Scan barcode
afro8921's review
5.0
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a juvenile Biography depicting the life and times of Celia Cruz, one of Cuba’s most famous songstresses. Celia Cruz spent her early days in the poor section of Havana. Her voice was one of the most striking attributes about her, causing some to dub her the songbird of Havana. As she grew up, her voice would take her to distant lands and bring her fortune and fame. The end papers in this book filled with Polaroid like images of Celia Cruz’s family, triumphs, and venues she performed in. The end paper adds to the overall narrative of the story, which is one of love of music and family. The author of the story includes an end note to the story explaining how she became interested in Celia’s story. The author explained that Celia’s dark beauty didn’t detract from her success, and this gave the author courage to inhabit her own beauty ideal. The color line is apparently prevalent in different cultures. The illustrations and word choice paint a gorgeous tapestry of beauty and musicality. Teachers could have their students listen to Celia Cruz’s music, or perhaps create their own instruments. Students could also an aspect of Latin culture to explore and do a presentation for the class. Libraries could have a Latin themed story time where salsa music is played.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
I need to listen to the audio of this. As soon as I finished this book I had to check out some of Cruz's music. Great biography on Celia Cruz for 2nd or 3rd grade.
shannanhicks's review
5.0
Great children's book that is also a good read for adults on a true legend.
chantal550's review
5.0
I'm not rating this it's a picture book but the illustrations were beautiful and I learned a lot from this book. It was a delightful 5-minute read.
afro75's review against another edition
5.0
Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa is a juvenile Biography depicting the life and times of Celia Cruz, one of Cuba’s most famous songstresses. Celia Cruz spent her early days in the poor section of Havana. Her voice was one of the most striking attributes about her, causing some to dub her the songbird of Havana. As she grew up, her voice would take her to distant lands and bring her fortune and fame. The end papers in this book filled with Polaroid like images of Celia Cruz’s family, triumphs, and venues she performed in. The end paper adds to the overall narrative of the story, which is one of love of music and family. The author of the story includes an end note to the story explaining how she became interested in Celia’s story. The author explained that Celia’s dark beauty didn’t detract from her success, and this gave the author courage to inhabit her own beauty ideal. The color line is apparently prevalent in different cultures. The illustrations and word choice paint a gorgeous tapestry of beauty and musicality. Teachers could have their students listen to Celia Cruz’s music, or perhaps create their own instruments. Students could also an aspect of Latin culture to explore and do a presentation for the class. Libraries could have a Latin themed story time where salsa music is played.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
I need to listen to the audio of this. As soon as I finished this book I had to check out some of Cruz's music. Great biography on Celia Cruz for 2nd or 3rd grade.
More...