My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz

This bilingual picture book tells the story of Cuban-American salsa singer Celia Cruz, from her childhood in Havana to her rise as the "Queen of Salsa." The text appears in both English and Spanish on each page. Rafael López's vibrant illustrations capture the rhythm and energy of Cruz's performances through bold colors and dynamic compositions. The artwork incorporates elements of Cuban culture and Latin American folk art traditions. The narrative follows Cruz's musical journey in chronological order, highlighting key moments in her personal life and professional career. Music and dance remain central themes throughout, with Cruz's signature phrase "¡Azúcar!" appearing at pivotal points. The book celebrates perseverance, cultural identity, and the unifying power of music across borders and generations. Through Cruz's story, readers gain perspective on twentieth-century Cuban-American immigrant experiences and the development of Latin music in the United States.

Readers appreciate the vibrant bilingual text and colorful illustrations that capture Celia Cruz's energy and spirit. Parents and teachers note the book helps introduce children to Latin music history and Cuban culture. Multiple reviewers mention using it successfully in elementary school classrooms. The artwork receives consistent praise, with readers commenting on how the bold colors and dynamic compositions reflect Cruz's personality. Several teachers highlight how the Spanish/English format engages bilingual students. Some readers note the text can be challenging for younger children to follow independently, recommending it as a read-aloud book. A few reviews mention wanting more biographical details about Cruz's life. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (466 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (129 ratings) Common comments from reviews: "Captures the rhythm and joy of her music" "Beautiful introduction to an important cultural figure" "Artwork jumps off the page" "Works well for teaching both language and history"

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🎵 Celia Cruz, known as the "Queen of Salsa," recorded over 70 albums during her career and won multiple Grammy Awards. 🌴 Before fleeing Cuba in 1960, Celia Cruz was already a superstar in her home country with the legendary group La Sonora Matancera. ✍️ Author Monica Brown is a professor of English at Northern Arizona University and specializes in writing multicultural literature for children. 🎨 The book features vibrant illustrations by Rafael López, who used acrylic paint on wood to create colorful scenes inspired by Cuban and Latin American art. 🗣️ The book is written in both English and Spanish, allowing young readers to experience the story in either language while learning about Latin music and culture.