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My Name Is Celia: The Life Of Celia Cruz / Me Llamo Celia: La Vida de Celia Cruz
A Bilingual Storybook Biography of The Life of Celia Cruz, The Cuban-Born Queen of Salsa.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2004
18 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Monica Brown
87 books119 followersMonica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of awardwinning bilingual books for children, including My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz (Luna Rising), a recipient of the Américas Award for Children's Literature and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second picture book, My Name Is Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/Me llamo Gabriela: La vida de Gabriela Mistral (Luna Rising) shares the story of the first Latina to win a Nobel Prize.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 28, 2010
This was a wonderfully colorful book that would be great to share with any grade. It gives the life story of Celia Cruz a Cuban singer that used her gifts and talents to bridge a cultural gap at a time when it was sorely needed. Written in the first-person the words feel as if they are coming directly from Celia as she shares her life's experiences in Cuba and America with such clarity. Through her eyes the author shares the scents and sounds of Cuba and Celia's love for music. She began singing at an early age and continued until late in her life. The story is told in both english and spanish and would be an awesome resource to share with this diverse mixture of students. The book shares her challenges with race as she pursued becoming a singer and her leaving her homeland during Castro's communist regime. Yet, it shares her triumphs in America as she took the country by storm with her music and style. The illustrations are lively and brilliant and offer a spectacular background to the melodic styles of the words.
February 6, 2020
My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz is a bilingual story book about Cuban-born "salsa queen" Celia Cruz. This vibrantly illustrated book by Rafael Lopez paints the biography of Celia Cruz. You are able to read this book in either English or Spanish. Both languages are on each page of this book.
Monica Brown uses figurative language such as "running under a waterfall," "feet skipping on cool wet sand," "my voice climbs and rocks and dips and flips." This beautiful language allows the reader to feel the emotion of joy and playfulness while they read about Celia Cruz.
Although this is a real story-like biography, the illustrations depict Celia and her family in imaginative ways. this would be a good discussion with students to have why the illustrator do that.
At the end of this book there is another blurb that is more straightforward about Celia Cruz's life. This portion is definitely more nonfiction and reporting rather than the rest of the book that is flowing like telling a story.
This book would be appropriate for a mentor text in a biography study or researching important people in history. It could be used as a read aloud or a independent reading book for students in grades 2-5. Read Aloud is appropriate for 1-5. This book has won the Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and the Pure Belpre Honor Award.
Monica Brown uses figurative language such as "running under a waterfall," "feet skipping on cool wet sand," "my voice climbs and rocks and dips and flips." This beautiful language allows the reader to feel the emotion of joy and playfulness while they read about Celia Cruz.
Although this is a real story-like biography, the illustrations depict Celia and her family in imaginative ways. this would be a good discussion with students to have why the illustrator do that.
At the end of this book there is another blurb that is more straightforward about Celia Cruz's life. This portion is definitely more nonfiction and reporting rather than the rest of the book that is flowing like telling a story.
This book would be appropriate for a mentor text in a biography study or researching important people in history. It could be used as a read aloud or a independent reading book for students in grades 2-5. Read Aloud is appropriate for 1-5. This book has won the Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and the Pure Belpre Honor Award.
September 12, 2018
This month is Hispanic Heritage so I decided to read Celia Cruz picture book. I’m so happy the book is in bilingual so English and Spanish children can real about Celia Cruz life. The author takes you to a time when she was a little girl in Havana, Cuba. Her passion for music has brought people of all races together.
September 22, 2021
This is a beautifully and vibrant children’s picture book about the life of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. Cruz grew up in Havana, Cuba, but after the Cuban Revolution she and her husband made their way to America and became citizens. She worked with many other Latinx musician and led a life full, musical and rhythmic life.
“I crossed borders and broke boundaries because I was a survivor and no one ever stopped me from singing ever again !”
“I crossed borders and broke boundaries because I was a survivor and no one ever stopped me from singing ever again !”
