Cruzita and the Mariacheros

by Ashley Granillo

Cruzita is going to be a pop star. All she has to do is win a singing contest at her favorite theme park and get famous. But she can’t go to the theme park this summer. Instead, she has to help out at her family’s bakery, which has been struggling ever since Tío Chuy died. Cruzita’s great-uncle poured his heart into the bakery―the family legacy―and now that he’s gone, nothing is the same. When Cruzita’s not rolling uneven tortillas or trying to salvage rock-hard conchas, she has to take mariachi lessons, even though she doesn’t know how to play her great-grandpa’s violin and she’s not fluent in Spanish. At first, she’s convinced her whole summer will be a disaster. But as she discovers the heart and soul of mariachi music, she realizes that there’s more than one way to be a star―and more than one way to carry on a legacy.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Juvenile, Music, Grief

248 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grader Cruzita Tayahua resents having to work in her Mexican American family's failing bakery. Her grandmother signs her up for mariachi music lessons to lessen the sting. At first she dreads them but soon they bring her joy and a found place in her family's culture. A lovely MG tale!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book! I loved Cruzita and the book was so fun. Middle schoolers who dream about being famous will relate to her efforts to win the Rising Star Contest, as well as her frustration that her parents don't take her ambitions seriously.

Cruzita's interest in music was a big part of this book so I appreciated the references to Mexican musicians throughout the book, like Vincente Fernández, Selena, Ritchie Valens. Music becomes a way for her to connect with her culture and feel more confident in her Spanish.

Family was a major theme in this story. Cruzita's family owns a panadería, and her work at the bakery plays a big role in her bonding with family after the death of her Tío Chuy. This story also deals with friendships, and Cruzita learns what's really important in a friendship.

I have never felt so seen in a book before. I related so much to the struggles of being a Mexican American who isn't fluent in Spanish, of not feeling Mexican enough, and feeling estranged from your culture. Cruzita's experience felt so authentic to me. I wish I had a book like this to read when I was in middle school.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book, not just for middle graders but also for adults like myself who've been told that we're not "real" Mexican Americans because we don't speak Spanish.

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This MG contemporary is both an inspirational story about following your dreams and an exploration of Latino culture in its many forms. After Cruzita’s uncle dies, the family is mourning both his loss and the slow failure of his beloved Mexican bakery, which they’re trying to keep afloat. Cruzita believes that chasing her dream of being a superstar singer will also save the family business, but her grandmother has other plans for Cruzita’s summer—she wants her to learn the violin at a local mariachi school. The book focuses on Cruzita’s journey as she learns to embrace a culture she hasn’t felt terribly connected to in the past—she’s often felt less-than-Mexican, partially because she struggles in Spanish class. But as Cruzita grows closer to her new found family, she realizes she can pursue her dreams and embrace her ethnic roots. Many kids will resonate with Cruzita’s desire for superstardom and her fears of failure. Very relatable!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

[Alexandria K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruzita and the Mariacheros is a fabulous story with great Mexican-American rep. It's written by a Mexican-American author, which made the story even better. I'm so glad that more diverse middle grade books are being made for younger readers as representation is important.

As an American of Mexican descent, I was given the honor of being a part of the Hear Our Voices tour for this novel.

I greatly related to Cruzita. I loved the use of Spanish words throughout the novel. She was a very likeable character.

This story was so relatable and enjoyable, I breezed through it incredibly quickly, only taking me about 2 hours time to get through. Her family was relatable, and in some ways reminds me of my own, particularly the family I have on my mother's side. The focus on family is incredibly relatable and was a big part of my culture growing up, and I'm sure many other Mexican-Americans can relate to that aspect as well.

I absolutely loved the mentions of Selena and saw it as a tribute of sorts to the Queen of Tejano. I grew up hearing Selena a lot as a kid, and I still listen to her now, so I loved how her music played such a big role throughout Cruzita's journey.

It was also interesting to notice the slight differences in how my family and I have always referred to certain things versus how Cruzita and her family refer to things. Most notably at a point where puerquitos are mentioned. I didn't know what they were until they were described. And that's only because that's not how I grew up referring to them. We've always called them marranitos. So it was very interesting learning a new way to refer to those pig-shaped cookies. For me at least, it was a nice example of a slightly different dialect of Spanish than I'm used to where I grew up and really shows how diverse the culture is, even if the narrative itself doesn't actually cover that specific topic.

