Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez

by Claudia Romo Edelman, Karla Arenas Valenti, Alexandra Beguez (Illustrator)

Overview

Read about Selena Gomez, who is among the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have shaped our culture and the world in Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez, from Claudia Romo Edelman's gripping Hispanic Star biography series for young readers.

Meet Selena Gomez--once just a girl from Grand Prairie, Texas, who loved to perform for her family. Her courage, drive, and empathy have been guiding posts in her lifelong career since her beginnings on Barney&Friends. Selena’s skyrocket to fame took her from the Disney Channel to becoming one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world in 2020. An emblem for her generation, Selena shows that you can be exactly who you are and follow your passions wherever they may lead you.

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. If you can see it, you can be it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250828347
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	05/16/2023
Series:	Hispanic Star
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	22 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

CLAUDIA ROMO EDELMAN is the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and Hispanic Star and has worked for twenty-five years with internationally recognized institutions, including the United Nations, the Global Fund, the World Economic Forum, and UNICEF. She’s led some of the most successful global campaigns in the last decade, including Product (RED), the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the United Nations, the creation of the SDG Lions, and the rebranding of the UN Refugee Agency. Visit her at claudiaromoedelman.com.

KARLA ARENAS VALENTI is a Mexican author who writes picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels, including the highly-acclaimed magical realist novel, Loteria. Karla's storytelling draws heavily from her Mexican heritage and culture, and she is proud to partner with Hispanic Stars to showcase the contributions of remarkable Latinx heroes. Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her family, two cats, and far more books than she can find shelves for. Visit her at karlavalenti.com.

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.
Karla Arenas Valenti grew up in Mexico City in a house built around a tree. Her life was always filled with elements of the fantastical which she readily incorporates into her storytelling, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism. Karla is the Pura Belpre Award-winning author of Lola, as well as the best-selling and critically-acclaimed author of Lotería, the exciting Legendarios chapter book series, and various picture books. She is also the co-author of Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez and Pedro Pascal. Karla’s stories are heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she’s picked up in her many travels around the world. Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.

Editorial Reviews

"Discussions of Gomez’s physical and mental illness are refreshingly frank and empathetic. . . A story of passion and perseverance that will inspire the star’s fans and newcomers alike." - Kirkus

PRAISE FOR THE HISPANIC STAR SERIES

Hispanic Star: Sonia Sotomayor and Hispanic Star: Ellen Ochoa

“With plenty of white space and illustrations sprinkled throughout, these titles are accessible for young researchers…The books end with “Did you know” sections that share cool facts and relevant web links. This series continues to impress.” – School Library Journal

Hispanic Star: Roberto Clemente

A Junior Library Guild Selection

★ "A sense of warmth and pride radiates through this telling, and even non-sports fans will be drawn in. . . Well-crafted and accessible." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Highlighted issues of racism [add] context to his times and luster to his achievements." – Kirkus

Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz

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

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

Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera and Hispanic Star en español: Sylvia Rivera

A 2024 Américas Award Honor for Children’s and Young Adult Literature

"This is a welcome middle-grade biography of a figure who has long been due one." - Mombian, "New LGBTQ Kids’ Books"

From the Publisher

2023-02-08
She was just a Texas girl with a Technicolor dream.

The latest in this series that focuses on prominent Latine individuals follows actor and pop star Selena Gomez, whose father, Ricardo Joel Gomez, is of Mexican descent and whose mother, Mandy Teefey, is of Italian heritage. Gomez was born in Grand Prairie, Texas, when her parents were 16; her mother worked multiple jobs after divorcing her father when Gomez was 5. Gomez knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue acting and landed a role on Barney & Friends, which opened the door to Disney and her big break on Wizards of Waverly Place. The show’s tremendous success made Gomez a star. She spread her wings, forming a pop rock band. However, the intensity of working in Hollywood took a toll. After struggles with lupus, a kidney transplant, depression, and anxiety, she took a hiatus from social media and later opened up about her problems to the public. Sidebars throughout offer context on everything from various kinds of film and TV roles to dialysis to the DREAM Act (Gomez produced a Netflix series on undocumented families). The tone is conversational and intimate and will likely entice even readers unfamiliar with Gomez’s work. The discussions of Gomez’s physical and mental illness are refreshingly frank and empathetic. Notes from Valenti and Hispanic Star (a nonprofit organization that collaborated with the publisher for this series) close out the book.

A story of passion and perseverance that will inspire the star’s fans and newcomers alike. (online sources, additional facts) (Biography. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews