Gloria Hernandez is excited! Tomorrow is el dieciséis de septiembre (September 16), Mexican Independence Day. It’s an important holiday that celebrates Mexico winning its independence from Spain in 1821. It’s tradition that someone shouts the grito the evening of September 15 to start the festivities. The grito is an emotional shout that marks special occasions. For generations a male from the Hernandez family has shouted the grito from the church balcony above the plaza square. It is a great honor, and tonight Gloria’s father will shout the grito as he has done many times before. But when Papa wakes up, he’s not feeling well. He can’t perform the grito, but someone from the Hernandez family must continue the tradition. The responsibility falls to Gloria. But she has never shouted the grito in public. Will she find her voice in time?