Like Cruzita, I am also not fluent in Spanish. But not speaking Spanish doesn't take away anybody's heritage. Another aspect I really enjoyed was the fact that she played violin. I like the violin and intend to learn how to play one.

I wrote my creative content for this tour on my blog: Musings of an Arthritic Artist

[Jesenia Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A talented writer! She created a fully immersive world that is relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with finding their place in the world. Her book had me crying, remembering Selena, wanting to eat pan dulce while listening to mariachi music, she captures the love and support of family, of grieving, forgiveness and of wanting to be your own person, ultimately reminding us that we are enough! We are enough! Y que no se me rajen beautiful people 💜💜💜💜🌹🌹🌹#writer #middlegradenovel #mentor #selena #chicana #latine #cruzitaylosmariacheros

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like most of the adults in this book.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable read!!! I loved so many aspects of it.

Cruzita is determined to go to a theme park and win a contest to fulfill her dream to be a pop star. However, it suddenly comes to a halt when her family’s panadería is struggling financially after her uncle’s death. On top of it all, Cruzita is feeling insecure about her Mexican heritage after failing her Spanish class. When Cruzita gets grounded, her grandmother encourages her to follow her great-grandpa’s footsteps and signs her up for mariachi classes. Cruzita begins a journey of reconnecting with her Mexican heritage through her newfound love of Mexican music. Along the way, she gains true friendship with her local classmates who help her devise a plan to help save her family’s panadería.

Cruzita had such a great character growth arc. I loved that she went from being insecure to gaining love for her heritage and developing a better relationship with her family through it. Her friendships with Araceli and Marcos were so wholesome and I loved the encouragement they provided Cruzita while she learned Spanish and mariachi music. I also loved that they served as guides towards finding Mexican musicians that Cruzita can look up to.

Family was another major theme, specifically light of grieving. Cruzita was extremely close to her uncle and has felt lost after his passing. However, Cruzita quickly becomes closer to her grandmother who comforts her through her grieving.

The imagery of all the baked goods of the panadería made my mouth water and even encouraged me to find a local panadería that I have quickly fallen in love with!

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruzita just knows she's destined to become a pop star and have enough money to save her family's failing bakery, which is good because her Spanish language skills are abysmal. But until she can get her big break, Cruzita is stuck in the kitchen trying to help the family. Tensions run high, but grandma has an idea: Cruzita should learn to play Papa's old violin in a Mariachi band! Cruzita is less than trilled: fiddling won't earn her the fame she wants. But as the summer progresses, Cruzita has to take a long look at what it means to be true to her family and culture.

This book was a little painful to read because I remember being twelve and having similar thoughts to Cruzita: sure that if everyone would just listen to me, I could fix things. I'm a little embarrassed, looking back. Cruzita makes a few cringey mistakes, and that middle school drama is something else. I was looking for the reported asexual representation in this book, and there's definitely a subtle hint that Cruz isn't interested in dating, but this book is about family and Latinx heritage way more than it's about individualism. I'm glad it introduced me to Mariachi music, though. There's so much joy and passion in this music genre, and I'm sad I've been missing out for so long.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl with dreams must decide how to live in reality when she believes they can’t come true.
🎻
Cruzita has dreams of becoming a pop star, but her mom shuts them down when they can’t afford to send her to the theme park’s singing contest. Ever since her uncle died, the family has taken over his panaderia (bakery) and it’s not doing well. When Cruzita’s grandmother offers to pay for mariachi classes, Cruzita finds a love of Mexican music, reconnects with her roots and finds her voice in a new format.
🎤
What a great MG story about how dreams can sometimes change due to circumstances, interests and life moving in different directions. Perspective can sometimes facilitate change in dreams as well. I can’t wait to get this novel in my middle school library. I loved the representation and how @missashleyjeanwrites was sure to include a character that everyone assumed would be able to speak Spanish and yet, does not. Many of my friends fell into that category growing up and it made them feel “other” and less than. This story is for them too.

CW: grief, bullying, racism

[Rebecca Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school appropriate. I loved that this is a story we haven’t heard before about a girl from a Latinx family struggling to learn Spanish. Also, her struggles to learn both Spanish and violin were HARD! You felt that and saw it as a reader—it didn’t happen off stage and then she just magically learned it by the end. I also really felt her struggle as the family dealt with their grief and sort of took it out on her as a powerless kid. I do wish things were a little more resolved about Kelli at the end. Maybe I feel that way because as an adult I see the nuance behind her as a character and I feel bad for her. This would be a really fun book to do with a school or book club where people could explore all the foods and music in the story. Lots of avenues for discussion.

[Ana Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Cruzita!!!! 👏🏽🥰🥲🇲🇽❤️

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Cruzita lives in Pacoima, California, where her great uncle has had a panaderia, Lupe's Bakery, since 1978. After his death, her grandmother, Mamá Vincenta, has inherited it, and she, along with Cruzita's mother, father, and Tia Pocha, are trying to keep it in business. None of them are as good at baking, so business is dropping. Often, her father ends up driving their food truck (aka "The Flamingo") to the homeless shelter to donate more product than they sell. Cruzita, who envisions herself a famous pop star if she is just given the chance, knows the way out of this dilemma: she and her best friend Kelli are going to enter the Rising Star Contest at the Encore Island Amusement Park and win enough money to save the bakery. When her parents tell her that a trip there is out of the question, she is devastated, especially when Kelli tells her of her own plan to go to the Encore Island in Nashville and enter. To make matters worse, Cruzita is not allowed to enjoy her summer vacation, but must work in the bakery, running the cash register. She tries a few times to drum up business by singing, but the word has spread that the baked goods are not up to their previous quality. Her cousins don't have to work because they are visiting relatives in Mexico. Cruzita doesn't do a great job, and Mamá eventually comes up with a plan. If Cruzita takes violin lessons from a mariachi studio run by Jaime, she won't have to work such long hours. This is a hard ask, because the kids at the studio speak a lot more Spanish than Cruzita does, and even though her great grandfather, whose violin Mamá gifts her, was a great player, Cruzita has never played. She does meet Araceli and Marcus at the studio, and they are very supportive. As the bakery's fortunes worsen, Cruzita becomes more and more determined to win the Encore Island prize. There is a new contest for Latin music that groups can enter by submitting a video rather than going to the park, so Cruzita and Araceli round up the students and come up with a performance for Mamá's birthday. When Kelli offers to pay the costs of Cruzita's trip to Encore Island Nashville, she jumps at the opportunity to go, since she has had a difference of opinion with her new friends. Will Cruzita be able to stay true to her family and also save the bakery?
Strengths: Cruzita's absolute belief that she can be a pop star by winning a contest perfectly embodies the magical thinking that many middle grade students embrace. Her distractibility as she "performs" for imaginary crowds is both painful and hopeful. The bakery's struggles are realistic, and the family's efforts to save it are heartbreaking. Cruzita's struggles with Spanish, a language spoken by her family, will resonate with readers who may themselves not speak the language that other members of their families do. Kelli was an interesting foil, and seeing her life through Cruzita's eyes underlined the differences between their family cultures. After reading this, I felt like I needed to do a deep dive into the music of Selena, so having a playlist included was very helpful.
Weaknesses: There are a growing number of tweens trying to save family businesses, so this isn't a new idea, although the inclusion of mariachi music sets it apart.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed the bakery setting in Meriano's A Dash of Trouble (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...), or Hirandani's How to Find What You're Not Looking For (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...), or Wang's The Many Meanings of Meilan (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...) or the food truck family business in Torres' Stef Soto, Taco Queen. (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...)

[Paper Privateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruzita is going to be a pop star, but she needs her family’s troubles to get out of her way. She needs to go to her favorite theme park so she can enter the singing contest, but her Tio Chuy died recently, making her family need to pay more attention to the bakery he loved. Along with having to learn how to roll tortillas, she’s forced to take mariachi lessons even though she doesn’t know how to play violin and isn’t good at Spanish. As Cruz starts to make friends, she learns how to connect to her heritage and her culture.

The actual plot can sometimes be a little weak. Some of her changes seem to happen suddenly, and occasionally that abruptness takes away from the immersion. How has Cruz not noticed certain behaviors about her friend until now? Why does the contest move so quickly? But those plot questions aren’t supposed to be a primary part of the book, so I didn’t notice them until after reading it. The highlight is Cruz’s struggle with her identity.

This book is heartfelt and emotional. Cruz deals with wanting her own dreams and the needs of her family, and as a result, she’s sometimes selfish and short-sighted. Her big challenge is trying to figure out who she is with her heritage. Her family is Mexican, but she struggles with Spanish and making the treats her family does at the bakery. Her friends who don’t share her heritage don’t see those things as important, and she sometimes feels like her family’s insistence on honoring their culture is holding her back. Cruz is sometimes selfish and doesn’t care about how her actions affect others, which may be frustrating for some readers — but at the same time, it’s something many kids will go through. She is nuanced and relatable, even if she isn’t always likable.

I loved the author’s personal note at the back of the book, talking about her own struggles to identify with a culture as being Mexican American. She says there, “Even as I began to learn more about Mexican culture, some of my family members were not so inviting. They called me hurtful names and told me that my experiences with Mexican American culture were inauthentic. That because I never learned as a child, I could never learn as an adult. And I almost stopped writing this novel because I felt unworthy. I still didn’t feel like I belonged in my own big Mexican family. But I wanted that last summer with my grandparents. So I continued to write the novel anyway. Cruzita helped heal a lot of trauma I’d experienced. She helped me find my way back home again, to my grandparents, to my culture, and to the town that started my love for books—Pacoima. No one can take away who you are, not even your family. You are free to learn about yourself for years after you’ve “grown up.”Because the truth is, hijitos, we never stop growing. And you deserve to know every part of yourself. It may take some time to understand how all the parts fit into one person, but when you find yourself, you will love every bit of your journey even more.”

The author captures those feelings and her experiences in this book. It feels personal because it is personal for her. While not everything about the book is executed well, the difficulty of navigating how you belong in a culture comes across with flying colors. And as a result, this is the kind of story I hope to see more of in the future.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC through NetGalley to review this book, which will be published April 2, 2024. This is my unbiased review!

Learning a language is a vulnerable act. To explain yourself, to describe your world, and lay out your life in words that may not feel like they are yours is an act of courage. Depending on who we are and where we come from, the burden varies. Many come to the USA and are expected to speak English perfectly, or are assumed unintelligent if not, despite possessing a world of knowledge and experience in their mother tongue. My own struggles as a second language learner pale in comparison.

I began learning Spanish in high school and my journey was guided by a desire to better serve possible future students and their families. My ability to speak the language ebbs and flows, inhibited by the lack of opportunities I currently have to practice, but every minute I spent learning was worth it when I was able to teach a young violinist in Spanish. He learned to play Las Mañanitas that semester, and now attends an arts magnet school.

These days, my focus is on yet another language: Italian. My girlfriend is Italian, and that is her first language. I dream of speaking to her and her family in fluent Italian one day, but the last time I visited, they accommodated for me with the English they knew instead. So, language is survival, language is culture, and language is love.

I learned about what being a “no sabo kid” means from my Mexican-American friends. It’s a moniker that places the blame of disconnect from culture on the kids themselves, as if they chose to be deprived of that connection. Cruzita has her own journey, guided by love, to form a stronger relationship with the Spanish language and the music of her culture. She struggles with remembering the right words and with pronunciation, and is made to feel less than for it, so it’s no wonder she wants to do her own thing! But when the right people come into her life, her dreams evolve, and she finds her way (and helps her family in the process).

At times, “Cruzita and the Mariacheros” strays a bit from my expectations of a traditional story arc, specifically with regards to the components and the pacing. It felt a bit like it started after the beginning of the story, and changes in Cruzita’s attitude often felt sudden. But I’m a young adult accustomed to reading adult and young adult literature, so I’m aware middle grade works may be constructed differently to suit the audience, and their protagonists may (and should) act like kids! In the end, I requested this novel because I saw a violinist in a traje de charro on the cover and was reminded of the mariachi classes I observed and assisted in during my student teaching semester in the fall. I had a great time trying out each of the instruments on the days I would sit in, and I still miss my orchestra students dearly. Cruzita’s story allowed me to return to that world for a moment, and I’m glad I had that chance.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hopeful middle-grade novel about embracing your culture, following your dreams, and the many adventures in between. Cruzita's always had big dreams of being a pop star and after the death of her beloved Tio, she has to find a way to keep pushing forward. Ashely Granillo's words and characters jump out of the pages and dazzle you from start to finish.

Cruzita is a beautiful soul even at the young age of twelve. She loves music and dreams of being a pop star but has her doubts. She suffers from stage fright and gets nervous when she has to sing in Spanish. Yes, she is a Mexican American, but that doesn't mean that Spanish was her first language. (I can personally attest to this.) An upcoming talent contest could be the catalyst for launching her music career. Plans change when her family asks for help with their bakery. They need all hands on deck and Cruzita isn't too thrilled about it. Instead, she will be learning how to roll tortillas and is even challenged to learn how to attend mariachi lessons. She already puts enough pressure on herself and is even more overwhelmed with all the pressure from her family.

Her summer plans aren't what she expected and as time goes on she surprises herself with how happy she is. She is making new friends who understand how vital conchas are, is introduced to Selena's iconic music, and isn't put down for living in a multigenerational household. Through the ups and downs, Cruzita recognizes the importance of family and your culture. It's all about growing into your own and getting out of your comfort zone.

If you think a middle-grade book, could resonate with a thirty-something adult, then you are absolutely correct. This book hit home for me and I believe it will impact so many young Mexican Americans. I am so happy that a book like this was written because it makes you see the cultural expectations we all face. In this case, Cruzita is a Mexican American and doesn't speak Spanish so many question her culture. I felt like this when I grew up. I am a proud Mexican American and took tons of Spanish classes in school and I don't speak Spanish fluently. And there is nothing wrong with that no matter what anyone says. It's hard to feel like you fit in and this is how Cruzita knows this feeling all too well. But the moments she got to experience mariachi classes and baking at the panaderia left a mark on her. Her love of music transcends language. I could add so many heart emojis because this book was so perfect and meaningful. I highly recommend this book to middle graders!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to like about CRUZITA AND THE MARICHEROS. Her world is the one the author grew up in, so it rings with authentic sights, sounds, and feelings. I'm not very familiar with Mexican baked goods, but I found myself salivating at the descriptions of the delights sold at Lupe's Bakery! I also liked Cruzita's lively family with all their conflict and color. They feel real. Despite the messiness of their emotions, you can feel their overarching love for each other. The most unique thing about this novel is definitely its focus on mariachi music. I've never read a book on the subject before, so that definitely makes this one stand out. I enjoyed watching Cruzita come to love mariachi music as she used it to connect with both her cultural and familial heritage.

As far as Cruzita goes, I didn't love her! The dualities she feels within herself (Mexican/Spanish vs. American/English, popstar dreams vs. working to save the family bakery, pop music vs. mariachi, the family she loves vs. the family who has never understood her, etc.) are sharply enough drawn that it's hard not to have SOME sympathy for her, but still, for most of the story Cruzita acts like a selfish little brat. While her mom and her aunt really don't talk to her very nicely, at times I could *kind of* understand why not! She's grieving, yes, but she's not the only one and I got tired of her whiny, woe-is-me attitude. I'm surprised her parents allowed it, even letting her go on the Nashville trip. Luckily, we do see Cruzita change a bit throughout the novel. Still, she never really grew on me. I was glad that she found some peace and success over the course of the story, though.

The ending of CRUZITA AND THE MARIACHEROS gets a bit far-fetched, but I liked the happy finale.

If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruzita's dream is to be a pop star and her best friend Kelli seems all in with her plans. However, starting on the first day of summer vacation, everything changes. Instead of planning her trip to Encore Island Hollywood where she will win a singing competition that will catapult her to fame, Cruzita is stuck at the family bakery in Pacoima learning how to roll round tortillas and watching her grandmother, parents and aunt fight about how to save the business. If all of that weren't bad enough, she is grounded from music for the whole summer. Except, her Mama Vicente signs her up for violin and mariachi lessons, hoping Cruzita will learn enough to perform for her on her birthday. Cruzita almost flunked Spanish, though, and lacks confidence in her ability to learn it. All of these pressures would be bad enough, but her relationship with Kelli is also in trouble. In the end, Kelli forces her to choose between her heritage and her summer friends and Kelli's glam lifestyle. As a middle school grades English as a Second Language teacher for many years, I found the themes very relatable, especially the question of how cultures form and change and how people within a certain culture accept or judge others by their own standards of whether they are enough or how much others need to change to match their standards of belonging. Overall, I enjoyed the story and Cruzita's growing appreciation for a different type of music. I was a little taken aback at how quickly Cruzita's disillusionment with Kelli happened, although I suppose it added to the drama of the final chapters. I was also confused about whether Kelli and Cruzita's differences were based on Kelli's attitudes toward wealth, lifestyle, heritage, or all three. I would have liked more reflection about that aspect of their relationship.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruzita is Mexican-American, living in Pacoima. But she is third or possibly fourth generation, and has had to take Spanish classes to learn Spanish. She wants to be like her best friend, who is white, and well to do, and who loves pop music the way she does. She dreams of being famous for her singing.


But when her great uncle dies, and the family bakery is strugling without his recipes and baking skills, the family doesn’t want to listen to what Cruzita has to say about having a fun summer, and going to the theme park she loves. Instead, she is forced to go to mariachi school, and told to learn the violin.


This is not what she wants to do. She doesn’t speak Spanish. She doesn’t want to learn to play. She doesn’t like being forced to do anything.


But, as in all good stories, she learns there is something she does like about taking the classes, and her white friend turns out to not be such a good friend after all.


It is hard to connect with a culture that feels as though it has left you behind. Cruzita doesn’t feel Mexican enough, but she is neither white enough either. She truly doesn't know what she is. And the thought of losing the bakery is driving her crazy.


I do like the growth we see in her. And I sympathize, as my father’s side of the family did everything they could to be “American”, getting rid of any hint of their heritage, as hard as they could to be accepted. Sometimes we try so hard to fit in, when that isn’t what we really want in the end.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 2nd of April 2024.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is extremely difficult to carve out a space in the ever-growing pantheon of realistic fiction for middle grade. Yet Cruzita and the Mariacheros demands a space on shelves. She is the character for all who feel caught between cultures. Ashley Granillo put so much of herself into Cruzita, and the dedication truly shows.

I truly loved reading Cruzita's journey, and I think middle grade readers will relate to her. She dreams big and fails big too, and she constantly faces a battle between duty and dreaming. Her love of music, her desire to fit in, and her grief are all things any reader can recognize and grasp. Yet most importantly, her inner turmoil over her culture is poignant. For any kid who doesn't feel culturally "enough," she feels like a friend. Her struggles with Spanish and with finding her place within la banda (especially among those who have embraced Mexican culture their entire lives) will help kids learn to feel confident in themselves. Which, let's be honest, is one of the best things a book can do.

I will say that while Cruz is relatable, there are many times where she isn't very likable. Her selfishness is over the top, and she has no concept of how her actions affect others. Middle grade readers will likely get frustrated with her, but it is an important lesson for readers that not all characters will be likable. The nuances of Cruzita are important. I only wish the same nuances extended to the villains (particularly their dialogue). It is very one-dimensional. Such is life.

OwnVoices representation is important. This book is important.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to mis amigos @hearourvoicestours for sending me this amazing gifted  book and allowing me to review it! 

🎻Cruzita has a lot going on in her life and things are about to get even more complicated when she has to take on more responsibilities at the family panaderia ever since her Tio Chuy passed away. 
Cruzita has so many summer goals and the main one is spending time at a theme park, trying to get famous but things aren’t looking up.
I truly connected with Cruzita. Life for a child living in a Mexican American household comes with SO MANY responsibilities and many times, family comes before anything. No matter what that is. Speaking Spanish is also something that is super important and not being able to speak it fluently can unfortunately get you the label of a “No Sabo Kid”, like Cruzita was labeled. English is my second language and life for me was truly difficult. I never fit in because I couldn’t find my place. I got that feeling from Cruzita while reading this book and I wish I could give her a hug and tell her things would all turn out okay. 

While reading, I found some quotes that really stuck with me:
“Ay, Cruzita” (I’ve gotten many “Ay, Karina’s” from my parents before and I know how much disappointment is behind those little words.)
“Let me guess: you don’t know Selena is either” (Being told you are not enough if you don’t know who someone is)
“Oh. mijita.” (Who doesn’t love to be called mija?!)
“No, Mama, this is Vicente Fernandez.” (A true Mexican Legend!)

[Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruzita and the Mariacheros is so cute and so moving! It made me so nostalgic for that feeling of discovering legendary music, the kind that forever changes you. And it had me in my feelings because it deals with grief in a powerful way while trying to find your own voice and identity.

Cruzita is such a strong little diva, confident and determined to save her family’s bakery, honor her Tio Chuey—the only adult who seemed to empower her pop star dreams—AND make her own dreams a reality. Still, girl’s got it tough. The anxiety she feels for not speaking Spanish—aka not being “Mexican enough”—is so real. No Sabo kids have it tough. Not to mention dealing with grief while all the other adults around talk over and ignore her. Ashley Granillo illustrates all these anxieties and heartbreaks in a wonderful way, while also putting on extra sparkle on a young girl moving and growing into her own. I also loved how the adult’s grief is ever-present, even if Cruzita can’t understand what is happening. It really made me think about what is lost when the anchor of a family is gone. How can you honor them and continue their legacy when you can’t replicate their huge impact on the world? What does it mean to move forward with love?

Honestly, I can gush on and on about this story, especially when Selena enters the chat. Like—whose life hasn’t the Queen changed?! All in all, loved this story so much. Had me blasting the entirety of the Amor Prohibido album like it’s my first time listening to it 💜✨

[Lauren Perez Esper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh! This book was just what my No Sabo Kid heart needed!! Cruzita is a middle grader who dreams of being a pop star. Instead she finds herself forced to work all summer at the family bakery or panderia. She soon finds herself dealing with immense pressure to save the family panadería when they come upon the threat of having to close. This whole storyline reminded me so much of the movie Coco!

As Cruzita deals with these issues all summer, she also deals with the inner trouble of not feeling Mexican enough, something I’ve felt and dealt with myself in the past. Despite being Mexican, Cruzita does not speak fluent Spanish and doesn’t know much about her culture. With her Mamá’s guidance, she begins Mariachi training and meets some new friends who help her embrace her identity and culture!

I loveddddd all the musical references! I was boy band crazy myself and a big Nsync fan, like Cruzita! And Selenaaaaaa!!! I loved how so much of the story revolved around Selena, another no sabo kid!! And I wish I could hear Cruzita and her band mates performances!! It takes me back to all my Mexican family gatherings and the fantastic música and gritos!

This is a great middle grade novel for young and old readers who have ever felt a disconnect with their culture or who questions whether they are enough. It’s a wonderful example of embracing your identity and pride for one’s culture and heritage!

[Noël · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing I loved about this book: the use of Spanish and not translating everything. It’s seamless and natural in the main character’s voice. In general, Cruzita struggles with Spanish, despite being Mexican American. Through mariachi lessons, she grows in both her language skills and learning to appreciate her culture.

The second thing I loved is the importance of the members of Cruz’z family - from parents to grandmother to aunt and to cousins - and how these well-developed relationships are incorporated into the plot. The family’s focus to save their panadería ties hand-in-hand with the bond and struggles they face dealing with the recent loss of a beloved family member.

Like many kids, Cruz has dreams of becoming a famous performer (singer). Though she never gives up on this dream, she learns not to always put her wants first. Through this self discovery, she begins to see an old friend in a different light and makes new friends who support her.

This review is based on an e-ARC.

[Mónica Mancillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Granillo perfectly captures the emotional ups and downs of an adolescent trying to find her place (and voice) in a world that doesn't quite make space for the cultural in between so many of us sit in.

Cruzita's family is struggling to keep her great tio's panadería alive after his recent passing. And while Cruzita wants nothing more than to help her family to save the bakery and her beloved tio's memory, she also dreams of going with her best friend Kelli to Encore Island and making her pop star dreams come true. However, when her grandmother surprises her with mariachi lessons and asks her to perform for her on her birthday, Cruzita is stuck spending her summer not only trying to learn how to make the perfect tortilla, but to play the violin and sing (gulp) in Spanish.

