Los Discos de Mi Abuela / My Grandmother's Record

Grandma's Records #1

by Eric Velásquez

The author describes his boyhood summers spent at his grandmother's apartment in Spanish Harlem where she intoduced him to the sounds and steps of the merengue and the conga and told him stories of Puerto Rico.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Family, Latinx, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Eric Velásquez is the illustrator of numerous books for children, including several previous collaborations with Carole Boston Weatherford. He won the John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award for his illustrations of The Piano Man, written by Debbi Chocolate. Eric Velásquez is also the author-illustrator of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award–winning Grandma’s Gift. Born in Harlem, he lives and works in Hartsdale, New York.

Reviews

[L-Angelica Herrera-Vest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful memoir about a young Puerto Rican boy who spends his summers at Grandma's house in "el barrio" (Harlem) is an authentic book multicultural book. The grandmother is a music fan; she constantly plays her records while she sings and dances with her grandson. The grandmother has a nephew, Sammy, who plays with a famous band. He invites grandma and her grandson out to a special evening one day. Eric Velasquez won the Society of School Librarians International Book Award for this book. I enjoyed this story because I love salsa and merengue, also!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The story shows how powerful music is and how a young boy grows up with his grandma who shows him her love of records and music. She grew up in Puerto Rico, so she tells him of her stories growing there and meeting musicians, while quoting several phrases in Spanish. This is a very sweet and wonderful story to read with students that can let them reflect on their experiences with their grandparents, growing up in a different country, and having a love for music. Plus, there are words and phrases in Spanish which are wonderful references to the language in everyday life.

[Gail Barge]

I am an avid supporter of old-school vinyl, and this story made me want to throw a record on a escape all my stress. What a lovely relationship with a grandparent, just like the story The Raft I just read. Students may not even know what a record is anymore, and this would be an important thing to introduce students to, as well as the development of music technology throughout the years. Such a fun book about the joy of music and the emotional connection to music.

[Blackbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I had the occasion to hang out with my 5 year old twin grand niece and nephew over Thanksgiving. I did the bedtime stories for 5 nights. I really like children's books and don't give myself that much time to read them or keep up with newer children's books. I miss having a little child. Teenagers are a drag.

[Sha-Quita Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little boy, Grandma's apartment was his summer home. She wrapped her grandson in her world of music while he was spending the summer with her. This story was family oriented. The students would enjoy this story. I would present it to first-third grade.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story about a grandma and grandson sharing their love of music. A sweet peak at Puerto Rican culture and the immigrant experience, sprinkled with a few Spanish phrases.

[Ellina Anisimova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features the Puerto Rican culture and the importance of music. A touching story combining music, family, nostalgia, and immigration. I read this story to my class, there were a few Spanish words I wasn’t familiar with but my Spanish speaking students gladly helped out! A great book to include to have available to children from immigrant or Spanish speaking families!

[Thalia Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma’s Records by Eric Velasquez is a realistic/historical fiction story that has captured my heart and I now have to buy it for my class. This book reflects on the summers of Eric Velasquez when he was younger and how he and his grandmother would listen to music all the time. He mentions how one summer Grandma’s nephew Sammy came, who was in the best band in Puerto Rico, to visit them and served home cooked arroz con gandules (a personal favorite of mine when my grandmas make it) and then invited her to their very exclusive one night only show in the Bronx. During the show, Sammy sings Grandma’s favorite song and Sammy later explains to Eric Velasquez the significance of the song. The story gives me the authentic Puerto Rican feel of what we do at our abuela’s home and reminds me of stories my mom tells me what her summers were like for her when she was a child. The book is interesting to children and gives them the perspective of different Hispanic music. The back of the book explains what kind of music bomba y plena is and elaborates on the significance of the characters he introduces (Ismael Rivera, Rafael Corjito, and Sammy Ayala). The story is extremely age appropriate for younger and middle aged children as they use good language and even expose them to some Spanish words that are commonly used. The author refrains from using any negative stereotypes and gives insight on how many Latino parents send their children to their Grandparents’ home over the summer (my parents spent summers with their grandparents all the time). The illustrations are beautiful and correlate well to the story and depict how Puerto Ricans come in all shades, which is something I love as not many people know that Hispanics, in general, come in all different shades.

This book is so successful at being a quality children book because the author is sharing his personal experiences. In the article, Ten Quick Ways to Analyze Children’s Books for Racism and Sexism, numbers 7 and 8 are all about the author and/or illustrator and their background. Since the author and illustrator, Eric Velasquez, is reflecting upon his life, there is no white-washing of the story. As an Afro-Latino his facial characteristics in his images are accurate so there is no tokenism, the hero of the story is Grandma’s nephew Sammy (who is also Afro-Latino), and even though his grandma lives in the barrio (the ghetto) it is not depicted in a negative way. The clothing and background are extremely accurate as well. There is also no loaded language; I had expected some sort of reference as to his parents being “hard workers” since he was going to go live with his grandma for the summer, but there was none of that and I was so delighted!

