My Grandma's Records

A young boy spends afternoons at his grandmother's apartment in Spanish Harlem, where she shares her collection of Latin jazz records with him. Through their shared listening sessions, she teaches him about the music's history and cultural significance. The relationship between grandmother and grandson grows through their musical connection, with her stories bringing the songs and artists to life. Her passion for the music creates a bridge between generations and cultures. The narrative captures both a specific moment in New York City's cultural landscape and the universal experience of family bonds. At its core, this book examines how music and shared experiences can preserve heritage and strengthen family ties across generations.

Readers appreciate how the book captures the bond between a grandmother and grandson through their shared love of music. Parents and teachers note that the story presents Afro-Latino culture and intergenerational relationships in an authentic way. What readers liked: - Realistic illustrations that show emotion and detail - Cultural elements woven naturally into the story - Inclusion of Spanish words and phrases - Focus on family traditions and memories What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow - Limited appeal for children not interested in music - A few mentioned wanting more plot development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "This book opened up great discussions about family traditions and cultural heritage with my second graders." A parent commented: "The artwork draws you in and makes you feel like you're right there in the living room listening to records with them."

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🎵 Eric Velasquez based this story on his own childhood experiences listening to Latin music with his grandmother in Spanish Harlem, New York. 📚 The book showcases the rich musical heritage of Latin America, featuring musical styles like boleros, guarachas, and mambos. 🎨 Velasquez not only wrote the book but also created its vibrant oil paintings, drawing from his career as an award-winning illustrator. 🏆 The book earned the Pura Belpré Honor Award for Illustration, which recognizes outstanding work by Latino/Latina writers and illustrators. 🎼 Many of the records featured in the story belonged to legendary musicians like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, who helped popularize Latin music in America during the 1950s and 1960s.