Watching Cruzita work through both her own and her family's emotional flaws, and eventually come to a place of self-acceptance was so immensely gratifying. Readers who know what it is to feel not quite "enough" will feel both uplifted and empowered by this beautiful story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summer between 6th and 7th grade is supposed to be the most fun ever. Cruzita has plans to go to Encore Island - an amusement park in California - with her best friend, Kelli. But her Tio Chuy, the baker at the family panaderia, has passed away, and the family struggles to keep the bakery profitable. There's no money for an expensive day at Encore Island, so she must spend the summer helping at the family business. Her grandmother has arranged violin lessons, which turn out to be Mariachi lessons, and Cruzita is unhappy - although her family is Mexican, neither she nor her parents speak Spanish, and she wants to be a pop star someday, not part of a mariachi band.

Cruzita is certain she can become famous and save her family. I think a lot of kids can relate; they believe if they can just achieve their dreams, everything will be better. I liked Cruzita's journey, from knowing little about her family's Mexican culture to gaining the ability to sing in Spanish, learn an instrument, and show pride in her heritage. There's a good bit of Spanish, in context - Cruzita doesn't speak it either so English only readers won't need a glossary. I did love that Granillo included a play list - which I'm listening to as I write this review, as well as book club or class discussion questions.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Granillo tells a story of a preteen girl, Cruzita. Cruzita faces the dilemmas of adolescent life while also working through her “issues” with family. The story is beautifully told and delves into the mind of adolescence as she faces challenges.

After the passing of Cruzita’s Tio, her family must run the panadería and it now faces bankruptcy. This affects Cruzita’s dream for how she wishes to spend her summer. Much to her dismay, her mother signs her up for mariachi lessons and it changes the way Cruzita sees the world around her.

The story of Cruzita resonated with me as a first generation Mexican American. The author is able to beautifully capture the emotions Cruzita faces as she is teased for not being “enough” along with the anxiety of singing in a language she isn’t fully comfortable with.

The story is empowering for young minds and I highly recommend it for all young readers.

[Mary Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried reading the ending. I am Mexican American but don’t speak Spanish as well as I feel like I should. I played trumpet (badly) and sang in a mariachi group in college. I learned about my family’s culture through that experience, just like Cruzita learns about hers through her mariachi classes. Reading about her grief, missing Tio Chuy, while my ofrenda is set up and candles lit, felt like Ashley Granillo saw me as I was in middle school and wrote me into a book.
Thank you, Ashley, for this. If this book was able to affect 27 year old me, I’m sure it’s resonated with many others.
This is a great book. I’m happy I found it and that the cover art spoke to me. I’m happy my school’s library had it displayed. People of any age, middle grades and adults, can read this and learn about grieving, growing out of friendships, becoming confident in yourself, being a beginner at something, and being proud of your heritage.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written middle grade story of learning to find your voice and hold onto your dreams even when the realities of life mean things might not go exactly how you planned. After the loss of a beloved uncle, Cruzita is excited to go to an amusement park and finally have some fun when she learns that her family's business is on the brink of collapse. As the life she's always known starts to change, Mom signs Cruzita up for mariachi lessons and she's forced to rethink her future. The author's knowledge of and love for music truly comes through the story in so many great lines. Facing discriminatory language later in the story, Cruzita says, "Music isn't only made or...or felt in one language." Advanced reader copy read so know the quotations may change. Thanks to the publisher for the early read.

[Emily Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, Ashley Granillo and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cruzita loves to sing and wants to be a popstar! She wants to enter a singing contest at her favorite theme park. Unfortunately that will not happen this summer. After the death of her great uncle, her family's bakery is struggling and she needs to help out there. The only music Cruzita gets this summer is learning mariachi, which she does not like. She can't play the violin, let alone speak Spanish! Will Cruzita learn to like mariachi? Will she understand it's importance to her family?

A great middle great read of music and doing what brings you joy. I think many kids will be able to relate to this book especially with parents not always being supportive of their children's dreams and talents.

[shefinnaread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this a great story for a children with lessons on caring, selflessness, and that you can not achieve anything without hard work and practice. Cruzita got in my nerves sometimes but it was very accurate and reminded me of myself as a kid. The ending was a bit ridiculous. But I love that this was a no sabo kid confronting there anxiety about it and learning to embrace their culture vs running away from it. I do wonder what time place this takes in. They reference 90s music and walkmans and IPhone 1s and no social media and VH1, but also the hardest part for me to believe was that this little Mexican girl had no idea who Selena was when they play the movie every year on Univision and make a whole day of it, also how did your family fail to mention this to a kid who wants to be a pop star?