I Am Salsa: A Heartfelt Story About Building Confidence and Celebrating Culture for Kids

by Jackie Azúa Kramer, Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Jackie Azúa Kramer is an award-winning and internationally translated children’s book author. Her picture books include THE GREEN UMBRELLA, 2017 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year; IF YOU WANT TO FALL ASLEEP; THE BOY AND THE GORILLA, 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner; I WISH YOU KNEW, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books and Parents’ Magazine Book Club Pick; MILES WON’T SMILE; DOROTHY AND HERBERT: AN ORDINARY COUPLE AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION OF ART, Junior Library Guild Gold Selection. Her upcoming picture books are MANOLO AND THE UNICORN, WE ARE ONE, EMPANADAS FOR EVERYONE and BOOGIE IN THE BRONX.

Jackie strives to write books that meet children where they are and reflect what children see in the mirror and out of their windows. She lives with her family in Long Island, NY.

Jackie is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and is represented by Stephen Fraser of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.

Reviews

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This vibrant story resonated with me deeply; by its conclusion, I felt an undeniable urge to try salsa myself.

Marisol’s initial struggle with feeling uncoordinated during family dances is poignantly portrayed. The inclusion of various musical instruments adds layers of cultural richness and meaning as Marisol embarks on her journey to discover her own unique rhythm.

The illustrations are a true celebration of color and movement, perfectly capturing the energy and vibrancy of salsa. Combined with the engaging text, this book makes for a delightful and interactive read-aloud experience, sure to inspire movement and joy.

M.R.
School/Children's Librarian

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am Salsa" is a picture book about overcoming worries about dancing, finding the rhythm, and taking to the floor with joy. In this story, readers meet Marisol, a young girl who loves watching her family and friends dance, when they gather on Saturday nights. Remembering her clumsy feet, she stays to the side - imagining that she'll join them all someday. Then Papi takes her hand, and encourages her to feel the rhythm of the instruments from around the world. As the learns of the roots of the congas, clave, maracas, and more, Marisol begins to move. "I Am Salsa" is about feeling music in your heart and allowing your feet to follow the fun.

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this joyful book and by the end, I was ready to dance Salsa too! Marisol feels like her feet don’t work right when it’s time to dance with her family. Musical instruments are featured and bring cultural significance and meaning as Marisol works to find her own rhythm. Lively, bright illustrations bring out the vibrant style of the dance and engaging text make this a fun, get-up-and-move read aloud!