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Latinitas (Spanish edition): Una celebración de 40 soñadoras audaces
In this Spanish edition of her author-illustrator debut Latinitas , Juliet Menéndez celebrates inspiring Latinas and Latin American women.
Descubre cómo cuarenta latinas influyentes se convirtieron en las mujeres que hoy celebramos. En esta colección de biografías cortas de personajes de toda América Latina y de Estados Unidos, Juliet Menéndez explora los primeros pasitos con los que estas latinitas iniciaron su camino. Con hermosas ilustraciones, hechas a mano, Menéndez pone en relieve el poder que tienen los sueños de la infancia.
Desde la jueza de la Corte Suprema Sonia Sotomayor hasta la cantante Selena Quintanilla y la primera ingeniera de realidad virtual de la NASA, Evelyn Miralles, este libro aborda figuras que servirán de inspiración a futuras artistas, científicas, activistas y más. Ellas hicieron realidad sus sueños ¡y hasta puede que te alienten a alcanzar los tuyos!
Latinitas is also available in English.
Discover how 40 influential Latinas became the women we celebrate today! In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams.
Descubre cómo cuarenta latinas influyentes se convirtieron en las mujeres que hoy celebramos. En esta colección de biografías cortas de personajes de toda América Latina y de Estados Unidos, Juliet Menéndez explora los primeros pasitos con los que estas latinitas iniciaron su camino. Con hermosas ilustraciones, hechas a mano, Menéndez pone en relieve el poder que tienen los sueños de la infancia.
Desde la jueza de la Corte Suprema Sonia Sotomayor hasta la cantante Selena Quintanilla y la primera ingeniera de realidad virtual de la NASA, Evelyn Miralles, este libro aborda figuras que servirán de inspiración a futuras artistas, científicas, activistas y más. Ellas hicieron realidad sus sueños ¡y hasta puede que te alienten a alcanzar los tuyos!
Latinitas is also available in English.
Discover how 40 influential Latinas became the women we celebrate today! In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2021
16 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 1, 2021
LATINITAS celebrates 40 influential Latinas as we follow their dreams, encouraging us to also follow ours. In this collection of short biographies, from Latin America to US, Menendez envelopes us into the journeys of iconic Latinas, which our experience is enriched by stunning and hand-painted illustrations.
From Frida Kahlo to Julia Alvarez, this is a book of and for strong women who dream big. One of my favorites was Isabel Allende - even in her difficult childhood, I could see hope and light through her abuelo (grandfather) and the magical places where she visited . It warmed my heart to witness how her grandfather was the inspiration and significantly influenced Allende's debut (The House of the Spirits). And her subsequent journey to publish several titles translated to many languages, bringing remarkable characters back to life.
I also appreciated reading the Q&A with the author - from the initial research of Latinx history to the moment when she decided to bring out the feminist in her, finally dedicating her book to celebrate Latina women. There are fascinating stories that we learn about Latinas who are relatable not only for children, but also for adults. I found interesting that there's even a section "More Latinitas" that features many Latinas that the author would like to have included in this book.
In short, LATINITAS is an inspiring book for all ages and I can't recommend it enough.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - MacKidsbooks - in exchange for an honest review ]
From Frida Kahlo to Julia Alvarez, this is a book of and for strong women who dream big. One of my favorites was Isabel Allende - even in her difficult childhood, I could see hope and light through her abuelo (grandfather) and the magical places where she visited . It warmed my heart to witness how her grandfather was the inspiration and significantly influenced Allende's debut (The House of the Spirits). And her subsequent journey to publish several titles translated to many languages, bringing remarkable characters back to life.
I also appreciated reading the Q&A with the author - from the initial research of Latinx history to the moment when she decided to bring out the feminist in her, finally dedicating her book to celebrate Latina women. There are fascinating stories that we learn about Latinas who are relatable not only for children, but also for adults. I found interesting that there's even a section "More Latinitas" that features many Latinas that the author would like to have included in this book.
In short, LATINITAS is an inspiring book for all ages and I can't recommend it enough.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - MacKidsbooks - in exchange for an honest review ]
June 27, 2021
This was book was quite a delight. Beautiful illustrations that celebrate artists, scientists, politicians, and so many women who shaped their fields and countries. I appreciate that Juliet Menendez includes women from all across Latin American and not only the United States. Of course, this is not a thorough recollection of these women's lives or all the important Latinas in history, but it's a good start if you want to explore more on your own.
