Author: Anika Aldamuy Denise

Illustrator: Leo Espinosa

Page Count: 40

Published: November 3, 2020

ISBN: 9780062877703

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 the bold and vibrant illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa (Islandborn), and lyrical text of Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories), 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.

Espinosa’s illustrations are as vibrant as the character he portrays....An inspiring account of a woman who followed her dreams.  — Kirkus Reviews

An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance. — School Library Journal (starred review)

Leo Espinosa’s illustrations are lively and animate....And the book is a positive, compelling look at the only Latinx performer to have earned a Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. — Boston Globe

This upbeat picture book biography…[is] for listeners who twirl and swish their voluminous skirts while singing into their hairbrushes. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Denise and Espinosa, both Pura Belpré Award Honorees, have created a motivating and touching story of a talented and determined Latinx woman. — Shelf Awareness

[An] engaging narrative. — Horn Book Magazine