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Lupe Lopez #1
Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!
When a sassy drummer starts kindergarten, the rules of school cramp her style. What’s a young rock star to do?
When Lupe Lopez struts through the doors of Hector P. Garcia Elementary in sunglasses with two taped-up Number 2 pencils—drumsticks, of course—poking from her pocket, her confidence is off the charts. All day, Lupe drums on desks, tables, and chairs while Ms. Quintanilla reminds her of school rules. Lupe has her own rules: 1) Don’t listen to anyone. 2) Make lots of noise. ¡Rataplán! 3) Have fans, not friends. But with her new teacher less than starstruck, and fans hard to come by, Lupe wonders if having friends is such a bad idea after all. Can it be that true star power means knowing when to share the spotlight? With its spirited illustrations and a simple text threaded through with Spanish words, this picture book is proof positive that being a strong girl moving to her own beat doesn’t have to mean pushing others away.
When Lupe Lopez struts through the doors of Hector P. Garcia Elementary in sunglasses with two taped-up Number 2 pencils—drumsticks, of course—poking from her pocket, her confidence is off the charts. All day, Lupe drums on desks, tables, and chairs while Ms. Quintanilla reminds her of school rules. Lupe has her own rules: 1) Don’t listen to anyone. 2) Make lots of noise. ¡Rataplán! 3) Have fans, not friends. But with her new teacher less than starstruck, and fans hard to come by, Lupe wonders if having friends is such a bad idea after all. Can it be that true star power means knowing when to share the spotlight? With its spirited illustrations and a simple text threaded through with Spanish words, this picture book is proof positive that being a strong girl moving to her own beat doesn’t have to mean pushing others away.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Charlton-Trujillo
12 books180 followersThe author/filmmaker deemed rockstar by the kids she meets won the prestigious Delacorte Dell Yearling Award, Parents' Choice Silver Honor, National Council For The Social Studies Notable Book and the NY Public Library List for Teens for PRIZEFIGHTER EN MI CASA. FEELS LIKE HOME received critical praise, but it was FAT ANGIE that generated buzz from The New York Times Bestselling Author Gregory Maguire and Ellen Hopkins. Winner of the Stonewall Award, the ALA Rainbow List, Westchester Fiction Award and a Choose To Read Ohio Book, FAT ANGIE garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. Her trek across America to hold free writing workshops with youth on the fringe is the focus of the documentary At-Risk Summer. Her highly anticipated novel Fat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution releases March 5, 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
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December 16, 2021lol this is just CHARMING.
August 6, 2022
An energetic and delightful book about a girl entering kindergarten. After a rough first day, she learns that ‘even rock stars have to follow the rules’ and that it’s better to have friends than fans. Set in Texas, with a few Spanish words sprinkled in the text.
Recommend for school library purchase
Recommend for school library purchase
July 1, 2022
What a brazen little Kindergartener. And worse, what kind of parents does she have that let her get away with that?
October 24, 2022
Lupe Lopez heads to kindergarten, ready to be a rock star, with a set of rules to guide her to her dream goal. But her teacher might have different rules for Lupe...Is there a way for both Lupe and her teacher to be happy?
Lupe is a bold strong girl who every child will enjoy meeting.
Lupe is a bold strong girl who every child will enjoy meeting.
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July 18, 2022See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/lupe-l...
LUPE LOPEZ: ROCK STAR RULES! is a cute picture book about adjusting to school and being true to yourself. Lupe is a rock star, and she knows everyone will see it - she is ready to begin kindergarten with flair, bringing her drumsticks and sunglasses to school on the first day. When she gets to class though, her teacher has her own rules. Lupe is determined to live by rock star rules, but when no one shows up to her fan club after school, Lupe begins to rethink her rules. The next day, she follows the classroom rules and feels pretty bummed, until she meets some friends. She learns that friends are better than fans, and finds a way to be a rock star - after school.
What I loved: This is a charming story about adjusting to a new school and learning new rules, while also being true to yourself. Lupe is learning to adjust to the school rules while also showing her inner rock star. What she learns is that she can follow the rules in school while also being true to herself outside of it. She also learns something about making friends. These are great lessons for children, particularly those who are exuberantly themselves, as they are starting school.
The writing is really approachable and cute with rock star rules making their appearance and revision. The illustrations are great, full of details capturing the emotions and story well.
Final verdict: A story about managing school and being true to yourself, LUPE LOPEZ: ROCK STAR RULES! is a fun picture book that will work well for children starting school for the first time.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
LUPE LOPEZ: ROCK STAR RULES! is a cute picture book about adjusting to school and being true to yourself. Lupe is a rock star, and she knows everyone will see it - she is ready to begin kindergarten with flair, bringing her drumsticks and sunglasses to school on the first day. When she gets to class though, her teacher has her own rules. Lupe is determined to live by rock star rules, but when no one shows up to her fan club after school, Lupe begins to rethink her rules. The next day, she follows the classroom rules and feels pretty bummed, until she meets some friends. She learns that friends are better than fans, and finds a way to be a rock star - after school.
What I loved: This is a charming story about adjusting to a new school and learning new rules, while also being true to yourself. Lupe is learning to adjust to the school rules while also showing her inner rock star. What she learns is that she can follow the rules in school while also being true to herself outside of it. She also learns something about making friends. These are great lessons for children, particularly those who are exuberantly themselves, as they are starting school.
The writing is really approachable and cute with rock star rules making their appearance and revision. The illustrations are great, full of details capturing the emotions and story well.
Final verdict: A story about managing school and being true to yourself, LUPE LOPEZ: ROCK STAR RULES! is a fun picture book that will work well for children starting school for the first time.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
Summary:
Lupe Lopez : Una Estrella de Rock by e.E Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller is a story that follows Lupe Lopez on her first day of Kindergarten. Lupe Lopez arrives with confidence, sunglasses, and drumstick, determined to make a name for herself. She declares herself a rock star and wants to do things in her own way. However, school rules and routines clash with her rock-and-roll attitude. Lupe struggles to balance her personality with the expectations of school, but with creativity and determination, she finds a way to be both a rock star and great student (Chat GPT, February 27, 2025).
Commentary:
Lupe Lopez: Una Gran Estrella de Rock by e.E Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller was fun to read. The main character Lupe Lopez was definitely a one of a kind character who was confident on showing he self expression and love for music. As I read the book I could not help but shake my head on Lupe Lopez doing things her way at first and ignoring the teacher rules. I shake my head because this is common to see kids do, they think they know how to achieve something their way without taking into consideration the opinion of an adult. From the beginning of the story till the end Lupe Lopez shows adaptation and growth and eventually she understands the meaning of friendships (ChatGPT, 2025).
Application:
This book is best suited for “ 4-8 years old” ( ChatGPT, 2025) . That being said, I would use this picture book for early readers like preschool-first grade. After reading this book I can have the class discuss how the book is similar to their first day of school. It would also be a great conversation starter on getting to know the rules of the classroom.
Lupe Lopez : Una Estrella de Rock by e.E Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller is a story that follows Lupe Lopez on her first day of Kindergarten. Lupe Lopez arrives with confidence, sunglasses, and drumstick, determined to make a name for herself. She declares herself a rock star and wants to do things in her own way. However, school rules and routines clash with her rock-and-roll attitude. Lupe struggles to balance her personality with the expectations of school, but with creativity and determination, she finds a way to be both a rock star and great student (Chat GPT, February 27, 2025).
Commentary:
Lupe Lopez: Una Gran Estrella de Rock by e.E Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller was fun to read. The main character Lupe Lopez was definitely a one of a kind character who was confident on showing he self expression and love for music. As I read the book I could not help but shake my head on Lupe Lopez doing things her way at first and ignoring the teacher rules. I shake my head because this is common to see kids do, they think they know how to achieve something their way without taking into consideration the opinion of an adult. From the beginning of the story till the end Lupe Lopez shows adaptation and growth and eventually she understands the meaning of friendships (ChatGPT, 2025).
Application:
This book is best suited for “ 4-8 years old” ( ChatGPT, 2025) . That being said, I would use this picture book for early readers like preschool-first grade. After reading this book I can have the class discuss how the book is similar to their first day of school. It would also be a great conversation starter on getting to know the rules of the classroom.
