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Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa
Everyone knows the flamboyant, larger-than-life Celia Cruz, the extraordinary salsa singer who passed away in 2003, leaving millions of fans brokenhearted. indeed, there was a magical vibrancy to the Cuban salsa singer. to hear her voice or to see her perform was to feel her life-affirming energy deep within you. relish the sizzling sights and sounds of her legacy in this glimpse into Celia’s childhood and her inspiring rise to worldwide fame and recognition as the Queen of salsa. Her inspirational life story is sure to sweeten your soul.
40 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 8, 2019
The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz is very well known in Latin America. I grew up knowing her but I can't say I'm too much into the salsa genre of music to know the full body of her work. But in Latin America, you grow up with your celebrities and they are a big part in one's life, their music uniting the family together, the music a part of our most memorable moments.
I was quite surprised at how emotional this children's book made me feel. The love the author puts into her book can be felt and when you read the Author's Note in the back of the book, you understand why. When I grew up, Celia Cruz became a role model for me because she was Latinegra. She taught me that despite the common media images, Latinas come in all colors. And that is how she comes across in the book, a princess turned queen. Any little girl can dream of becoming big.
I can't imagine how sad Celia must have felt when upon leaving her land of Cuba to play a concert she was banned by Fidel Castro from ever returning to Cuba because she set foot in America. She was not allowed to attend her mother's funeral, even when she asked the government for permission. That must have weighed so heavy in her heart.
This is a children's book, so of course it doesn't go deeply into such things. What it does do is capture Celia's spirit. The drawings are beautiful and colorful and full of life.
Like other girls in Havana, she had chores. Some of her friends were charged with sweeping the kitchen. Other girls washed dinner plates . Celia's job was to sing lullabies to put her younger brother and sisters to sleep.
At night, her voice carried through the windows, rolling along the cobblestone streets like a wheel or a wish. The people in her neighborhood began to gather outside of her family's front door, begging her father to leave it open. They said, "Her voice is tan dulce, sweet like azucar." Her voice, it was said, sent you not only to sleep, but to a nighttime land of angel dreams.
I was quite surprised at how emotional this children's book made me feel. The love the author puts into her book can be felt and when you read the Author's Note in the back of the book, you understand why. When I grew up, Celia Cruz became a role model for me because she was Latinegra. She taught me that despite the common media images, Latinas come in all colors. And that is how she comes across in the book, a princess turned queen. Any little girl can dream of becoming big.
I can't imagine how sad Celia must have felt when upon leaving her land of Cuba to play a concert she was banned by Fidel Castro from ever returning to Cuba because she set foot in America. She was not allowed to attend her mother's funeral, even when she asked the government for permission. That must have weighed so heavy in her heart.
This is a children's book, so of course it doesn't go deeply into such things. What it does do is capture Celia's spirit. The drawings are beautiful and colorful and full of life.
Like other girls in Havana, she had chores. Some of her friends were charged with sweeping the kitchen. Other girls washed dinner plates . Celia's job was to sing lullabies to put her younger brother and sisters to sleep.
At night, her voice carried through the windows, rolling along the cobblestone streets like a wheel or a wish. The people in her neighborhood began to gather outside of her family's front door, begging her father to leave it open. They said, "Her voice is tan dulce, sweet like azucar." Her voice, it was said, sent you not only to sleep, but to a nighttime land of angel dreams.
October 6, 2013
Summary: This is an enchanting portrayal of the life of Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz. This vibrantly illustrated story captures the essence of Cruz’s journey as a child growing up in Havana to her inspiring rise to fame as the world’s queen of salsa.
The stunning illustrations and the charismatic story of Cruz’s life will engage children in the story from beginning to end. Chambers use of language is both descriptive and comprehendible for the recommended age group. She also uses diverse language to offer discussion topics that will inspire students to learn new words and phrases and further enlighten students about the Latin American culture. Julie Maren uses bold colors in her illustrations and chooses her images carefully to further animate the words written on each page.
Author: Veronica Chambers
Illustrator: Julie Maren
Illustrations done in acrylic and collage on bristol board.
