About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is searching for their voice or struggling to see how their unique cultural background fits into a larger world. This biography follows the life of Celia Cruz, from a shy girl in Havana to the undisputed Queen of Salsa. It explores themes of perseverance, the pain of exile, and the joy of staying true to one's roots even when far from home. Middle-grade readers will find a relatable story of a girl who had to overcome her father's traditional expectations and political upheaval to share her gift with the world. It is a vibrant celebration of Afro-Latina identity that provides both historical context and deep emotional resonance for any child who feels like they have a big song inside them waiting to be heard.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses the Cuban Revolution and Celia's status as an exile. The approach is historical and direct, framing the loss of her homeland as a profound but realistic sadness. It handles her inability to return for her mother's funeral with sensitive, secular gravity, offering a resolution rooted in the legacy she built despite her loss.