Check out my IG post about the book here
A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for promotional content.
Check out my IG post about the book here
A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for promotional content.
March 13, 2022
this is my favorite short biography collection that i've read!!! this book had beautiful illustrations and well-written descriptions of the women's work, showcasing notable latinas from all over north, south and central america in fields from music to science to activism (and my personal favorite: librarian pura belpre)
June 18, 2021
This book is a treasure, with short one page biographies of 40 Latin women. Several are familiar names, like Frida Kahlo, Isabel Allende, and Julia Alvarez, among others. But there were numerous women whose name's and accomplishments were unknown to me, from countries all through Latin America and the U.S. The marks they left on their countries, and many are still leaving, are in all kinds of fields; authors, artists, archaeologist, astronaut, engineers, activists, judges, and on and on. This would make a great gift for a young girl.
March 6, 2021
*Update*
My copy arrived just in time for women's history month and nearly had me in tears. Written to and for young, latina students, this collection brings to life people they can see themselves in. I wish I had grown up knowing women who looked like me, had a childhood like mine, with names that sounded similar, who then accomplished amazing feats, created beautiful art, challenged and changed the world for the better. But I didn't, and yet I'm incredibly grateful this exist now so that my cousins, nieces, students and beyond can connect to something and find inspiration for themselves, their desires and beliefs.
*I have received this book as part of a Goodreads' giveaway*
I'm so excited to start this! Working in a middle school, the necessity for education in diversity becomes wholly apparent. This work would serve purpose on top of purpose; exhibiting the role models I never had the chance to learn about when I was younger, being a Hispanic women myself, and expanding on the short list of who can be successful.
My copy arrived just in time for women's history month and nearly had me in tears. Written to and for young, latina students, this collection brings to life people they can see themselves in. I wish I had grown up knowing women who looked like me, had a childhood like mine, with names that sounded similar, who then accomplished amazing feats, created beautiful art, challenged and changed the world for the better. But I didn't, and yet I'm incredibly grateful this exist now so that my cousins, nieces, students and beyond can connect to something and find inspiration for themselves, their desires and beliefs.
*I have received this book as part of a Goodreads' giveaway*
I'm so excited to start this! Working in a middle school, the necessity for education in diversity becomes wholly apparent. This work would serve purpose on top of purpose; exhibiting the role models I never had the chance to learn about when I was younger, being a Hispanic women myself, and expanding on the short list of who can be successful.
April 30, 2021
Read this book about forty strong Latinas and you will be forever changed. These are stories I haven't heard before now. These are stories that need to be read. These are stories that need to be celebrated. Dancers. Singers. Writers. Doctors. Artists. Poets. Architects. Engineers. Activists. And much more. Venezuela. El Salvador. Cuba. Puerto Rico. Mexico. Argentina. Colombia. And much, much more. Strong Latina women. Read these and be filled with admiration for those who listened to their inner voices, for those who followed their dreams.
February 8, 2024
This hardcover, graphic novel is a wonderful way for emergent readers to begin independently reading. This book is written for grades 3-6 and has beautiful illustrations from Guatemalan/Irish writer Juliet Menendez. This book as the title states focuses on 40 big Latina women who are often lost or seen as insignificant to mainstream history but the author states that she wrote this book when she was an art teacher in Manhattan and wanted her walls to reflect people that looked like her students and specifically found how Latin woman were not apart of that discussion. This story took a year and a half to pick all the woman they would be showcasing and it tells their story too quickly is my only complaint.
Every chapter begins with an illustration showcasing what the woman is famous for and a depiction of the famous Latina which captures the reader into their story. Each woman has one page dedicated to them and I appreciated how each one referenced their childhood and how one significant moment influenced them into fighting for what they believed in. I think that this story could have had more significant details for the woman such as Frida Khalo speaking about Diego Rivera and how he discovered in all positive light and I think the story didn’t need to involve him to such depths and could focus more on simply her accomplishments.
I would use this in the classroom during Spanish Heritage Month and read a historical figure each day for the students and have it available after we have read them all. The book was created to inspire other Latin children to fight for what they believe in which went into giving them a high rating but I do think that the stories could have had better details to engage readers.
Found on: !5 Joy-Filled Latinx Books for Emerging and Independent Readers.