Award(s)/Honor(s): Notable Social Studies Trade Book (NSSTB), 2006
Non-fiction; Biography; Latin America
Grades: 2-4 (Younger for read aloud)
Theme: This book brings the life and culture of Celia Cruz and Latin American music to life through the use of vibrant colors and expressive language, both in English and Spanish. As a tribute to the singer, Chambers highlights Cruz’s humble beginnings, along with her failures and ultimate successes, with the hope that inspiring young Latina girls can see a bit of themselves in this story.
Classroom Connection: This book may compliment studies of Latin America or help to begin a discussion on cultural differences in ‘the arts’ (e.g. music, dance, etc.). This book may also help to tie in cultural diversities in a classroom. The author provides a glossary in the back of the book for Spanish words used throughout the book as well as a discography of some of Celia Cruz’s most notable work. Teachers can use the book and song to bring this story and culture to life for students. The author’s note also provides additional details about Cruz’s life that may be noteworthy during class discussions if more background is desired. For younger students (Grades K-1) this book could be a great tool as a read aloud. The illustrations in the book make for a great foundation for predictions of what the book may be about.
The stunning illustrations and the charismatic story of Cruz’s life will engage children in the story from beginning to end. Chambers use of language is both descriptive and comprehendible for the recommended age group. She also uses diverse language to offer discussion topics that will inspire students to learn new words and phrases and further enlighten students about the Latin American culture. Julie Maren uses bold colors in her illustrations and chooses her images carefully to further animate the words written on each page.
Author: Veronica Chambers
Illustrator: Julie Maren
Illustrations done in acrylic and collage on bristol board.
Award(s)/Honor(s): Notable Social Studies Trade Book (NSSTB), 2006
Non-fiction; Biography; Latin America
Grades: 2-4 (Younger for read aloud)
Theme: This book brings the life and culture of Celia Cruz and Latin American music to life through the use of vibrant colors and expressive language, both in English and Spanish. As a tribute to the singer, Chambers highlights Cruz’s humble beginnings, along with her failures and ultimate successes, with the hope that inspiring young Latina girls can see a bit of themselves in this story.
Classroom Connection: This book may compliment studies of Latin America or help to begin a discussion on cultural differences in ‘the arts’ (e.g. music, dance, etc.). This book may also help to tie in cultural diversities in a classroom. The author provides a glossary in the back of the book for Spanish words used throughout the book as well as a discography of some of Celia Cruz’s most notable work. Teachers can use the book and song to bring this story and culture to life for students. The author’s note also provides additional details about Cruz’s life that may be noteworthy during class discussions if more background is desired. For younger students (Grades K-1) this book could be a great tool as a read aloud. The illustrations in the book make for a great foundation for predictions of what the book may be about.
April 21, 2011
Great intro to a great singer
I have heard Celia Cruz's music before, but I was never familiar with her. Then one day, I went to an Argentine barbecue party and people were dancing to La Negra Tiene Tumbao. I loved the music so much I asked people who the singer was and what her deal was. I then checked out this children's book from the library to learn more about her. Although the book is very elementary and doesn't explain a whole lot - like why she was not able to return to Cuba after becoming a US citizen, or why she's important as a Latinegra beauty - if you've been paying any attention to history at all, you'd understand.
I love stories of musicians like Celia Cruz. Truly inspirational.
I have heard Celia Cruz's music before, but I was never familiar with her. Then one day, I went to an Argentine barbecue party and people were dancing to La Negra Tiene Tumbao. I loved the music so much I asked people who the singer was and what her deal was. I then checked out this children's book from the library to learn more about her. Although the book is very elementary and doesn't explain a whole lot - like why she was not able to return to Cuba after becoming a US citizen, or why she's important as a Latinegra beauty - if you've been paying any attention to history at all, you'd understand.
I love stories of musicians like Celia Cruz. Truly inspirational.
July 18, 2016
I'm not even going to pretend that I knew who Celia Cruz was before I picked up this book. Afro-Cuban music has never been on my radar, but you better believe it is now! Such a fascinating biography of a truly remarkable woman. Mi cuerpo quiere salsa!
March 19, 2023
I am somewhat conflicted about my feelings towards Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa. The first part of the book does a good job of showing what Cruz's life was like in Cuba growing up and the internal conflicts she faced when she wanted to make music, or even when she didn't see her own music as anything special when the rest of the world did. However, the later part feels disjointed in the writing. It seems to skip around and gloss over important parts.