April 22, 2016
As I opened the text, I immediately acknowledged the bilingual formatting of the book. The English to Spanish translation was accurate, and refreshing. As a fan of Celia Cruz's story, and music, as well as the great-granddaughter of a Cuban immigrant, I was fairly interested in reading the book and determining its cultural and historical accuracy, as well as age appropriateness. I was pleasantly surprised with the book's representation of the vibrant and colorful Cuban culture, as well as its representation of the life of Celia Cruz and her world renown salsa music. The book was authentic in its mentioning of the Cuban revolution, however, not as to sway a child's opinion on the revolution and current state of government. Furthermore, Celia's story of being separated from her family is an accurate portrayal of the lives of many Cuban immigrants, as it was also a main topic of my great grandfather's discussions when he spoke about his homeland and the family members he abruptly lost contact with after fleeing the island. While the majority of the book is focused on Celia's accomplishments upon reaching fame, the story recognizes her family's economic struggles before Celia become a star. I thought this was important because it acknowledges a truth for many families that have fled Cuba seeking a better and more socioeconomically stable life in the United States. Her humble beginnings, her perseverance, and her love for music are accurate and apparent throughout the book. Finally, I thought the illustrations were a great addition to the book, as the so vibrantly represented the Cuban culture, Celia Cruz, and her music.
November 26, 2013
Azucar! Azucar! This bilingual story takes us through the colorful, vibrant, and inspiring life of salsa queen Celia Cruz. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1924, Celia grew up loving to sing. She wanted nothing more than for her voice to be heard and to share, with the world, the pure emotion that can come from music. Faced with the obstacles of poverty and racial discrimination, Celia Cruz was a fighter who broke boundaries and crossed borders to make her dreams a reality. During her lifetime she received several awards and touched the lives of many, spreading joy and happiness with song. Despite her passing in 2003, Celia’s music still lives on and continues to make a great impact.
This is a beautifully illustrated book, packed with bold colors, words, and movement. The images really capture the strength, vivaciousness, and shining star that was Celia Cruz. Growing up with a Latina mother I was fortunate enough to get to experience some of Celia’s music. She was a diva who was fierce, rhythmic, and very passionate for music. Everything about her was loud and alluring, and overall this book does a great job of conveying that. This was an empowering story that demonstrates to people that no matter where you come from and the obstacles you face, you can always make something of yourself as long as you don’t give up. This book is a great addition to include in your class library because it can be used for ELL Students (Spanish speakers), is a great example of a biography, and can be used to teach students about different types of music (introduce salsa).
This is a beautifully illustrated book, packed with bold colors, words, and movement. The images really capture the strength, vivaciousness, and shining star that was Celia Cruz. Growing up with a Latina mother I was fortunate enough to get to experience some of Celia’s music. She was a diva who was fierce, rhythmic, and very passionate for music. Everything about her was loud and alluring, and overall this book does a great job of conveying that. This was an empowering story that demonstrates to people that no matter where you come from and the obstacles you face, you can always make something of yourself as long as you don’t give up. This book is a great addition to include in your class library because it can be used for ELL Students (Spanish speakers), is a great example of a biography, and can be used to teach students about different types of music (introduce salsa).
Read
October 27, 2017My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz, written by Monica Brown, with a genre in multicultural biography, and illustrated by Rafael Lopez, is about a girl, Celia, who grew up in Havana, Cuba and was a very talented singer. Because her friends and family believe in her so much, she signs up for competitions. Unfortunately, upon Fidel Castros arrival of communism, Celia and her family escape to the United States. She still enters signing competitions, even though there is much racism against the Cuban people. She works hard to prove them wrong and wants to become famous. She ends up becoming a famous salsa singer in New York, then moving down to Miami. This story shows young children that even when they face difficult times in their life, if they persevere, anything can happen. The illustrations in this story show just how and what obstacles Celia overcame to follow her dreams. They are full of color and life, just like she is. This story describes her full life and what hardships she dealt with while rising to the top. Any student can relate to this story, but especially those who have immigrated to another country and are feeling picked on or hurt because of their ethnicity.
October 10, 2017
This biography of Celia Cruz’s life is portrayed in a children’s book and portrays a young Cuban girl named Celia. She shares her journey starting off on a small island and moving to America. She becomes a world renowned super star using her music and voice to bring happiness and joy to everyone. Celia grows up poor but throughout her life she tells herself that she would keep studying and singing no matter what. She explains her journey through the Cuban Revolution and her travels to Mexico and America. She leaves Cuba and as a picture in the book depicts, it is with her suitcase, music, and her heart. She makes new friends in the United States and starts playing with them, but her music never changed. The last few pages go in depth about Celia Cruz’s life and family. She was known as the queen of salsa. This was a wonderfully colorful book that would be great to share with any grade level, it portrays immigration and language gracefully.
June 3, 2011
I like this book. The colorful illustrations match the colorful life of Celia Cruz. She was born in Havana, Cuba and started singing at a young age. She was inspired by a teacher to share her talent. She soon formed a musical group called Sonora Matancera and ended up marrying the trumpet player, Pedro Knight. Her music stayed true to her Havana roots and she was named the "Queen of Salsa". Her music crossed borders and she touched many lives throughout the world.
April 30, 2016
The My name is Celia is a book that tell the story of Celia Cruz. This books is for 5 - 8 years, and grade level Kindergarten - 3 grade. However, I find the preschooler can enjoy the colorful story, too. The book is been Multilingual, as it is in English and Spanish. The illustrations is colorful , and show the Hispanic culture. The book retell the story of Celia Cruz the Queen of Cuban of Salsa. Since she lived her beautiful Cuba , and when she move to New York.
February 16, 2014
This Americas Book Award winner is a beautiful book! It is about the life and music of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. This bilingual book is a great way to include Hispanic (specifically Cuban) culture into the classroom, appreciating the contributions Hispanics have made to the "American culture."
February 24, 2018
Vibrant folk-art illustrations. English and Spanish text telling of the life of Celia Cruz, a Cuban-born Salsa singer who emigrated to the US after the revolution. Nice biography in the back of Ms Cruz. I can see reading this to a group, and it will be a nice addition to our school library. English learners can see both Spanish and English text and visa versa.
March 25, 2021
The illustrations are what make this book come alive with Celia Cruz! They are big, vibrant and fun-which emcompasses all that Celia Cruz is. This is a bilingual informational picture book about the beginning of Celia's life in Cuba and her journey to the U.S. and how she became a famous salsa singer, and most excitingly, the origin of her famous saying-"azucar!". A story of her hard work and persistence to become the legendary singer that she was. A great book for any age to learn more about the "Queen of Salsa" and her journey to the top. This book could be integrated for and used at age level. My Name is Celia could be used for a literacy unit on biographies or in a music class to learn about artists and their music, or to celebrate and honor Afro-Latin history. This book is easily available on Amazon, public libraries, and as a read aloud on YouTube.
April 17, 2024
What happened with the English version/translation here? The Spanish text had so much more verve. And a plantain is not a banana.
March 21, 2017
I found the book very entertaining. It is a biography that is written in both English and Spanish. The book is about Celia Cruz, the queen of salsa. It talked about when she was young and grew up to be a great singer and songwriter. As a young child, she faced difficulties and struggles from others who did not want her to become a singer. She pushed through the challenges and did what she believed in to become a great, well-known singer. The main character, Celia, is an agent of change because her goal to become a singer did not happen overnight and she overcame the challenges she faced. The book relates to my topic because it discusses Celia’s background and she is Cuban. She mentioned Latin American culture and it was discussed in the book. I believe the text is interesting and can be interactive for the students. The students can answer questions such as, how do you think Celia felt when she moved from city to city or how do you think she felt when others told her she could not become a singer. The story had a problem, which was Celia facing challenges to become a singer, and her solution was fighting to become a singer and she finally became a well-known singer. Celia and her family are realistic characters. At the beginning, the author talked about Celia’s life at a young age and her father worked on the railroad and Celia lived with her extended family. I believe many students can relate to Celia’s childhood. The illustrations correspond to the text and provide bright, colorful images to capture the student’s attention. The illustrations bring the story to life and really help to place text with the picture. There are no negative stereotypes within the book and the characters represent the Latin American culture in a variety of ways. The characters have different facial features and skin tones. Since the book is written in English and Spanish, it is a great tool for ELL students. Also, both the author and illustrator have a background from Latin American culture, which makes the book more authentic.
November 15, 2009
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4 - An exuberant picture-book biography of the Cuban-born salsa singer. From its rhythmic opening, the first-person narrative dances readers through Cruz's youth in Havana, a childhood bounded by scents of nature and home, the sweet taste of sugar, and the sound of music. A singer from an early age, Cruz sang so continually that one of her teachers finally urged her to share her voice with the world. Thus encouraged, she entered competitions, undeterred when her racial heritage prevented her from competing - undeterred, even, when the advent of Castro's communist regime forced her to leave Cuba as a refugee. Positive even in exile, Cruz made New York City her own and took Miami by storm. The salsa-influenced prose presented in English and in Spanish is followed by a straightforward vita of the singer, noting her death in July 2003. Lopez's distinguished, luminous acrylic paintings are alive with motion, lush with brilliantly layered colors, and informed with verve and symbolism. This is a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music. The only enhancement required is the music itself.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc
Grade 2-4 - An exuberant picture-book biography of the Cuban-born salsa singer. From its rhythmic opening, the first-person narrative dances readers through Cruz's youth in Havana, a childhood bounded by scents of nature and home, the sweet taste of sugar, and the sound of music. A singer from an early age, Cruz sang so continually that one of her teachers finally urged her to share her voice with the world. Thus encouraged, she entered competitions, undeterred when her racial heritage prevented her from competing - undeterred, even, when the advent of Castro's communist regime forced her to leave Cuba as a refugee. Positive even in exile, Cruz made New York City her own and took Miami by storm. The salsa-influenced prose presented in English and in Spanish is followed by a straightforward vita of the singer, noting her death in July 2003. Lopez's distinguished, luminous acrylic paintings are alive with motion, lush with brilliantly layered colors, and informed with verve and symbolism. This is a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music. The only enhancement required is the music itself.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc
October 24, 2012
Grade/interest level: Primary (K-2)
Reading level: 2.6 (Lexile 850L)
Genre: Biography, Multicultural
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Setting: Cuba, New York, Miami
POV: Celia
My Name is Celia is an illustrated, bilingual biography of the late salsa singer, Celia Cruz. Growing up in Havana, Cuba, Cruz demonstrated from a young age that she was a talented singer. With the encouragement of her friends, family, and teachers, Cruz began entering competitions. However, Celia’s life in Cuba would come to an end with the rise of Fidel Castro and his communist regime. Cruz and her family managed to escape to the United States, where she would continue to enter singing competitions, even in spite of anti-Cuban racism. Undeterred, Celia Cruz continued to work hard and persevere, knowing one day she would be recognized for her passion and ability. Cruz would go on to become a famous salsa singer, starting in New York, moving onto Miami, and eventually the whole world. She lived a happy life, until her death in July 2003.
I would use this book with a unit on famous figures in Latin America. The unit would focus on how they persevered in pursuit of their dreams, despite facing many challenges on the way there.
Reading level: 2.6 (Lexile 850L)
Genre: Biography, Multicultural
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Setting: Cuba, New York, Miami
POV: Celia
My Name is Celia is an illustrated, bilingual biography of the late salsa singer, Celia Cruz. Growing up in Havana, Cuba, Cruz demonstrated from a young age that she was a talented singer. With the encouragement of her friends, family, and teachers, Cruz began entering competitions. However, Celia’s life in Cuba would come to an end with the rise of Fidel Castro and his communist regime. Cruz and her family managed to escape to the United States, where she would continue to enter singing competitions, even in spite of anti-Cuban racism. Undeterred, Celia Cruz continued to work hard and persevere, knowing one day she would be recognized for her passion and ability. Cruz would go on to become a famous salsa singer, starting in New York, moving onto Miami, and eventually the whole world. She lived a happy life, until her death in July 2003.
I would use this book with a unit on famous figures in Latin America. The unit would focus on how they persevered in pursuit of their dreams, despite facing many challenges on the way there.
July 21, 2014
SUMMARY
Presented in colorful illustrations, this book is about the life of Latin/Salsa singer Celia Cruz. Each double-page spread is presented in both English and Spanish. She describes her family, culture, and lifestyle in Cuba, and the determination it took to confront and overcome obstacles to her singing. She describes leaving Cuba and traveling to NY and Miami with her husband with their musical careers. SUGAR!
AGES: Grades 1-5
PUBLISHER: Northland Publishing
COPYRIGHT: 2004
RATIONALE:
The book starts right away using similes. Additionally, students are attracted to the colors, music (great for music classes, read WITH congas, clapping hands and shaking hips like the book), and languages. This is a great book for blended classrooms as well as teaching in Spanish classes, even at the middle and high school levels (read with ruffles, beads, sparkles and feathers while learning the vocabulary). This book can also be taught with geography lessons about Cuba.
