Why read Me Llamo Celia/My Name Is Celia?

Book cover of Me Llamo Celia/My Name Is Celia: La Vida de Celia Cruz/The Life Of Celia Cruz

Book description

This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz's life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Me Llamo Celia/My Name Is Celia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Bobbito Garcia

Author

I honestly think I enjoyed this book even more than my son, ha ha!

The richness of the illustrations are stunning, and Celia’s narrative is groundbreaking. Ultimately, it’s a wonderful story told in both Spanish and English, which has worked to connect us to two languages that are dear to our family.

From Bobbito's list on The best kids books for BIPOC Shorties.

Kathryn Erskine

Author

As the title suggests, this biography of the beloved Cuban singer is in both English and Spanish, a gift for those who are bilingual and, indeed, for all of us. The vibrant illustrations are as engaging and rollicking as the text, which sings like the salsa singer herself. It’s also a timely story of immigration since Celia Cruz left Cuba after the revolution, showing how you can love your country and people, but have to leave because of the regime.

From Kathryn's list on The best books to discover fascinating people.