One thing I do really like is the way it approaches Cruz's emigration to the US and the fact that she could never go back to Cuba. Though Veronica Chambers doesn't go into detail about the political situations between Cuba and the US, she depicts the impossibility of belonging to two places and knowing you can't go back to one. I think this is something a lot of kids, especially immigrants, can relate to. I really like the way this is depicted in the book, especially when she tells her husband.
However, there are also elements I don't appreciate about the book. For one, okay, Celia Cruz was the "Queen of Salsa." Why? What is salsa and why was Cruz the queen of it? I wish there was a bit more description of what this music is like for those who are unfamiliar. Also, she was referred to that way, but by who? Before or after her death? I wish this part was more clear or elaborated on in the book.
To me, the illustrations by Julie Maren were okay, nothing special. While I did like the motif of the music notes that were incorporated in some of the illustrations, most of them are pretty easy to ignore (which isn't a good thing in a picture book IMO). I do appreciate that the illustrations are not in any way whitewashed. At the back, there's an author's note that talks about how Celia Cruz is an AfroLatina icon, and it needs to be seen that Latinos come from all racial backgrounds. The illustrations do a pretty good job in this respect.
*
One thing I do really like is the way it approaches Cruz's emigration to the US and the fact that she could never go back to Cuba. Though Veronica Chambers doesn't go into detail about the political situations between Cuba and the US, she depicts the impossibility of belonging to two places and knowing you can't go back to one. I think this is something a lot of kids, especially immigrants, can relate to. I really like the way this is depicted in the book, especially when she tells her husband.
She told him that her heart would always be split in three pieces and only one part would belong to him. One part of her heart belonged to the music and the third piece would always live in Cuba.
However, there are also elements I don't appreciate about the book. For one, okay, Celia Cruz was the "Queen of Salsa." Why? What is salsa and why was Cruz the queen of it? I wish there was a bit more description of what this music is like for those who are unfamiliar. Also, she was referred to that way, but by who? Before or after her death? I wish this part was more clear or elaborated on in the book.
To me, the illustrations by Julie Maren were okay, nothing special. While I did like the motif of the music notes that were incorporated in some of the illustrations, most of them are pretty easy to ignore (which isn't a good thing in a picture book IMO). I do appreciate that the illustrations are not in any way whitewashed. At the back, there's an author's note that talks about how Celia Cruz is an AfroLatina icon, and it needs to be seen that Latinos come from all racial backgrounds. The illustrations do a pretty good job in this respect.
*
September 21, 2019
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a children's picture book written by Veronica Chambers and illustrated by Julie Maren. It is a biographical picture book of Celia Cruz – the Queen of Salsa.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Cruz rose to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, earning the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba". In the following decades, she became known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa" or "The Queen of Latin Music" due to her contributions to Latin music in the United States.
Chambers' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It highlights the major events in Celia's life and effectively convey the theme of the little songbird who became the Salsa Queen. Author's note, glossary, and selected discography could be found in the back. Maren's vibrant acrylic and collage illustrations, with their sizzling colors, bold patterns and images of birds, music, flowers and sugar, work harmoniously with the text to create an inspired and inspiring introduction to a Latina idol.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This heartfelt biography celebrates the life of Cuban singer Celia Cruz from her childhood in Havana to her international fame as the Queen of Salsa. As a girl, Celia's voice enchanted neighbors when she sang lullabies to her younger siblings. In high school, she sang Afro-Cuban rhythms in local clubs. Her big break came in 1950 when she was hired as lead singer for Cuba’s most popular band, La Sonora Matancera, and together they created a new style of Latin dance music. In 1960, Celia left Cuba forever for a singing career in Hollywood.
All in all, Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a wonderful cursory biography about Celia Cruz – the Queen of Salsa.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban singer and one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Cruz rose to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, earning the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba". In the following decades, she became known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa" or "The Queen of Latin Music" due to her contributions to Latin music in the United States.
Chambers' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It highlights the major events in Celia's life and effectively convey the theme of the little songbird who became the Salsa Queen. Author's note, glossary, and selected discography could be found in the back. Maren's vibrant acrylic and collage illustrations, with their sizzling colors, bold patterns and images of birds, music, flowers and sugar, work harmoniously with the text to create an inspired and inspiring introduction to a Latina idol.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This heartfelt biography celebrates the life of Cuban singer Celia Cruz from her childhood in Havana to her international fame as the Queen of Salsa. As a girl, Celia's voice enchanted neighbors when she sang lullabies to her younger siblings. In high school, she sang Afro-Cuban rhythms in local clubs. Her big break came in 1950 when she was hired as lead singer for Cuba’s most popular band, La Sonora Matancera, and together they created a new style of Latin dance music. In 1960, Celia left Cuba forever for a singing career in Hollywood.
All in all, Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a wonderful cursory biography about Celia Cruz – the Queen of Salsa.
March 3, 2012
Celia Cruz, a famous Cuban-American singer born in 1925, was one of the most successful Salsa performers of the 20th century, having earned twenty-three gold albums and winning seven Grammy awards (she had ten nominations). Her trademark shoes are even in the Smithsonian Museum!
Cruz was touring with a big band at the time Fidel Castro assumed control of Cuba in 1959, and she and her band, rather than returning to Cuba, entered the United States and remained there. She became a U.S. citizen in 1961.
At first, Cruz experienced little success in the U.S. Although she spoke English well she refused to record in the language. Her fortunes began to change when she took up salsa. Cruz became an inspiration for numerous younger performers (such as Gloria Estefan), and for most Hispanic Americans, she has been and remains a much-loved figure, an icon of Latin culture. She died in 2003.
The book Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a lovely and poetic tribute to Cruz. It begins,
"In the fabled land of Havana, where rhythm grows, swet and juicy, like oranges in Florida, there lived a girl.
She looked like a girl and talked like a girl, but everyone who ever met her agreed, she sang like a bird.”
After telling her story, the book concludes:
“The bird girl grew into a princess and the princess became a much beloved queen. Her kingdom was music and those who loved her called her not by name, but by the joy she inspired. At concerts, they called out ‘Azúcar!’ and Celia Cruz never failed them. She sung sugar, sweet sugar, wherever she went.”
The illustrations in this book are vibrant and sensual, dominated by warm tropical colors and stylized figures.
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Puffin (July 19, 2007)
Language: English
Rating: 4.5/5
Cruz was touring with a big band at the time Fidel Castro assumed control of Cuba in 1959, and she and her band, rather than returning to Cuba, entered the United States and remained there. She became a U.S. citizen in 1961.
At first, Cruz experienced little success in the U.S. Although she spoke English well she refused to record in the language. Her fortunes began to change when she took up salsa. Cruz became an inspiration for numerous younger performers (such as Gloria Estefan), and for most Hispanic Americans, she has been and remains a much-loved figure, an icon of Latin culture. She died in 2003.
The book Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a lovely and poetic tribute to Cruz. It begins,
"In the fabled land of Havana, where rhythm grows, swet and juicy, like oranges in Florida, there lived a girl.
She looked like a girl and talked like a girl, but everyone who ever met her agreed, she sang like a bird.”
After telling her story, the book concludes:
“The bird girl grew into a princess and the princess became a much beloved queen. Her kingdom was music and those who loved her called her not by name, but by the joy she inspired. At concerts, they called out ‘Azúcar!’ and Celia Cruz never failed them. She sung sugar, sweet sugar, wherever she went.”
The illustrations in this book are vibrant and sensual, dominated by warm tropical colors and stylized figures.
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Puffin (July 19, 2007)
Language: English
Rating: 4.5/5
May 6, 2015
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa written by Veronica Chambers celebrates the life of one of the most influential women in the history of Cuban music: the late, great salsa singer and performer, Celia Cruz.
Beginning with childhood anecdotes, the book spans most of Celia’s life. We learn that she grew up in a crowded home in a poor section of Havana with a very close family. From a young age she would sing to her younger siblings, by which she would gain the affection of her neighborhood. We also hear that Celia was initially shy, but that it did not keep her from singing.
Readers might relate to Celia’s life through her tough decisions and the relationship with her father. He wanted her to forget about singing and focus on a more practical career, but she, inspired by her teachers, decided to pursue her dream. The book points out, though, that it was not easy to take a hope and “make it grow in the world,” and that Celia had to work hard to achieve her aspirations.