AWARDS
Americas Book Award (Consortium of Latin American Studies Program)
ALA Notable Children's Books 2006
Multicultural Review 12/01/05
Book Links 01/01/09
Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor 2006
Criticas 11/01/04
School Library Journal 01/01/05
Horn Book 10/01/05
Presented in colorful illustrations, this book is about the life of Latin/Salsa singer Celia Cruz. Each double-page spread is presented in both English and Spanish. She describes her family, culture, and lifestyle in Cuba, and the determination it took to confront and overcome obstacles to her singing. She describes leaving Cuba and traveling to NY and Miami with her husband with their musical careers. SUGAR!
AGES: Grades 1-5
PUBLISHER: Northland Publishing
COPYRIGHT: 2004
RATIONALE:
The book starts right away using similes. Additionally, students are attracted to the colors, music (great for music classes, read WITH congas, clapping hands and shaking hips like the book), and languages. This is a great book for blended classrooms as well as teaching in Spanish classes, even at the middle and high school levels (read with ruffles, beads, sparkles and feathers while learning the vocabulary). This book can also be taught with geography lessons about Cuba.
AWARDS
Americas Book Award (Consortium of Latin American Studies Program)
ALA Notable Children's Books 2006
Multicultural Review 12/01/05
Book Links 01/01/09
Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor 2006
Criticas 11/01/04
School Library Journal 01/01/05
Horn Book 10/01/05
Read
December 26, 2016I really liked the illustrations in this -- so full of energy.
I don't love the conceit of doing a biography in an "I" voice -- it feels, if not conceited, weird (see also The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina ), though it felt less weird once I was past the first couple introductory pages and into the narrative.
In some ways, this book moves more quickly than Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and takes a more skimming approach, but it still touches on poverty and racial discrimination-- and, unlike Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa , explicitly states that it was because of the Cuban Revolution that Cruz left Cuba.
I also appreciated the line "When I sang my body would fill with the rhythms of Africa and mix with the Spanish sounds of my Cuban mother tongue" -- making explicit Cruz's Afro-Latina heritage.
I don't love the conceit of doing a biography in an "I" voice -- it feels, if not conceited, weird (see also The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina ), though it felt less weird once I was past the first couple introductory pages and into the narrative.
In some ways, this book moves more quickly than Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and takes a more skimming approach, but it still touches on poverty and racial discrimination-- and, unlike Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa , explicitly states that it was because of the Cuban Revolution that Cruz left Cuba.
I also appreciated the line "When I sang my body would fill with the rhythms of Africa and mix with the Spanish sounds of my Cuban mother tongue" -- making explicit Cruz's Afro-Latina heritage.
October 26, 2012
Grade/interest level: Primary (K-2nd)
Reading level: 2.6
Genre: Multicultural, Bilingual
Main Characters: Celia cruz
Setting: Cuba, New York, Miami
Author: Rafeal Lopez
POV: Celia
This book has received both Americas Award, and the Pura Belpre Award. This book is about the life and career of the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz. Born in Cuba 1924, Celia was a great singer,, encouraged by her family and friends continue singing, Celia entered competitions. When communist Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, Celia and her family left to America. In America she continued to sing, and finally became a famous salsa singer in the United States. Celia, came to America and did not lose her Cuban roots, in fact she enriched the people of America with music of her home.
This book has a readability level of 2.6 but this book would be great for students from K-2nd grade. I would defiantly use this book in my classroom. This book tells the story of Celia Cruz, a Salsa singer that usually would not be communicated in the Primary classroom. The colorful illustration adds wonderful depth to the already amazing book.
Reading level: 2.6
Genre: Multicultural, Bilingual
Main Characters: Celia cruz
Setting: Cuba, New York, Miami
Author: Rafeal Lopez
POV: Celia
This book has received both Americas Award, and the Pura Belpre Award. This book is about the life and career of the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz. Born in Cuba 1924, Celia was a great singer,, encouraged by her family and friends continue singing, Celia entered competitions. When communist Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, Celia and her family left to America. In America she continued to sing, and finally became a famous salsa singer in the United States. Celia, came to America and did not lose her Cuban roots, in fact she enriched the people of America with music of her home.
