Latinitas

December 1, 2020
Celebrates the lives of 40 women who hail from all over Latin America and from the United States and who dreamed big and worked hard to follow their passion. They are presented in chronological order, starting in 1651 with writer and philosopher Sor Juana In�s de la Cruz from Mexico and concluding with present-day U.S. Olympic gymnast Lauren Zoe Hernandez. Young readers will find artists, writers, poets, singers, musicians, dancers, engineers, astronauts, scientists, activists, a soccer star, a spy, and a Supreme Court justice, among others. The women represent different nationalities, ethnicities, races, cultural, and economic backgrounds, and life paths followed, but they are all highly successful role models that will inspire young children to follow their own dreams. Each minibiography appears in a double-page spread, with a charming illustration on the verso and the text on the recto. Capturing some essential quality for each person, the earth-toned, contemporary-feeling graphic illustrations have a folk-art sensibility. The biographies are meant to provide but a glimpse into the life of each person. The author thoughtfully connects with her reading audience by including childhood events and influences that sparked lifelong pursuits--hence the diminutive used in the title of the book. A further 10 women are introduced in the backmatter, with a small portrait and sentence of explanation. There is a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout the text; though there is no glossary included, readers unfamiliar with the language should have no problem understanding. This book belongs in any child's hands. (selected sources) (Collective biography. 8-10)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 3-6-This title highlights familiar and lesser-known women from Latin America and the United States. The subjects of these short biographies made significant contributions to the world, from science, the arts, technology, and activism. The women are depicted in vibrant watercolor illustrations, and personal details and the lasting impact of each woman's actions are captured in a single page of text. Some of the profiles spotlight trailblazers who are covered widely in other titles, such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. There are many who may be unknown to the target age demographic, such as human rights activist Berta C�ceres. There is not enough material to satisfy research project requirements, but these concise portraits will inspire further reading. VERDICT This inspiring book would make a great launching point for deeper investigation into the lives and accomplishments of these amazing women.-John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore

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