The author uses richly descriptive language to reflect the passion that Celia had for music: “It was the kind of music that sizzled from the joy of being alive.” The illustrations reflect and complement the passion and intensity of the text through their bold, varied colors.
This book is a great education tool. The reader is able to see how Celia blossoms into a performer, while also learning about Afro-Cuban music traditions and genres. It includes select words in Spanish and even touches on historical-political information of how, after moving to the U.S., to her deep disappointment, Celia was no longer able to return to Cuba. The book also includes an in-depth author’s note, glossary, and selected discography.
To read our full review including links to classroom resources, visit the Vamos a Leer blog at http://tiny.cc/vamosaleer
Beginning with childhood anecdotes, the book spans most of Celia’s life. We learn that she grew up in a crowded home in a poor section of Havana with a very close family. From a young age she would sing to her younger siblings, by which she would gain the affection of her neighborhood. We also hear that Celia was initially shy, but that it did not keep her from singing.
Readers might relate to Celia’s life through her tough decisions and the relationship with her father. He wanted her to forget about singing and focus on a more practical career, but she, inspired by her teachers, decided to pursue her dream. The book points out, though, that it was not easy to take a hope and “make it grow in the world,” and that Celia had to work hard to achieve her aspirations.
The author uses richly descriptive language to reflect the passion that Celia had for music: “It was the kind of music that sizzled from the joy of being alive.” The illustrations reflect and complement the passion and intensity of the text through their bold, varied colors.
This book is a great education tool. The reader is able to see how Celia blossoms into a performer, while also learning about Afro-Cuban music traditions and genres. It includes select words in Spanish and even touches on historical-political information of how, after moving to the U.S., to her deep disappointment, Celia was no longer able to return to Cuba. The book also includes an in-depth author’s note, glossary, and selected discography.
To read our full review including links to classroom resources, visit the Vamos a Leer blog at http://tiny.cc/vamosaleer
December 12, 2014
"Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa" is a very inspiring true story of a young girl who turned into a famous salsa singer. Celia started off singing as a young child and everyone around her noticing her talent. The story goes on about how Celia's father wanted her to become a teacher because he was afraid she wouldn't succeed as a singer. However, Celia's heart was in the singing and it got her far. She did not give up even when there were people against her. Soon she had many fans and her salsa music reached all over the United States: from London to Zaire, Brazil and Japan.
To incorporate this story into your classroom you could have students find another biography on Celia Cruz or do some research on her. They could also do a biography cube on Celia Cruz. This book is great to include in a classroom with ELLs because it has some Spanish words throughout the story. The students can look into how the author, Monica Brown, relates to Celia Cruz or has she has had an effect on her life.
It would be beneficial for students as well to listen to some of Celia Cruz's music and maybe even experiment with instruments in the classroom. They could listen and describe what the music sounds like and even draw a picture of how they feel when they listen to it. It can really be read in any grade level from Pre-K through fourth depending on what lesson the teacher is focusing on.
To incorporate this story into your classroom you could have students find another biography on Celia Cruz or do some research on her. They could also do a biography cube on Celia Cruz. This book is great to include in a classroom with ELLs because it has some Spanish words throughout the story. The students can look into how the author, Monica Brown, relates to Celia Cruz or has she has had an effect on her life.
It would be beneficial for students as well to listen to some of Celia Cruz's music and maybe even experiment with instruments in the classroom. They could listen and describe what the music sounds like and even draw a picture of how they feel when they listen to it. It can really be read in any grade level from Pre-K through fourth depending on what lesson the teacher is focusing on.
Read
December 26, 2016This books focuses on Cruz's love of singing, but it does touch on racial discrimination and her move to the U.S. (and inability to return to Cuba). (I rolled my eyes at the description of her relationship with Pedro Knight, but some quick Wiki skimming seems to suggest that it's not inaccurate.)
Throughout, Cruz is depicted with very dark skin, which I appreciated -- as are many of her family members; and the background scenes are a mix, but nobody looks white. (In the Author's Note, Chambers, who-is dark skinned herself, notes that Celia Cruz "taught me that despite the common media images, Latinas come in all colors.")
