A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!

by Anika Aldamuy Denise (Author) Leo Espinosa (Illustrator)

A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa (Islandborn) tell the story of Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican superstar best known for her Oscar-winning performance in the original West Side Story film, in this gorgeous picture book biography.

When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn't know what to expect--but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.

Brought to life by Leo Espinosa's bold and vibrant illustrations and Anika Aldamuy Denise's lyrical text, this gorgeous tribute to the life and career of the first Latinx person to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award will inspire little dreamers everywhere.

Informative author's note and timeline also included.

A Spanish-language edition is also available.

Praise for Anika Aldamuy Denise:

"[Anika's] lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud."--New York Times Book Review on Planting Stories

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

Kirkus

An inspiring account of a woman who followed her dreams. 

School Library Journal

Starred Review

PreS-Gr 3--Bright colors enrich this biographical picture book about the early life of Rita Moreno, the award-winning Puerto Rican actor, dancer, and singer. Moreno, who was born in 1931 as Rosa Dolores Alverio, displayed a knack for song and dance at a young age. The text guides readers through the story of Moreno's beginnings, from the heartbreak she endured leaving family and Puerto Rico to the moment she won an Oscar in 1962 for her moving performance as Anita in West Side Story. The hardships Moreno experienced, including bullying at school and whitewashed Hollywood culture, are purposefully depicted to introduce children to the weight of Moreno's reality. Denise's author's note pays tribute to Moreno's many accomplishments; this title reflects Denise's appreciation for Moreno's ability to shatter barriers for Latinas and other young women of color. Further examination of the other roles Moreno played in her long career would have added to the narrative's pacing and context. Denise and Espinosa capture Moreno's determination and her genuine joy for performing. Espinosa's digital illustrations portray animated, easy-to-read expressions and scenes made of clean lines and contrasting textures. In particular, Moreno's vibrant performance as Anita is triumphantly represented with swirling flashes of her iconic dance. VERDICT An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance.--Rachel Mulligan, Pennsylvania State Univ.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780062877703
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
November 03, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Cultural Heritage
JNF007030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Literary
JNF007060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Performing Arts
JNF018030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - Hispanic/Latino
Library of Congress categories
United States
Actors
Actors and actresses
Puerto Rico
Moreno, Rita
Puerto Ricicans

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