[Sarah Rosati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story depicts the experience of a young boy named Eric, who spends his summer in Spanish Harlem under the care of his Abuela while his parents work. He spends his time with her engaging in various culturally significant yet leisurely activities, such as listening to her prized recordings of the musicians that she grew up with in Puerto Rico and hearing about her nostalgia for her native country. The most dramatic moment in the story comes as the two get tickets to see the "best band in Puerto Rico" perform at a show. It is there that Eric witnesses all of the audience members displaying the same level of emotion as his Abuela during one song in particular, and he furthermore notices that they all place their hands over their hearts. This causes him to recognize the lasting impact that growing up in Puerto Rico has had on his Abuela and how that sentiment has transferred over to him. The end of the story portrays Eric as an adult in his studio, paying tribute to his Abuela and their shared summers together through his art. This story is effective in portraying the decision that many parents make when sending their children to live with a relative or grandparent during the summer months, but not in a way that sheds a negative light on such a living arrangement. It both validates and celebrates the family unit that is Eric and his grandmother, and the inclusion of Spanish words and Puerto Rican characters promotes cultural diversity.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every summer, as soon as school is out, Eric would go to spend his vacation with his grandma in Spanish Harlem, or El Barrio, in NYC. There, they listen to records and dance away their days, while grandma tells her grandson stories about growing up in Puerto Rico. They listen to a wide variety of Latin music and sometimes grandma would even let Eric pick out what they would listen to. But, he notices, there is one special song that always causes his grandma to put her hand on her heart and close her eyes as she sings along. Grandma's nephew plays in the famous Rafael Cortijo Band, and one day, they all show up for some of grandma's good home cooking. As they leave, they give grandma tickets to hear them play, and it is at their performance that Eric learns why the special song is so meaningful to his grandma when he sees everyone doing the same gesture his grandma does - putting their hand on their hearts. The song, he learns, is about coming to a new country and leaving the country you love behind, and the gesture shows that their heart is still in Puerto Rico. This is a lovely story of a grandmother and grandson connecting - here it is over music, culture, and heritage. Velasquez's illustrations are realistically painted, capturing the warm love between grandmother and grandson. There are a few Spanish sentences with translation, and the back matter includes short biographies of the musicians in the Rafael Cortijo Band.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every summer, a young boy (the author) happily packs his bags to spend the hot, sticky days with his grandmother in the city. They spent each day "wrapped up in the world of music". Sifting through the stacks of records, grandmother and grandson would dance around or sketch the covers of the albums. On a very special day, they get a visit from the grandmother's nephew, who is a musician in a band from Puerto Rico, which is where the grandmother grew up. They invite them to be special guests at a concert in the Bronx. During the show, the lead singer dedicates a tune to the grandmother, and they boy watches as she and the crowd cover their hearts with a hand in a special gesture that shows their longing for a place far away.

This light, touching story shows not only the bond between the boy and his grandmother but articulates the power of music to the reader. Elementary aged children will be inspired by the dreamy illustrations in this story that tells about a very important event in a young boys life.

[Mattison Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such a sweet storyline. Eric goes to his grandma's house every summer in El Barrio. She loves music and instills this love in Eric. His grandma's begins to tell more about her life using varies instruments, dancing, and speaking Spanish phrases (she grew up in Puerto Rico). Sometimes grandma would allow Eric to put the pick the record to listen and dance around to. One day, a family member that is in a band in Puerto Rico came to visit. This band was forming locally and invited the grandma and Eric to the concert. A song was dedicated to grandma and everyone, including Eric loved the song.

This book was so heartwarming and family oriented. Many kids, even myself can relate to the love they have for their grandparents and everything they do for them. The pictures truly added to the story because they were so realistic. The pictures were felt 3D because of all the detail and expression, especially the faces of Grandma and Eric. Because they were drawn this way, it made the story feel more realistic and gave the readers meaning.

[Anna Dipprey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very touching because my grandmother has a special song that reminds her of her late husband just like Eric’s grandmother. I like this book because of its fun illustrations and great message.

Purpose
Read aloud for enrichment
I think children will be able to relate to this book if they spend time with their grandparents or feel a strong connection to music or art.
The vocabulary and parts of speech in this book are fabulous. There are words like merengue or captured. There are also are Spanish words and phrases with their translations. Finally there is quite a bit of onomatopoeia while describing the conga beat as “BOOM BAK BOOM BAK BOOM BAK!”
Read aloud for curricular purposes:
This book would be great for reading before a grandparents visit or before a music section.
There is a decent plot in this story, and the characters are round. We learn about the characters from the text and also from inferences based on their actions.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma's Records tells what a large influence music had in the author's life and the large part it played in his relationship with his grandmother. Each summer was spent with his grandmother listening to music and learning about her childhood in Puerto Rico. This is a sweet and moving story with beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended!