I didn't pay a lot of attention to the illustrations the first time through, but I realized later that many of the illustrations of Cruz's life post-success depict her in elaborate outfits she actually wore, and there are neat recurrent visual motifs of birds and sugar as well as (early on) a neat cut-out technique to suggest the undercurrent of music in Cruz's life.
Throughout, Cruz is depicted with very dark skin, which I appreciated -- as are many of her family members; and the background scenes are a mix, but nobody looks white. (In the Author's Note, Chambers, who-is dark skinned herself, notes that Celia Cruz "taught me that despite the common media images, Latinas come in all colors.")
I didn't pay a lot of attention to the illustrations the first time through, but I realized later that many of the illustrations of Cruz's life post-success depict her in elaborate outfits she actually wore, and there are neat recurrent visual motifs of birds and sugar as well as (early on) a neat cut-out technique to suggest the undercurrent of music in Cruz's life.
April 21, 2010
The story of a great singer from Cuba who moved to the United States. Celia Cruz always had a fabulous voice—in fact, one of her jobs growing up was to sing her little siblings and cousins to sleep! As she got older, she continued to strive towards her goal of singing for everyone, though her father encouraged her to study to become a teacher. Celia did find her dream when she joined a Cuban band that needed a lead singer. Eventually she moved to the United States and became known for her salsa singing.
This picture book biography of a Hispanic singer tells her story simply yet flows like a folk tale. It’s an encouraging story of a young girl who followed her dream and was quite successful. The illustrations are fanciful (my favorite is when she’s thinking about the music in her heart, the illustration is of a sheet of music shaped like a heart) and colorful, making you feel like you’re in a tropical climate.
This picture book biography of a Hispanic singer tells her story simply yet flows like a folk tale. It’s an encouraging story of a young girl who followed her dream and was quite successful. The illustrations are fanciful (my favorite is when she’s thinking about the music in her heart, the illustration is of a sheet of music shaped like a heart) and colorful, making you feel like you’re in a tropical climate.
November 29, 2014
Celia Cruz is the story of a young girl that is known as a little song bird. Everyone loved Celia's voice. Her father loved her voice but wanted his daughter to be successful so he pushed for her to pursue a career in teaching. Celia wanted to make a career out of singing and was inspired by one of her teachers to attend music school in Cuba. Celia did not come to be "The Queen of Salsa" without her share of heartache and speed bumps, she did overcome and is well known as "The Queen of Salsa".
With the bright illustrations and a mix of abstract and collage like pictures this book really captivates the reader. The words and pictures seem to compliment each other in this chronological narrative story. It also provides a nice mix of Celia's native language and English.
With the bright illustrations and a mix of abstract and collage like pictures this book really captivates the reader. The words and pictures seem to compliment each other in this chronological narrative story. It also provides a nice mix of Celia's native language and English.
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November 29, 2015This book is tells the story of Celia Cruz, an iconic Latin music singer. It shows the talent and perseverance that it took for a woman to help develop a style of music that is so popular in today's culture. The book shows her early life but also shows the international fame that she achieved. This is would be a great book to read in class because it tells a story of strength and talent and it shows that it is important to remember where you came from.
Activity: Students could explore their roots and write about them. They would tell what city they were born in, what country they were born in and where their parents/guardians come from. They would then share roots with their classmates so that they could see that everyone is different.
Activity: Students could explore their roots and write about them. They would tell what city they were born in, what country they were born in and where their parents/guardians come from. They would then share roots with their classmates so that they could see that everyone is different.
Read
November 21, 2015Everyone knows the flamboyant, larger-than-life Celia, the extraordinary salsa singer who passed away in 2003, leaving millions of fans brokenhearted. Now accomplished children's book author Veronica Chambers gives young readers a lyrical glimpse into Celia's childhood and her inspiring rise to worldwide fame and recognition. First-time illustrator Julie Maren truly captures the movement and the vibrancy of the Latina legend and the sizzling sights and sounds of her legacy.
I suppose if I taught a lesson on a salsa singer then I could use this book. I don't think I would really ever use this book otherwise except possibly have it in my library collection.
I suppose if I taught a lesson on a salsa singer then I could use this book. I don't think I would really ever use this book otherwise except possibly have it in my library collection.