Every chapter begins with an illustration showcasing what the woman is famous for and a depiction of the famous Latina which captures the reader into their story. Each woman has one page dedicated to them and I appreciated how each one referenced their childhood and how one significant moment influenced them into fighting for what they believed in. I think that this story could have had more significant details for the woman such as Frida Khalo speaking about Diego Rivera and how he discovered in all positive light and I think the story didn’t need to involve him to such depths and could focus more on simply her accomplishments.
I would use this in the classroom during Spanish Heritage Month and read a historical figure each day for the students and have it available after we have read them all. The book was created to inspire other Latin children to fight for what they believe in which went into giving them a high rating but I do think that the stories could have had better details to engage readers.
Found on: !5 Joy-Filled Latinx Books for Emerging and Independent Readers.
January 7, 2022
I really like the fact that the women depicted (and illustrated) show the great racial and cultural diversity of Latin America. Not to mention that a lot of different fields where they stood out are mentioned- the book features musicians, scientists, political leaders, and many more.
April 2, 2021
Really, really enjoyed this book!
September 3, 2024
Great short read for young girls
January 17, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from MacMillan Children's Publishing Group.
Menendez shares short biographies of 40 women who have and are still influencing the world. She also includes several more at the end.
Well presented information to introduce middle grade readers to these women with sources included for further study.
Menendez shares short biographies of 40 women who have and are still influencing the world. She also includes several more at the end.
Well presented information to introduce middle grade readers to these women with sources included for further study.
March 30, 2021
I ordered Latinitas by Juliet Menendez to supplement our homeschool social studies curriculum. Each page spread features an illustration on the left page and a condensed biography on the right page. The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the color schemes used.
Many of the Latinas presented in Latinitas were new to me. I knew less than ten of the women prior to reading this book. Their stories of overcoming adversity to pursue their dreams are inspiring. The extensive list of sources cited in the back of the book reinforces how well done the biographies are. I feel that my daughters are receiving legitimate biographies of these women when they read this book.
In addition to the biographies, Latinitas provides a starting point for conversation with my children about past and current issues in society and the world. Many of these women faced racial discrimination, gender inequality, personal loss, poverty, and political unrest. Other happenings, such as a grandmother’s seances and family members being murdered, are outside our normal conversations and provide a starting point to addressing such matters. Overall, I really like having Latinitas by Juliet Menendez as an addition to our homeschool curriculum.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.
Many of the Latinas presented in Latinitas were new to me. I knew less than ten of the women prior to reading this book. Their stories of overcoming adversity to pursue their dreams are inspiring. The extensive list of sources cited in the back of the book reinforces how well done the biographies are. I feel that my daughters are receiving legitimate biographies of these women when they read this book.
In addition to the biographies, Latinitas provides a starting point for conversation with my children about past and current issues in society and the world. Many of these women faced racial discrimination, gender inequality, personal loss, poverty, and political unrest. Other happenings, such as a grandmother’s seances and family members being murdered, are outside our normal conversations and provide a starting point to addressing such matters. Overall, I really like having Latinitas by Juliet Menendez as an addition to our homeschool curriculum.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 7, 2021
As an art teacher in an upper Manhattan school, Juliet Menendez realized her school hallways were lined with paintings of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Einstein and Benjamin Franklin, but sadly there were no portraits of heroes who looked like the students who walked the halls each day. Her students were mostly biracial and Latinex and she wanted them to understand there are Latinex heroes throughout history who not only looked like them, but came from the same countries and had the same dreams. This biography includes forty one page biographies of Latinitas women heroes from the 1600s through the present. Not only are there freedom fighters, writers, and scientists, but also soccer players, engineers, conductors and a Supreme Court Justice. Each biography, which is accompanied by a gorgeous painting, tells about the heroes’ childhood, their families, their inspirations and their accomplishments. The book includes a table of contents with the heroes’ names and nationality, as well as back matter of ten more inspiring Lantinitas and the author’s sources. This is a must purchase for elementary and middle school libraries.
September 11, 2021
This much-needed volume featuring 40 Latinas who made a difference in the world around them is a 3.5 for me. The author has included sources and references for each two-page entry on each subject. One page is filled with text while the facing page features a hand-painted watercolor illustration that used Photoshop for textual additions. While many of these women [Celia Cruz, Alicia Alonso, Isabel Allende, for instance] were familiar to me, others were not, and I was pleased to find engineers, activists, astronauts, chefs, and attorneys, among the profiles. Appropriately for its intended audience, each entry focuses to some extent on the formative years and ambitions of these groundbreakers and dreamers who led the way for others while also providing joy and insight to those around them. Of course, I'd have liked to know more about each of those featured here, but the references offer a place to do just that. Teachers may want to consider adding this one to their classroom collections in order to offer more options when students are searching for subjects for their biographies.