[Kara Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story line this book has! Eric stay at his grandma's house every single summer in El Barrio. Grandma has a great taste in music. She loves music and shows this love in Eric and how much it means to her. Eric's grandma tells hi about her life and describes the different instruments used, the type of dancing and Spanish speaking phrases.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a young boy who lives with his music loving grandmother during the summers while his parents work. Her appreciation of music is infectious and he learns to have that musical beat within, just much as his own heartbeat.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book does an excellent job at capturing the feeling of music and memory. There is a nostalgic feel to it, and it introduces both records and Puerto Rican folk music to kids who may not be familiar with them in an accessible way.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the beautiful illustrations that supported the text so well. It is such a lovely tale of the love between a grandmother whose grandson stays with her during the summer while his parents work.

[June Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tastefully done.

[Lorraine Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can be use for:
- Hispanic music influence on family
- Personal narrative
- Facts about Hispanic musicians

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful illustrations. I loved seeing the boy in the story grown up working in his studio. would be a good way to talk about how technology and media change . . .

[Juliette Ghee-Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical fiction Grandma’s Records is intended for ages 5-8- years old. I gave the book a 4/5. I enjoyed reading the text and I believe that younger readers would enjoy it too. I didn’t like the texture of the book. It made it a challenge to turn the pages, however, the effectiveness of the plot was great. The book was about a grandson and a grandma who connected through music. The grandson spent his summers with his grandma who was originally from Puerto Rico. She lived in El Barrio which is the Spanish Harlem neighborhood in New York. The grandma had a nephew who played percussion in the best band in Puerto Rico according to p.12. The grandmother was gifted two tickets to the New York concert. The grandson and grandmother spent time looking for outfits, getting a haircut, and prepping for their day at the concert. This specific moment indicates how children in real life may spend summers and or spring breaks with their grandparents while their parents work. Grandparents often find several things for their grandchildren to do to make their visit enjoyable. Grandma and her records made the visit enjoyable. I am a grandparent and I enjoy going beyond measures to accompany and ensure that my grandchildren enjoy themselves when we spend time together. There are a few significant symbols in the text such as the grandma holding her hand over her heart to feel the connection with the music. A bandmate indicated that people put their hands over their hearts to display their emotions and love remaining in Puerto Rico. Although it is far away, it is still home to some.

[BookishBoricua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love seeing Black Puerto Ricans in a children's book! Often times the image of a typical Puerto Rican is presented as a person with a medium skintone, dark hair and dark eyes. Yes, some of us look like that! However, the beauty of Puerto Rico is that there are people who look like the African slaves who were shipped to the island to work the land, while others are as white as the Spanish colonizers who invaded our shores. Some of us look like the Tainos native to the island. Together we make up a beautiful array of colors and textures and history.

Velasquez' book highlights an Afro-Puerto Rican family and iconic Afro-Puerto Rican musicians Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo and Sammy Ayala.

I loved the story and the emphasis on music. It missed a 5⭐ rating only because the art was sometimes a bit inconsistent. While some pages had detailed drawings others had a fuzzy quality I didn't love.

[Nadiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would! This little read is written for ages 5-8 but it’s can be enjoyed by all!

The author writes of a young boy spending summers with his grandmother while his parents both worked. Days with his grandmother were spent listening to her old records where she would sing songs of her home country, Puerto Rico. Her nephew was in a popular Puerto Rican band and they gave Grandma & Grandson tickets to their concert.
The book ends with lyrics to one of Grandma’s favorite songs.
Eric Velasquez used this book to paint a nostalgic portrait of spending quality time in a loving environment with his grandmother and I felt all of the feels! I was almost brought to tears by his loving depiction of the relationship he shared with his grandmother.

This beautiful book truly illustrates just how magical music paired with love can be. Music is a vehicle whose only limitations are it’s listener’s imagination.

[Angie Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandmas Records is about a Puerto Rican boy who spends his summers with his grandmother. She and her grandson bond over her love of music. This is a great family story and glimpses into Puerto Rican culture and immigration. The boy and his grandmother get a set of tickets to see “best band in Puerto Rico” and the boy sees everyone in the audience put their hand over their heart and understands why his grandmother loves the music so much. The music reminds her of home in Puerto Rico. Spanish words are introduced throughout the book. The illustrations are engaging and show the grandmothers love for her grandson and music. This is a great read aloud for a classroom, students can connect to the story by thinking of someone they enjoy connecting and spending time with.

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Amanda Geske · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then she’d always ask, ‘¿Como tu sabes?’ (How did you know?)”

[Sarah Niebuhr Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, full of sensory memory — especially but not only music. Brilliant way to help kids recognize the depth of their own connections with people, beyond the simple idea. Got my 8yo thinking 😀

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story about a young boy who bonds with his grandmother over their mutual love of music. Very sweet. The whole family enjoyed the story.

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and pictures