February 22, 2017
This books is about Celia Cruz the famous salsa singer and her childhood rise to fame. The pictures are so well done that they will keep children intertained no matter what grade. I choose this book because it would be good to read to a first or second grade classroom since the words are a little bigger and the pictures are very vivid. I liked the book because it describes Celia's life as a child which I think children would like since they are able to relate to the age of the character. It's a book that shows that you are able to do anything if you set your mind to it.
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February 6, 2015This book is based on the true life of the Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz. Beautifully illustrated by Julie Maren. I would recommend this book for grades 2-5. This story is about the beginning of Celia's life as a child and what her parents saw in her voice; in her music. This culturally diverse book can be an added activity to music or geography. I would hope that students would take away with them the inspiration of music and the perseverance of an individual to pursue their life dreams.
February 27, 2015
Personal reaction: This story is about a little girl from Cuba who likes to sing. She sings to help her younger siblings fall asleep, and eventually other people in her town hear what a wonderful voice she has. Eventually she moves to the United States and becomes a famous singer. This story teaches children that they can achieve their dreams, even if others don't believe in them.
Purpose: read aloud enrichment, 4 years and older
Purpose: read aloud enrichment, 4 years and older
September 15, 2016
This book is absolutely amazing. It gives precise stories in the life of Celia Cruz and her reaching her dreams. It begins throughout her childhood when she finds out her passion for singing and wants to live out her dream. Her father had other plans and wanted her to be a teacher, but Celia chased after her dream and eventually made it to her goal as a famous salsa singer from Cuba. Themes include determination, goal-oriented, and passionate.
February 12, 2017
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a good book for middle-grade readers, with a paragraph or two on each page with a facing page of illustration. It's an excellent introduction to Celia Cruz' life and career told in a way that's easily understood by younger children as well, and includes relevant words in Spanish, with a glossary in the back.
Read the review: https://selfrescuingprincesssociety.b...
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November 10, 2009
I had to look up Celia Cruz on youtube when I got done with this book. I was dying to know what this sugar voice sounded like. Seems like she was quite an amazing "queen". The author's note is interresting. We find out that she wrote this book while Ms. Cruz was still alive and she even got a chance to interview her. What a dream come true that was for her! Azucar!
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November 15, 2015Extraordinary singer who was put down from her dream to become a famous salsa singer. This book can be used in a music class in elementary school. A teacher can have students think about their future dreams, draw and write some sentences about that dream and how they may achieve it. Great writing topic for 2nd grade.
November 29, 2016
I loved this book of the Queen of Salsa! Growing up we listened to her music a lot at home, and the best part about this book is that it tells her story but in a way that younger children will understand. As a future teacher, I could use this book in a younger elementary classroom to tell the story of a really great person in music history.
April 8, 2008
Interesting book about Celia Cruz, for younger children. The paintings are superb and very representative of Cuban artwork. However, the interplay between Chambers’ fairy tale and Cruz’s actual life may be confusing for some readers. The book ends by describing Cruz as a princess in a kingdom.
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March 27, 2013Celia Cruz is a cuban that locves to sing and is very good at it. She is very shy, unless she is singing. She wanted so badly to be famous, but sh edidnt know how. She finally got the opportunity that she had waited for all her life. This is a great book to use for ESOL integration.
February 6, 2015
I choses to read this book because I grew up listening to Celia Cruz and I always admired her in my opinion to had a great voice. I like that it is not a hard book for kids to read and the words are easy to understand. I enjoyed reading it to my brother he enjoyed it as much as I did.
February 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I like the idea of telling someone's story through a picture book. The illustrations are very colorful and really add to the story. The story itself is very interesting and is one that I think children will like.
November 22, 2016
This book was written well, the illustrations are as colorful as Celia was in life. This short story for kids goes through the important aspects of Celia's life and talents. It also touched on her heartbreak of not being able to return to Cuba. A good read for anyone child, and even adults.
April 25, 2010
A book about Celia Cruz's journey to being the Queen of Salsa. I would add this book to my unit of important musicians.
April 27, 2010
Beautiful illustrations. The story is a biography of Celia Cruz, famous Latin singer.
April 27, 2010
This is a great book because it has great representation of contemporary cuban art. This book will be good to lead into a lesson about diversity.
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