This book has a readability level of 2.6 but this book would be great for students from K-2nd grade. I would defiantly use this book in my classroom. This book tells the story of Celia Cruz, a Salsa singer that usually would not be communicated in the Primary classroom. The colorful illustration adds wonderful depth to the already amazing book.
October 30, 2014
School Library Journal
An exuberant picture-book biography of the Cuban-born salsa singer. From its rhythmic opening, the first-person narrative dances readers through Cruz's youth in Havana, a childhood bounded by scents of nature and home, the sweet taste of sugar, and the sound of music. A singer from an early age, Cruz sang so continually that one of her teachers finally urged her to share her voice with the world. Thus encouraged, she entered competitions, undeterred when her racial heritage prevented her from competing—undeterred, even, when the advent of Castro's communist regime forced her to leave Cuba as a refugee. Positive even in exile, Cruz made New York City her own and took Miami by storm. The salsa-influenced prose presented in English and in Spanish is followed by a straightforward vita of the singer, noting her death in July 2003. Lopez's distinguished, luminous acrylic paintings are alive with motion, lush with brilliantly layered colors, and informed with verve and symbolism. This is a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music. The only enhancement required is the music itself.
An exuberant picture-book biography of the Cuban-born salsa singer. From its rhythmic opening, the first-person narrative dances readers through Cruz's youth in Havana, a childhood bounded by scents of nature and home, the sweet taste of sugar, and the sound of music. A singer from an early age, Cruz sang so continually that one of her teachers finally urged her to share her voice with the world. Thus encouraged, she entered competitions, undeterred when her racial heritage prevented her from competing—undeterred, even, when the advent of Castro's communist regime forced her to leave Cuba as a refugee. Positive even in exile, Cruz made New York City her own and took Miami by storm. The salsa-influenced prose presented in English and in Spanish is followed by a straightforward vita of the singer, noting her death in July 2003. Lopez's distinguished, luminous acrylic paintings are alive with motion, lush with brilliantly layered colors, and informed with verve and symbolism. This is a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music. The only enhancement required is the music itself.
November 1, 2012
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Grade Level: 2-3
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - T
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Celia Cruz is a famous musician. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about the family and atmosphere that she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia went from Cuba, to Mexico to the United States of America. Along the way, her and her band played music for the world to listen. She became famous, and her music charmed millions. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on.
I would use this in the classroom, as it shows that you can do anything you put your mind to if you are willing to put in the time and the effort. It is a multi-cultural book, and the text is in both English and Spanish, which is great if you are part of a bilingual classroom.
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Grade Level: 2-3
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - T
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Celia Cruz is a famous musician. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about the family and atmosphere that she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia went from Cuba, to Mexico to the United States of America. Along the way, her and her band played music for the world to listen. She became famous, and her music charmed millions. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on.
I would use this in the classroom, as it shows that you can do anything you put your mind to if you are willing to put in the time and the effort. It is a multi-cultural book, and the text is in both English and Spanish, which is great if you are part of a bilingual classroom.
November 11, 2012
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Grade Level: 2-3
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - T
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Celia Cruz is a famous musician. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about the family and atmosphere that she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia went from Cuba, to Mexico to the United States of America. Along the way, her and her band played music for the world to listen. She became famous, and her music charmed millions. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on.
I would use this in the classroom, as it shows that you can do anything you put your mind to if you are willing to put in the time and the effort. It is a multi-cultural book, and the text is in both English and Spanish, which is great if you are part of a bilingual classroom.
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Grade Level: 2-3
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - T
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Celia Cruz is a famous musician. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about the family and atmosphere that she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia went from Cuba, to Mexico to the United States of America. Along the way, her and her band played music for the world to listen. She became famous, and her music charmed millions. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on.
I would use this in the classroom, as it shows that you can do anything you put your mind to if you are willing to put in the time and the effort. It is a multi-cultural book, and the text is in both English and Spanish, which is great if you are part of a bilingual classroom.
November 20, 2012
Title:"Me Llamo Celia/My Name is Celia" by Monica Brown
Grade Level: k to 2nd grade
Guided Reading Level: T
Genre: Biography
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Summary: This book is about a famous musician by the name of Celia Cruz. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about her family along with the place where she lives which she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia left Cuba and went to Mexico and then to the United States. During her journey, her along with her band played music for the world to listen. She then became famous. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on even after her death.
I would use this book in my classroom when teaching about music and include Cuban composers and musicians.
Grade Level: k to 2nd grade
Guided Reading Level: T
Genre: Biography
Setting: Cuba & America
POV: Celia Cruz
Main Characters: Celia Cruz
Summary: This book is about a famous musician by the name of Celia Cruz. She talks about her childhood in Cuba and about her family along with the place where she lives which she loves so much. A teacher once told her that she must reveal her voice to the world for everyone to hear. When Cuba went into a revolution, Celia left Cuba and went to Mexico and then to the United States. During her journey, her along with her band played music for the world to listen. She then became famous. Her husband was in the band, and he was able to share her musical experiences with her. Her dedication to her passion for music was the reason she was successful. To this day, her music still lives on even after her death.
I would use this book in my classroom when teaching about music and include Cuban composers and musicians.
Read
July 15, 2013Audience: Primary
Genre: Biography
Discussion Questions: Text-to-World Connection
-From the book, My Name is Celia by Monica Brown, I had a text-to-world connection. This book shares the life of Celia Cruz. She was born in Cuba, and became an American citizen. She is known for being a part of a team that created salsa music. “I was still a young women when a revolution began in my country” and “My new home with the lights and people- a blend of many cultures and traditions” are two quotes from the book. These two quotes are examples of how different countries are going through things that force people to be refugees in the United States. For example, we have many Burmese and Sudan refugees living in Omaha because of persecution in their country. Although Celia Cruz was not persecuted, she did have to flee Cuba in order to be safe. The second quote just describes America. We are becoming an even more diverse country by taking in different refuge groups. I have traveled the world and I can truly say that America is the most diverse country in the world!
Genre: Biography
Discussion Questions: Text-to-World Connection
-From the book, My Name is Celia by Monica Brown, I had a text-to-world connection. This book shares the life of Celia Cruz. She was born in Cuba, and became an American citizen. She is known for being a part of a team that created salsa music. “I was still a young women when a revolution began in my country” and “My new home with the lights and people- a blend of many cultures and traditions” are two quotes from the book. These two quotes are examples of how different countries are going through things that force people to be refugees in the United States. For example, we have many Burmese and Sudan refugees living in Omaha because of persecution in their country. Although Celia Cruz was not persecuted, she did have to flee Cuba in order to be safe. The second quote just describes America. We are becoming an even more diverse country by taking in different refuge groups. I have traveled the world and I can truly say that America is the most diverse country in the world!
March 27, 2015
This colorfully illustrated picture book tells the story of Celia Cruz, from her fond childhood memories to her rise to fame. It is a fun story that I believe children will find interesting, because of the language used and captivating illustrations. The plot includes the influence her father, teacher, and friends had on her musical journey. The book provides a kid-friendly approach to this historical figure and can assist in discussion about aspirations, inspirations, overcoming obstacles, ect. In the book, the life of Celia Cruz is portrayed in a modest and genuine light. Author Monica Brown is a part of the cultural group that is represented in the story, writing from an insider point of view.
This historical-fiction book is bilingual with Spanish and English translations to the text. I would recommend this book to elementary grade kids as a great read-aloud and a great addition to a multicultural book shelf in any classroom. Can be used for discussion about Latina figures, aspirations, history, ect.
This historical-fiction book is bilingual with Spanish and English translations to the text. I would recommend this book to elementary grade kids as a great read-aloud and a great addition to a multicultural book shelf in any classroom. Can be used for discussion about Latina figures, aspirations, history, ect.
Read
November 25, 2018Follow along as you read Celia Cruz’s life as she grew up to become the legendary Queen of Salsa! From singing her younger siblings to sleep to singing in cities like NYC and Miami, the Queen of Salsa brought her music, family and traditions where ever she sang. Celia Cruz broke all expectations set for her, broke boundaries society had, and shared her love of music where ever she went.
This book’s illustrations are absolutely beautiful, made in similar styles to that of pictures for folk tales. On each page, the text is written in English and in Spanish which make it great for those who’s L1 is Spanish. The text itself also is written in such a way that the words seem melodic, truly expressing Celia Cruz’s love of music.
I would connect this book to a video of Celia Cruz singing in real life, to give conect about her talent.
“My voice feels like feet skipping on cool wet sand, like running under a waterfall, like rolling down a hill.” This quote can be used to instruct students about expressive language.
