Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz

by Claudia Romo Edelman, William Alexander, Alexandra Beguez (Illustrator)

Overview

Read about "La Reina de la Salsa" in Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz, and learn the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes that have shaped our culture and the world in this gripping biography series for young readers, perfect for fans of the Who Was series.

If you can see it, you can be it.

Meet the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz—once just a girl from Havana, Cuba, who loved to sing. Her soulful voice, compelling charm, and unstoppable determination led to her meteoric rise to fame, opening the door for Latinx performers everywhere. Her booming career took her from the Sonora Matancera to the Fania All-Stars, with the rising popularity of salsa, a genre born of Afro-Cuban musical stylings. Six decades and more than seventy albums later, Celia’s influence still has an undeniable hold on today’s music.

Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been undeniable forces in shaping its future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250828125
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	09/06/2022
Series:	Hispanic Star , #2
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1080L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Claudia Romo Edelman is a global mobilization expert, catalyst for social change, and marketer for social causes. She is a recognized speaker, activist, thought leader & author, and upcoming entrepreneur. Claudia is the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and co-host of the podcast “A la Latina: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self.” She is also currently starting a family business. She is a Mexican-Swiss diplomat with more than 25 years of experience leading marketing and advocacy for global organizations, including the World Economic Forum, UNICEF, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the United Nations. She speaks 6 languages, has two children, and enjoys sports and traveling.

William Alexander is a National Book Award-winning Cuban-American who usually writes unrealisms like Goblin Secrets, Ambassador, and A Properly Unhaunted Place. He teaches in the Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Editorial Reviews

A Kirkus Best of the Year books for Middle Grade selection

A Teacher & Librarian FAVORITES 3rd-5th Grade selection

"A lyrical, informative chapter book biography of Celia Cruz, the Queen of ­Salsa. . . A must-purchase for all nonfiction shelves. Browsable and report-ready, this series debut brings the sweet story of la Reina de la Salsa to life. ¡Azúúúcar!" - School Library Journal, starred review

"Engaging illustrations and informative sidebars further enrich the heartfelt informational text. Positive affirmations are sprinkled throughout the book; readers will come away inspired to follow Celia’s positive example. . . A compelling look at the radiant life of La Reina de la Salsa." - Kirkus, starred review

Praise for Hispanic Star en español: Celia Cruz

"An excellent addition to Spanish-language biography collections for youth, focusing on a legendary figure of music who impacted not only Latin America, but the world as well." - School Library Journal

From the Publisher

★ 2022-09-14
A biography of iconic Afro-Cuban musician Celia Cruz that pays special attention to her early years.

Úrsula Hilaria Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso got her start in music when she was tasked with singing lullabies to young relatives at bedtime—Celia’s lullabies were so dynamic that the children stayed awake and demanded more songs instead of drifting off to sleep. With the encouragement of her favorite instructor, she set her plans to become a teacher aside in order to pursue a career in music. Celia’s meteoric rise to stardom was not without difficulty, but her hard work and support from family and fellow musicians kept her on track to becoming one of the most famous Latine singers in history. The book explores topics such as the prejudice Celia faced because of her darker skin, political turmoil in Cuba during the 1950s, and Celia’s painful exile from her home country, all within the context of her career and celebrity. It’s clear that Celia touched those around her with her dynamic talent and innovative musicality and used her status to advocate for others. Engaging illustrations and informative sidebars further enrich the heartfelt informational text. Positive affirmations are sprinkled throughout the book; readers will come away inspired to follow Celia’s positive example. Backmatter includes an author's note from Alexander and a note from the nonprofit organization Hispanic Star, which partnered with the publisher for this series.

A compelling look at the radiant life of La Reina de la Salsa. (facts) (Biography. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews