Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa
by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa (Amazon / Library) tells the story of Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz, starting as a child whose job is was to sing lullabies to her younger siblings through her career as she moves from Cuba to the United States following her passion for the music of her home.

Veronica Chambers brings her story to life beautifully with words that flow over each page, and Julia Maren's artwork captures the spirit of a young woman stretching for her goals in life.

"When she opened up her mouth to sing, she heard a girl like any other. But when she sang... Her father heard thunder. Her cousins heard the call of the sea. Her neighbors heard a hummingbird."

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa (Amazon / Library) is a good book for middle-grade readers, with a paragraph or two on each page with a facing page of illustration. It's an excellent introduction to Celia Cruz' life and career told in a way that's easily understood by younger children as well, and includes relevant words in Spanish, with a glossary in the back.

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