This book’s illustrations are absolutely beautiful, made in similar styles to that of pictures for folk tales. On each page, the text is written in English and in Spanish which make it great for those who’s L1 is Spanish. The text itself also is written in such a way that the words seem melodic, truly expressing Celia Cruz’s love of music.
I would connect this book to a video of Celia Cruz singing in real life, to give conect about her talent.
“My voice feels like feet skipping on cool wet sand, like running under a waterfall, like rolling down a hill.” This quote can be used to instruct students about expressive language.
December 4, 2019
Summary:
"My Name is Celia" is a bilingual book that depicts the life of a woman named Celia Cruz. The book tells the journey of how she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba. After she becomes a singer in Cuba she then ventures off to New York City and Miami and invents the music of salsa.
Review:
This book is a wonderful book to read for a couple of different reasons. The first is that it is written in both English and in Spanish so if there are any ELL learners (Spanish Speaking) they will be able to read this book and be able to connect with the class. The second is that it covers a the story of someone from Cuba, covering the story of a woman from a different and maybe new country to students. Added bonus that the illustrations are vibrant!
Other book(s) to pair / connect this book to:
Any other biography / life-story that comes from this series of books written by Monica Brown such as "My Name is Gabriela"
Quote from the book:
"SUGAR! My voice is strong, smooth, and sweet. I will make you feel like dancing."
"My Name is Celia" is a bilingual book that depicts the life of a woman named Celia Cruz. The book tells the journey of how she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba. After she becomes a singer in Cuba she then ventures off to New York City and Miami and invents the music of salsa.
Review:
This book is a wonderful book to read for a couple of different reasons. The first is that it is written in both English and in Spanish so if there are any ELL learners (Spanish Speaking) they will be able to read this book and be able to connect with the class. The second is that it covers a the story of someone from Cuba, covering the story of a woman from a different and maybe new country to students. Added bonus that the illustrations are vibrant!
Other book(s) to pair / connect this book to:
Any other biography / life-story that comes from this series of books written by Monica Brown such as "My Name is Gabriela"
Quote from the book:
"SUGAR! My voice is strong, smooth, and sweet. I will make you feel like dancing."
September 3, 2011
This is a beautiful bilingual biography of Celia Cruz the queen of salsa. Brown's rhythmic text and Lopez's colorful illustrations will entice readers to dance
Sugar! My voice is strong, smooth, and sweet. I will make you feel like dancing. Close your eyes and listen. My voice feels like feet skipping on cool wet sand, like running under a waterfall, like rolling down a hill. My climbs and rocks and dips and flips with the sounds of congas beating and trumpets blaring.
Boom boom boom! beat the congas.
Clap clap clap! go the hands
Shake shake shake! go the hips.
Released in 2004 it was an Americas Book Award winner and recieved a Pura Belpre honor for illustrations.
This year Rafael Lopez released postal stamps featuring Latin American music legends. Five in all incuding Celia Cruz. They are gorgeous.
Sugar! My voice is strong, smooth, and sweet. I will make you feel like dancing. Close your eyes and listen. My voice feels like feet skipping on cool wet sand, like running under a waterfall, like rolling down a hill. My climbs and rocks and dips and flips with the sounds of congas beating and trumpets blaring.
Boom boom boom! beat the congas.
Clap clap clap! go the hands
Shake shake shake! go the hips.
Released in 2004 it was an Americas Book Award winner and recieved a Pura Belpre honor for illustrations.
This year Rafael Lopez released postal stamps featuring Latin American music legends. Five in all incuding Celia Cruz. They are gorgeous.
April 19, 2014
I remember watching certain old tv shows when I was young, and loving the beat of Latino singers and watching them dance. This might have been one of them, but in my world, we didn’t know many famous singers who were from Cuba. This story, about her youth in Cuba in a loving home, hearing her father sing, and finally going off with her cousin to enter singing contests, is Celia Cruz’ story, the story of the singer who brought salsa to the US and to the world. She and her husband immigrated to the US at the time of the Cuban revolution, moved to New York City, and began her career. The book is gorgeously illustrated by Rafael López, famous for his murals that are seen in places all over America. His murals, known as magical realism, are vivid swirls of color that help tell the “also-vivid” story of Celia Cruz. The book is enhanced by its being bi-lingual.
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