October 19, 2023
Educational, Informative, Inspiring, Feminine
“Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers” Is a book about 40 Latina women who have a page dedicated to their lives. It talks about their early life and how they got into their talented trait. An example is Frida Kahlo. Frida has a page explaining how she became a big-name artist. This book is filled with many women like Frida who overcame obstacles to get to where they were.
“Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers” is considered a Collected Biography. It is a biography because it is written by someone other than the people written about it. In this case, it is called a collected biography because it is about forty different people in one book. However, it is not a complete biography, since it does leave a lot of key details out. It is only one page per person. It is perfect for children to read these brief biographies.
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April 21, 2021MCL/LAM. Gr. 3-5. Forty Latina women are honored in Juliet Menéndez's insightful collective biography debut, from famous figures like Sonia Sotomayor and Frida Kahlo to lesser-known activists like Claribel Alegria. Recounted in chronological birth order from 1651-2000, these women's childhood dreams and adult challenges will resonate with today's young readers. Bright, earth-toned graphics by Liz Dresner adorn each two-page spread, drawing eyes to the captivating text. A section on other exceptional Latinitas, a lengthy list of selected sources and quotes, and endpapers honoring countries of origin add to the usefulness and appeal of this great book. Catch the virtual author event with Juliet Menéndez celebrating Women's History Month 2021 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUu_l...
May 16, 2021
This was very reminiscent of the Little Leaders books ( Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History) but for Latinas.
I really enjoyed learning about all this amazing women. There were only a handful that I knew of prior to reading the book.
I will say I was not a fan of the illustration style.
I really enjoyed learning about all this amazing women. There were only a handful that I knew of prior to reading the book.
I will say I was not a fan of the illustration style.
March 6, 2021
I won a copy of Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menendez from Goodreads.
Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menendez is a beautiful book that will inspire children to follow their dreams. Forty little girls from different times in history and from a variety of places in the world are highlighted with brief, encouraging essays and delightful, colorful illustrations. Young readers are certain to find a Latinita whose dream was once similar to their own as many areas, from science, sports, arts, government, and more, are represented. Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers is a treasure trove of hope and promise for upcoming and future generations.
Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menendez is a beautiful book that will inspire children to follow their dreams. Forty little girls from different times in history and from a variety of places in the world are highlighted with brief, encouraging essays and delightful, colorful illustrations. Young readers are certain to find a Latinita whose dream was once similar to their own as many areas, from science, sports, arts, government, and more, are represented. Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers is a treasure trove of hope and promise for upcoming and future generations.
May 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!
As an adult, it's so heartwarming to see more WOC highlighted in books, Latinitas was a creative, beautiful, history of Latinx women and the histories that they made. I learned so many new things about women that I have loved all my life as well as new things about new women.
This was an ode to past, present, and future women. It showcased that young girls of color can dream big and win, that they can see injustice and actually fight it.
This book warmed my heart and made me cry happy tears at seeing a history that is often replaced and repressed by white men.
Definitely a read for every young girl, or even those who want more diversity on their shelves.
As an adult, it's so heartwarming to see more WOC highlighted in books, Latinitas was a creative, beautiful, history of Latinx women and the histories that they made. I learned so many new things about women that I have loved all my life as well as new things about new women.
This was an ode to past, present, and future women. It showcased that young girls of color can dream big and win, that they can see injustice and actually fight it.
This book warmed my heart and made me cry happy tears at seeing a history that is often replaced and repressed by white men.
Definitely a read for every young girl, or even those who want more diversity on their shelves.
November 23, 2021
Great picture, chapter book for older elementary, ESL, or cluster students. This book represents a segment of society that is often overlooked in biographies; Latinx women. Young Latina girls can find themselves represented among mathematicians, scientists, artists, dancers, singers, politicians and activists throughout history and the present day. The author also has a detailed listing of her sources for readers who want to learn more about the women whose stories are shared in these pages. The illustrations were also beautifully created and tied together well with each person's story. This book is an Orbis Pictus Award 2022 honor book.
October 23, 2023
Keywords: Latinas, dreams, influential, non-fiction
Summary: Many individual lives are inspired by their dreams. This book discusses 40 Latin women who used those dreams as inspirations to become their reality. Some of their harsh beginnings (e.g death of their parents) allowed them to become stronger adults. This inspired them to become the influential people of our time. This colorfully illustrated book is a must read.
Prompt: This book is rich with history, and information about hard work and perseverance. The women in this book struggled, and these biographies provide detailed information on what made them thrive.
Summary: Many individual lives are inspired by their dreams. This book discusses 40 Latin women who used those dreams as inspirations to become their reality. Some of their harsh beginnings (e.g death of their parents) allowed them to become stronger adults. This inspired them to become the influential people of our time. This colorfully illustrated book is a must read.
Prompt: This book is rich with history, and information about hard work and perseverance. The women in this book struggled, and these biographies provide detailed information on what made them thrive.
March 8, 2021
Great book! Love all the important role models for young Latinx readers! I won this copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I work in a school library and finding books for Latinx readers is really hard. I can't wait to add this to the collection.
The book covers 40 women, each gets their own biography page and a cute little version of them represented in a beautiful soft art style. The book is well written for its demographic. The language and content are perfect for middle-grade readers. Super excited to put this in the library in time for the kid's biography writing projects.
The book covers 40 women, each gets their own biography page and a cute little version of them represented in a beautiful soft art style. The book is well written for its demographic. The language and content are perfect for middle-grade readers. Super excited to put this in the library in time for the kid's biography writing projects.
March 23, 2025
Me gustó mucho. Solo busqué un poco mas de estas Latinitas, y por eso estoy feliz que se incluye una sección de referencias bastante robusta. Los capítulos son cortos y condensados que me pertenece una buena elección para un libro para niños pero me dejó con ganas de más.
Liked this one a lot. I wanted a little bit more about each of these Latinitas, so I'm glad there's a pretty robust bibliography. The chapters were short and condensed - a good choice for a kids' book, but it left me wanting more.
Liked this one a lot. I wanted a little bit more about each of these Latinitas, so I'm glad there's a pretty robust bibliography. The chapters were short and condensed - a good choice for a kids' book, but it left me wanting more.
April 9, 2021
I loved the writeups and choice of women highlighted in this collection, but I wasn't a fan of the creepy doll-style artwork. I was so happy to see such a wide variety of countries represented in this collection, especially places like Uruguay and Bolivia, which usually get underrepresented when compared with Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Very interesting collection of women to read about and learn more about.
July 26, 2021
Extremely impressed. It provides a great opportunity for both young and adults to be immersed in learning how many little Latina women made a significant impact in their countries of origin and around the world. Some of the Latinitas have been overlooked by more recognized names but it does a great job at capturing the main facts each one had from every Latin American country. A must read together as a family.
August 30, 2021
This is the perfect book to celebrate our heritage not only for Hispanic Heritage Month, but every day! The mini bios were just long enough to maintain my second-grade son's attention and we both enjoyed learning about new and important historical female figures beyond those we typically hear about. This is definitely a keeper and is perfect to gift as well! I ordered one for my mom to share at her school library, too.
January 3, 2024
Simple, quick, and effective book to expand students’ knowledge of various Latina figures from history. Provides a diverse array of backgrounds, accomplishments, and historical periods. My students looked forward to our daily readings from this book and the chance to expand their knowledge by making connections to what they already knew and using early finish time to do quick research of the people covered that day.
April 16, 2021
An incredible introduction to 40 amazing Hispanic women from all different periods of history. I loved being introduced to these individuals and reading a small vignette about their lives and accomplishments. It is a great starting point for hopefully diving more into these women's lives and celebrating the barriers they've broken.
April 29, 2021
I was happy to receive this book as my daughter and two of my granddaughters are Latina women in a place- Maine- where there are very few strong Latina role models. There are few people who look like them. This is especially true as it is their fathers, and not their mothers, who are Hispanic/Latin. The three of them are taking turns reading the book. Thank you!
October 11, 2021
This genre of compilations of brief profiles or biographic thumbnails of individuals with something in common has my full support. In this case the unifying concept over time (300 years!) celebrates profiles of Latin girls/women from the Americas who achieved incredible things in life, despite obstacles and even dangers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews