is shown as joyful, curious, and deeply connected to her world. The soft colors and gentle details create a peaceful tone that still holds emotional weight. The moment when Zonia sees part of her beloved rainforest has been destroyed is quiet but powerful. Instead of brushing it off, her mother tells her that the rainforest is speaking to her, and Zonia answers, like she always does. It’s a beautiful way of modeling early activism in a way kids can truly understand.
Zonia’s Rainforest fits into a powerful space in children’s literature. It’s a love letter to the land, a celebration of Indigenous identity, and a gentle call to action. It encourages young readers to feel connected to the earth and to listen when it speaks.
I absolutely recommend this book. It’s beautiful, meaningful, and age-appropriate, while also being deeply relevant. It offers much-needed representation for Indigenous children and invites all kids to feel connected to nature. The story doesn’t talk down to its readers, instead, it trusts them to feel big emotions and think big thoughts.
Zonia’s Rainforest is the kind of book that can grow with a child. Younger readers will love Zonia’s playful adventures with animals, while older ones can start to unpack the deeper message about caring for the earth and honoring Indigenous voices. It’s a book you’ll want to return to, not just because it’s lovely to look at, but because it says something important in a gentle, powerful way.
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ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: Brianna Edmunson was a student at Portland State University and took Zapoura Newton-Calvert's Social Justice in K12 Curriculum course. Their volunteer work was a partnership with Reading Is Resistance and the Social Justice Books Project from Teaching for Change.
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