Nothing to Give . . . But Light

The inspiring untold story of siblings Celestina and Rafael Cordero who dared to open a free school for Black children on the island of Puerto Rico during the early 19th century. Illustrated by two-time Pura Belpré Award winner Raul Colón.

Siblings Celestina and Rafael grew up in the Spanish-ruled colony of Puerto Rico where some Black people were still enslaved, and even free Black people like their parents were treated as second-class citizens. Still their parents taught their children to look for the light and filled their small home with letters, numbers and faith. Celestina, "like a surging wave, turned over shells of knowledge. Like a soft breeze, Rafael chased leaves of learning." When they'd each learned all they could, they were inspired to teach others.

At just fifteen and at a time where a formal education was hard to come by for Black people, especially girls, Celestina opened a free school for girls. All were welcome. Rafael followed in his sister's footsteps a few years later, opening a school for boys. Neither received funds to keep their schools afloat as other schools started by Spanish teachers had. Rafael sold cigars to earn a living.

As the years passed, more and more children came to the siblings' schools. Finally, Celestina wanted to be recognized as an official teacher—to be paid—so she bravely took her case to San Juan's city council. They refused her three times, but like a wave, Celestina rose again and again and her fourth petition was granted.

Celestina and Rafael educated children for more than fifty years despite the challenges of low pay and discrimination. Rafael even became known as the Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico. Pura Belpré award winner Raul Colón's illustrations dazzle as he charts the siblings' perseverance and ultimate triumph in gorgeous, affecting illustrations that match debut author Zoraida Rivera Morales' lyrical text with reverence.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs