Who Was Celia Cruz?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Pam Pollack, Meg Belviso, Who H.Q.

How did a working-class girl from Cuba become a symbol of artistic freedom for Cuban Americans and the Queen of Salsa? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library!

Although her family and friends know her as �rsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, the world refers to her simply as Celia Cruz. Starting her career in 1950, Celia grew increasingly popular as the new lead singer of the Cuban band Sonora Matancera. Her exceptional vocal range and flashy costumes made fans fall in love with her.

Celia's talent took her all around the world, including the United States. After Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, she wasn't allowed to return to her native country. She and other Cubans who were exiled used their music to express their love for their homeland.

Celia rose to the top of the charts in a genre that was dominated by men. She become an award-winning singer and the most popular Latin artist of the twentieth century. Azucar! indeed!

Genres: Biography, Music, Childrens, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2020

About the author

Pamela Pollack is a writer/editor/compiler of children's and young adult books.

Reviews

[Ericka Clou · Rating 3 out of 5]

What age group are these books for? This is my third or more "Who Was" book and they look like they're for elementary but then they're written very oddly even for middle school. This one wasn't chronological but there was no art to the out of order narrative. I'm Cuban-American and grew up listening and dancing to Celia Cruz so I really wanted to love this and share with my kids but I don't think it conveys her to children in a way they would - and should- appreciate her.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter book biography of Celia Cruz with lots of whole page side bars to help give historical context to people mentioned (like Castro, Tito Puente, etc.)

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia Cruz was born in Cuba to a poor family. She became popular as a singer in her native land and sang on many of the radio stations in Cuba. Her fame eventually caught the attention of Castro who did not like when she refused to sing for him. During one of their last tours from the country the band fled his dictatorship and were refused return visas to the country. Celia became well known in the Latin community as a salsa singer. She never returned to Cuba. The book tells of her life in the United States. Many other parts of her life are told in this book but you will have to read it to know more.

[Elina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but still I like how she got inspired and I'm guessing she sang amazing songs and she is also famous because of her salsa music some people call her queen of salsa too you have to read the book for more details that is if you want more details

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike most other children’s biographies of Celia Cruz (and other figures), this one includes the Cuban revolution and the politics that shaped her life & career. The global events chronology at the end was weirdly random but otherwise the book balanced well between narrative and context.

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Azucar!

[Valentina · Rating 2 out of 5]

its a good book but a little sad so if you don't like sad stuff don't read it

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.yabookscentral.com/who-wa...

[Isabel Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Celia used her voice for good. She is a powerful musician

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for school and it was surprisingly interesting.

[Bel · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this at work while i was bored 🙌🏼 celia ur so cool

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew how amazing this woman really was. Her bravery and her passion were a great read!