That Girl on TV Could Be Me: The Journey of a Latina News Anchor

by Leticia Ordaz, Juan Calle (Illustrator)

Enjoy the first children's picture book about becoming a TV news anchor. Amazingly illustrated, this inspiring Latina autobiography features a bilingual Spanish translation.

Growing up near Sacramento, CA, little Leticia dreams of being a TV newscaster. But no one on TV looks like her. This shy, small-town girl overcomes barriers, like her fear of public speaking, to become the first in her hardworking Mexican family to attend college.

Then, starting as an intern, she climbs the ladder, travels to different cities, and reports on a rainbow of stories. Eventually can she land her dream job... to work at her hometown Channel 3? Join Leticia on her exciting journey to become that TV anchor who will encourage the next generation of children to attain their goals. Children watch television every day but have never read a storybook about making a career in TV news... until now! Kids will be inspired by Leticia's educational, funny, and poignant experiences. Parents will appreciate the perspective of a working woman and Latinx role model. Teachers and librarians will value the bilingual translation in Spanish and glossary of TV terms.

This autobiography is topical, as immigrants and women continue the struggle to claim their rightful place in America. The dynamic illustrations by Juan Calle go behind the scenes to show how breaking news is covered in a way no other storybook has done before. Join Leticia on her inspiring journey to achieve the American Dream.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Latinx, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 17, 2020

About the author

Leticia Ordaz founded the bilingual publishing house Cielito Lindo Books and is a 10-time award-winning children’s book author at the International Latino Book Awards. She is also an Emmy-winning anchor/reporter in Sacramento, California. Leticia is the author of The Adventures of Mr. Macaw, That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor, Mr. Macaw’s Paleta Adventure, The Carousel King and the Space Mission, Mr. Macaw Lost in the Big City, and Super Peanut and the Big Bully: The Power of Kindness. As a literacy ambassador, she is excited to share bilingual stories with children around the world. Leticia hopes to break barriers and change statistics that show only 7% of children’s books feature Latinx characters or subjects, and there are only 10% of Latinx authors and illustrators in the United States.

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an accurate description of what it takes to reach your goals. It shows readers that yes you can go to college but there’s extra steps after college the many people don’t talk about. The book shows the hardships Leticia hard to go through to build up her resume and portfolio to land the various jobs she did. And the jobs she landed often required her to relocate. It’s shows the beauty of the profession but also the not so best moments as her photographer was almost frozen when they left him in the snow to capture some shots. Or the cow that splashed pow on her. But most importantly, the first time she got on cámara, it wasn’t her best, showing readers it takes practice and it’s okay to get it wrong the first time. Will definitely read this out loud the next time I work with kids💕

[PACL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Leticia Ordaz captures her story and the work it took to become that girl on TV! I am a journalist, or was in another lifetime, and this is a great capture of the work it takes to rise up in that industry. This is especially inspiring for girls who want to be on the news, including those little Latina girls. I would use this book to also highlight this career for all readers. Great read!

Thank you, Leticia, for helping build Parenting Across Color Lines "Little Diverse Library"! As a parent and teacher of multicultural students, it's SO great to see a book featuring and written by a BIPOC author. Fingers crossed we will see more of these!!

[Kelsey Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives inspiration to many Latinx children that have not seen themselves in a book before. She specifically says, "why isn't there anyone that looks like me on TV?" and I think that is just speaking what every other child thinks when they read a book. When reading you go on a journey with her, through college and the struggles she has after college about becoming a reporter at last. The message all kids can get from this book is that anything is possible if you have the right encouragement and will to get it done.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Learn about Leticia Ordaz's real life journey to become a news anchor in Sacramento. Written in Spanish and English. The English feels a bit stilted in places--this doesn't flow as easily as some of the other picture book biographies of recent years. It feels a little more clunky with a lot telling-not-showing as my English teachers would say. However, the story is a good example of representation and perseverance.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leticia no se dio por vencida en su sueño y con trabajo duro y perseverancia consiguió el trabajo de sus sueños en canal 3 en Sacramento.

Leticia didn't give up on her dream and through her perseverance she obtained her dream job at Chanel 3 as a news anchor in Sacramento.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how this book is written in both Spanish and English.. Can't wait to pass it on to a special little girl.

This book has a wonderful message.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bilingual biography if LatinX female news anchor and her rise from childhood to anchor. Elementary