Mamiachi & Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band

by Jolene Gutiérrez, Dakota Gutiérrez, Mirelle Ortega (illustrator)

Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, winner of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor, about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.

Today’s the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t like her? Is she ready to perform?

With her “mamiachi” and madrinas by her side, Rosa’s stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez—joined by Mirelle Ortega’s beautiful illustrations—provides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachi’s signature charro suit!

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Cultural, Hispanic

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Jolene Gutiérrez grew up on a farm in northeastern Colorado, surrounded by animals, plants, and history. Now, she lives with her family and a variety of animals in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. She is an award-winning neurodivergent teacher librarian and has been working with neurodivergent learners at Denver Academy since 1995. She’s a wife of 25+ years and mama to two young adults, three dogs, two cats, and an ever-rotating variety of other rescue animals. Jolene is an active member of SCBWI and The Authors Guild, part of the KidLitCollective and Picture Book Gold groups, and a co-creator of #KidlitZombieWeek. Jolene is represented by agent Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary. She’s a contributor to If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility (2025) and the author of Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (2026), Mamiachi and Me (2025), The Ofrenda That We Built (2024), Too Much! (2023), the Stars of Latin Pop series (2021), Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks (2020), and Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader (2020).

Reviews

[Stephanie Lucianovic]

The experience of having stage fright will resonate with so many young (and old) readers, but beyond that relatable core, this is a gorgeous book about music, love, community, and tradition. I am someone who gets extremely emotional when I hear certain music so it was no surprised that I completely teared up at the part where where the main character cries as she plays her violin. My favorite line in the book is where the girl says her mother's guitarrón plucks "gives [their] music a heartbeat" -- simply wonderful imagery and meaning. In addition to the stunning illustrations and wonderful writing, there is also fascinating backmatter that gives more insight into the history of mariachi bands -- specifically women mariachi -- and also details the costuming and instruments in a mariachi band.

[Literary Redhead]

A charming story with gorgeous art that captures young Rosa's first time performing with her mami in a mariachi band. Readers will sway to the upbeat rhythms, see themselves clad in colorful charro suits, cheer for the all-female musicians. Fun for readers 4-8 years!

[Jill S]

A mother-daughter relationship, mariachi music, instruments, female empowerment and more… that kids will love in this vibrant, celebratory story written by mother-son writing team Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez and beautifully illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. The back matter is rich with non-fiction information about the history of mariachi music, women in mariachi, charro suits and more. An original and delightful picture book that is an important addition to your home and school library.

[Amanda Davis]

A fascinating, intergenerational tale that blends the culture and history of mariachi with themes of love, family, and the importance of trying new things and facing our fears. Mamiachi and Me encourages readers to tell our stories and share the "música is inside you." Bright and vibrant illustrations bring movement and sweetness to the story. With interesting back matter that expands upon the story, this would make a fabuous addition to classrooms and schools as well.

[Elizabeth E.]

A sweet, fun, and empowering story for anyone who gets stage fright. I love the Spanish words, the vibrant colors, and the details in the suits. This book is sure to inspire little hands to pick up an instrument and begin plucking.

[Blair Williamson]

MAMIACHI & ME by Jolene Gutierrez explores the themes of music, love, community, family, and tradition. The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful, and I really enjoyed learning about all-female mariachi bands in the extensive backmatter. A great read!

[Namrata Agarwal]

"Will inspire young readers - An uplifting book that encourages girls to follow their passions.
Beautiful illustrations make it vibrant."

[Hannah Lorenzo]

Mamiachi and Me is such a sweet story about such a fascinating theme - female mariachi bands. A young girl finds her voice by following in the footsteps of her mother, and her heritage by joining an all female mariachi band. Poetic lines and colorful, inviting illustrations are sure to engage readers young and old. This story is a beautiful way to learn about the Mexico’s cultural tradition of mariachi! At the end of the story, factual text explains more about the history of mariachi and the rise of female mariachi bands.

[Maja Hampson]

So sweet! This story has so much heart and beautiful artwork. A mother/daughter story gets me every time and this is a good one. Highly recommend!

[createitlibrarian (Amanda)]

An absolutely beautiful book about nerves and playing with the family's maraichi band for the first time.

[Laura Roettiger]

Exquisite and joyful are the first two words that came to mind as I read Mamiachi & Me. The musicality of this book can be felt in both the text and the illustrations. Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez have chosen lovely figurative language that at times makes the reader feel they've been wrapped in a hug while Mirelle Ortega's illustrations create a beautiful ribbon of notes and adornment from the clothing of the mariachi flowing from page to page. The reader is held close and then set free, just like a dance. The rhythm and heart beat are evident throughout and the color palette is incredible! Woven into the story is a little bit of stage fright which dissipates with this line, which is my favorite! "My violin weaves our notes together into a fabric of sound that settles over us all." Mamiachi & Me is sure to be a favorite for music lovers and anyone who enjoys family stories. Excellent back matter about mariachi makes this a great book for schools and libraries.

[Kellie]

Such a vibrant and rich book that will entertain and inform readers of all ages! It is a story that anyone can relate to -- feeling nervous about sharing your gifts and passion with the world. But Mamiachi and Me shares the very special story of mariachi music and mariachi groups -- from the instruments and sounds to the outfits and accessories. The story incorporates Spanish words and the backmatter provides a more in-depth history of mariachi groups and the women who broke with tradition to join these groups. The bright illustrations bounce off the page and the story describes the music so vividly you can almost hear it! A wonderful way to learn about mariachi groups while also learning to overcome fears and share your talents. A must read!

[Angela De Groot]

Today is the big day! But the butterflies in Rosa’s tummy are not just for the excitement of a dream finally coming true. Rosa is also weighted with worry and wobbly with nerves. What if the audience doesn’t like her? What if she isn’t ready to perform? But Mami is right by her side with reassuring words, and as they get ready, donning their charra suits, they dance and sing. The butterflies and stage fright take flight as Rosa’s heart beats in rhythm with the music. She steps up to the microphone, her mamiachi and madrinas at her side. She soars through the melody, painting a picture with her hands, her voice rising to tell their story.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin]

This fascinating story about an all-female mariachi band is such an inspiration! A girl joins her mother and madrinas on stage to perform for the first time, learning valuable lessons in self-confidence, self-expression, and female representation in a machismo culture. Digital illustrations seem a bit cartoonish, however, detracting from the originality of the story and downplaying the liveliness of the mariachi style of music. End pages include more information about mariachi music, the rise of women in mariachi, and charro suits, plus a glossary of terms and a selected bibliography for further reading.

[Amy]

A young girl is finally old enough to join her mother’s mariachi band and experiences the nerves, fears, exhilaration, and joy of becoming part of a female mariachi band. I love the bright, vibrant illustrations that really highlight the emotion and magic of mariachi. I also love the back matter that provides some insight and history into the beginnings of this musical genre and women’s growing presence in a typically male dominated world.

[Evelyn Medrano]

I LOVE this book, growing up I never really saw books that reflected my culture, especially ones that honored traditions like mariachi music in such a joyful and empowering way. One of the ways I connect with the world is through music, I love it, music is part of who I am. The book give spotlight to some in mariachi which they don’t get too often. I love how vibrant and heartwarming it is 💗, celebrating identity, music and family!

[Caroline]

I really enjoyed this story and the colorful, vibrant illustrations. But I think there was a missed opportunity to introduce some music into this story, which also might make it better for a read aloud. It’s a great story or managing stage fright and I loved the mother daughter performing together aspect, but I just wanted there to be a little more.

[Alison McGauley]

This picture book is stunning in both text and illustrations! The lyrical, evocative language made me feel as though I were at the mariachi band concert in person, while the illustrations are realistic and full of emotion. The book also features interesting facts about mariachi.

[Heather Francis]

A real gem - writing and illustration - that touches on a myriad of SEL and cultural topics! Women in music, family support, community, bravery in the face of self doubt…

Whether read during Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, or on any given Wednesday, this is one to not miss!

[Jo Renfro]

The vibrant colors and lively illustrations tie in so wonderfully with the story of family, music and tradition. The story perfectly expresses the nerves and excitement of performing and the joy that comes from gaining confidence from overcoming those fears.

[Natasha Yim]

A lovely book about a young girl joining her mother's all-female Mariachi band. Spanish words woven into the story, a glossary, and back matter on the history of mariachi adds educational value.

[Miranda Quintero]

Anything Jolene Gutierrez writes in collaboration with her children is amazing! So excited for this title!!

[Daniela]

A lovely and heartwarming story! A beautiful celebration of music, family and being brave. Highly recommend for all ages. A wonderful read aloud as well!

[Gloria Amescua]

I loved this book! It was engaging and kept my interest in the story.

[Kathy Temean]

Kids will love this colorful festive book and will be able to identify with Rosa, admiring her Mami and always wanting to be like her, playing beautiful music with her and her Madrinas (Godmothers), captivating crowds, blending sweet emotions with melodies. Still, when suddenly, the time arrives, she gets nervous. Mami knows what to do. She reminds Rosa that she is brave and strong, then spins Rosa toward her suit, and they dance together as they get ready. Each step sends Rosa's stage fright spiraling away.

Everyone will enjoy the heartbeat of this lyrical text. It will make the reader feel like they are right there clapping their hands and stomping their feet to the music. The whole book is so much fun.

Mirelle Ortega's illustrations are dynamic, full of movement, and unique. They will keep everyone's eyes on each page. The swirls of sounds and notes floating along the sound waves are a special touch and will make readers sway and smile. The endpapers with all the instruments are eye-catching.

I appreciated reading mother-daughter stories, but I loved reading one written by a mother and her son. They make a great team. The back matter at the end of the book has lots of information about the history of mariachi and the rise of female mariachi bands was very interesting. Parents will love to read this book to their children. It is a book children will want to page through on their own, and teachers will wish for a classroom copy to read during storytime.

[Claudia]

This delightful picture book shows young Rosa about to make her debut performing beside her mother in an all-female mariachi band. This Mexican style of music has historically been a male-dominated art form, but female mariachi players are now enriching this storied musical tradition. It’s easy to relate to Rosa’s initial stage fright on this crucial occasion and self-doubt as to how her performance will be perceived and extremely satisfying to hear the subsequent applause validating her belief in her musical gifts and identity as a budding mariachi performer. Back matter provides valuable further information about mariachi; I learned a great deal from the book. But more than being a rich resource for young readers on this element of Mexican and Mexican American culture, it is also an encouragement to everyone to pursue their dreams in the face of fear: to go out there and make some beautiful music for all to share.

[Jilanne]

It is a young girl's first time playing music with her mother and madrinas in their mariachi band, a kind of rite of passage and way to claim a tradition for women that has long been attributed to men. And they do it beautifully. The love of music, the love between mother and daughter and her madrinas, and the love of a cultural tradition are all on display in this engaging, lyrically told and vibrantly illustrated story. I'm reminded of Federico García Lorca 's essay about duende. He says "it is a force, not a labour, a struggle, not a thought..." And this aspect of creating art through the heart, not through the intellect, is fully present here. Back matter includes information about the history of mariachi and the women who claim this form of music, traditionally dominated by men, as their own.

[Karen Greenwald]

What a beautiful, lyrical, relatable story--asking the omnipresent question: "Am I good enough, brave enough, talented enough?! In Gutierrez, Mamiachi & Me, the young narrator aspires to join her talented, fearless mother and the other madrinas. She calls the sound of her mother's music mama's "second heartbeat," having heard it even while in the womb. When the time comes to perform, her composure and music will be put to test! With Ortega's gorgeous illustrations and scores of heart, this is a touching tale that also educates young and older readers alike about the stunning tradition of women mariachi. Extensive back matter gives a window into the history of women in this typically male-centric role. Perfect for anyone who likes the sound of success and learning about lesser-known pieces of history!

[Janice Milusich]

Mamiachi and Me, written by Jolene and Dakota Guitiérrez, tells the uplifting story of a little girl named Rosa who is about to join her mother and madrinas on stage as part of their mariachi band. Though she has a case of stage fright, with the encouragement of her mother and madrinas, Rosa, who is named after Rosa Quirino, one of the first female mariachis, takes the stage allowing the music that's been the rhythm of her life for as long as she can remember to flow through her voice and violin to captivate the audience.
Mamiachi and Me is a fictional picture book that combines factual information about the Mariachi style of music, the women who have influenced its growth, the cultural significance of the charra suits, or trajes de charro, worn during performances, and the instruments used in mariachi bands.

[M.]

A great title for a joyful story! The joy music can bring shines through in this story about a female mariachi band. A child worries if she is capable and good enough to play with her mother’s Mariachi band. After her initial anxieties, the music infuses her with confidence, emboldening her to play and sing with the mariachis successfully and joyfully. The girl in the story initially suffers from stage fright, something I have experience with. This story resonated so well with me because I have battled performance anxiety since childhood. Like the little mariachi, I eventually found success and joy playing in an ensemble. Jolene provides fascinating back matter about mariachi style music – its history, costumes, and movement of women to create all-female mariachi bands. A very empowering story!