December 5, 2022
Lupe Lopez is a rock star! ...in her imagination. She drums with her pencils on everything in the classroom, making lots of noise. When the teacher insists that Lupe must follow the rules, Lupe comes up with her own rock star rules and ignores the teacher. She gets into trouble and realizes that maybe even rock stars have to follow the rules.
This is such a cute book! I love how Lupe slowly begins to realize that the rules are important, and she learns that having friends is better than having fans. Lupe has a lot of energy, and she learns to direct that energy into good things within the limits of the rules.
I love the colorful illustrations! This whole book is so bright!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is such a cute book! I love how Lupe slowly begins to realize that the rules are important, and she learns that having friends is better than having fans. Lupe has a lot of energy, and she learns to direct that energy into good things within the limits of the rules.
I love the colorful illustrations! This whole book is so bright!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
May 22, 2023
I won this book in Spanish and WOW! what a fun read! LUPE LOPEZ - Reglas de una Estrella de Rock is a rollicking look at Lupe on her first day in kindergarten, determined to impose her rock star rules on the world around her. The reader can't help but fall in love with this small larger-than-life kindergartner. What a joy to see how this would-be rock star learns a new way to shine! The translation in Spanish by Georgina Lazaro is spot-on!
e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller have created a new first day of school classic. The bright and engaging illustrations of Joe Cepeda capture the tumultuous emotions of starting school perfectly. I can't help but hope that more Lupe books are in the works. As a former first grade teacher, I just regret that this book was published after I retired.
e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller have created a new first day of school classic. The bright and engaging illustrations of Joe Cepeda capture the tumultuous emotions of starting school perfectly. I can't help but hope that more Lupe books are in the works. As a former first grade teacher, I just regret that this book was published after I retired.
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July 17, 2022Lupe is full of confidence and excitement as she bounces through the door into her kindergarten. I could help but be entertained by her. Though Lupe and her teacher don't see eye to eye, the teacher does seem to keep a smile on her face even when she was delivering information Lupe wouldn't appreciate. Young readers seem to enjoy mischievous characters and here they will definitely see someone who stands out and pushes boundaries. The illustrations are bright and upbeat and add a lot to the story.
Recommendation: This would be a nice story to use at the beginning of the school year to have a discussion about rules and why we have them and/or why we choose to follow or break them.
Recommendation: This would be a nice story to use at the beginning of the school year to have a discussion about rules and why we have them and/or why we choose to follow or break them.
October 28, 2024
This is a very cute book about a little girl who is so obsessed with becoming a rock star that she fails to notice that her drumming on everything in the classroom might be disruptive. Turns out though that even though the teacher wanted her to stop with her rock 'n roll ways two other little girls were excited to be her friend and start their very own band. They loved her drumming. Kids always see things differently than adults.
Super quirky and cute illustrations that capture the cool personality of Lupe Lopez.
Super quirky and cute illustrations that capture the cool personality of Lupe Lopez.
September 14, 2022
A cute, tightly written book about a kindergartener who marches to her own beat and has to learn to follow the rules and get along with others. I like how it showed that this spunky protagonist can still be true to herself while meeting her new teacher's expectations. A sprinkling of Spanish and the name of her elementary school (Hector P. Garcia Elementary School) pay homage to Lupe's Latinx heritage. Joe Cepeda's lively illustration add just the right amount of pizzazz.
June 24, 2023
If you want a fun new kindergartner book to start next year, buy this one for your classroom or library! Lupe learns the hard way about classroom rules. Bright illustrations and short passages allow for the text to be supported wonderfully by the illustrations by Joe Cepeda. Lupe has a range of emotions to deal with as she learns how to be herself while following the rules. This is definitely one my students will love to hear read aloud!
March 6, 2022
First day of kindergarten in Texas for this up and coming drummer.
She struggles with how to embrace the rock lifestyle when she's expected to follow the rules. Eventually she learns: Even rock stars follow the rules sometimes. Made both my inner child and my inner teacher/rule follower uncomfortable.
She struggles with how to embrace the rock lifestyle when she's expected to follow the rules. Eventually she learns: Even rock stars follow the rules sometimes. Made both my inner child and my inner teacher/rule follower uncomfortable.
July 19, 2022
Lupe is ready for kindergarten. She's a rock star drummer who doesn't follow rules and keeps the beat on anything she can. Sadly, she learns quickly that rules do apply to her and she has to listen in class. Readers will enjoy her year's start and see how she adjusts and adapts to this new environment. Terrific read for lower elementary classes to start the school year.
August 6, 2022
Lupe Lopez loves to drum on everything which is awesome but -- maybe not so much when it's your first day of school. And the teacher says no drumming! Lupe's not sure rock stars listen to teachers. But eventually, she decides to listen - and makes a few friends along the way!
Super cute - a good book to read about following rules!
Super cute - a good book to read about following rules!
October 2, 2022
We all know and love students like Lupe, and her teacher is like so many teacher-friends I've known through the years.
Of course, we also love that the setting is in Texas! Every kinder teacher will want to have this one on their shelves!
Thank you, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Joe Cepeda ! We think you're author and illustrator rock stars!
Of course, we also love that the setting is in Texas! Every kinder teacher will want to have this one on their shelves!
Thank you, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Joe Cepeda ! We think you're author and illustrator rock stars!
November 29, 2022
Not impressed. Lupe was too self-absorbed, and while she does regret not having "fans," there is no reflection on how her behavior results in her not having any friends/fans. I'd have love to see a bit on how Lupe's obnoxious drumming made not only the teacher irritated with her, but her classmates, too, as evidenced by no one coming to the library.
Diverse: Latinx
Diverse: Latinx
June 22, 2023
I love Lupe Lopez. She has no trepidations whatsoever on her 1st day of kindergarten. She is ready to rock-n-roll. Anything at hand is ripe for drumming as loud as she can. She lives her dream undaunted and unapologetic – despite stuffy school rules and a lack of fans. It’s stardom ahead for this irrepressible child. e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Joe Cepeda combine for a hit!
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July 8, 2022I'm guessing Lupe has "fun" parents who let her run wild and never redirect her and have never let her learn that she's not the center of the universe...
I liked the cover and the concept, but I am not a fan of this parenting style when taken to this extreme.
I liked the cover and the concept, but I am not a fan of this parenting style when taken to this extreme.
August 6, 2022
I enjoyed this story of a child learning her limits while still keeping her individuality. Lupe reminded me of my child, who despite being told the rules over and over again, still needs to push against boundaries. The story is realistic while still being fun and conveying a lesson!
August 18, 2022
The first day of kindergarten for a future rock and roll star is not quite what Lupe Lopez expected. Especially when you have to leave your rules at the door, and abide by the school's rule. But things can only get better if Lupe gives the school's rules a chance.
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August 24, 2022I liked this book as I read it, but I think it tried to do too much. It was about getting in trouble and making friends, and I think it would have been better if it picked one of the two topics. And it's not exactly a role model book, that's for sure.
June 20, 2023
Students will laugh out loud as they meet Lupe Lopez. Her rockstar status is funny, but sometimes causes problems. Lupe finally realizes that moving to her own beat may leave her with no friends. A lesson we could all learn!
June 9, 2022
Had some definitely lovely Lily's Plastic Purple Purse vibes, which I loved!
It'd be great to compare/contrast Lily and Lupe and their teachers.
It'd be great to compare/contrast Lily and Lupe and their teachers.
July 13, 2022
I LOVE LUPE
July 28, 2022
Fans of Fancy Nancy will love this new girl at school, Lupe Lopez! I look forward to reading this to my kindergarten students!
July 28, 2022
Sure do love that Lupe Lopez!
August 25, 2022
We read this book to 1st graders! They laughed! They learned about how to behave in school & what not to do! This would be a great beginning of the year book for students!
September 8, 2022
I loved this book! Such amazing, fun energy in Lupe, and a great message about friendship and community. Highly recommend it as a gift or for your (home) library!
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December 7, 2022very cute exploration of being a rock star
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews