7 English-language Picture Books about Latine Musicians and Singers
Please don't stop the music.
Latin America is a region full of music, both throughout its many countries and communities, and has inspired diasporas all over the world. Latine artists have made, and continue to make, wonderful works of music that become part of the soundtrack to listeners’ lives. From Selena Quintanilla to Juan García Ezquivel and Celia Cruz, here are some books about important Latine musicians and singers:
1. Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Wood and Sally Wern Comport (Illus.)
Learn about the real-life story behind the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, founded by music teacher Favio Chávez, and one of its members, Ada Rios. Chávez made Paraguayan children instruments out of recycled material found in the garbage. According to Amazon, “Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.”
2. Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers and Julie Maren (Illus.)
This book is a biography of Cuban music legend Celia Cruz, who was recently honored as part of the American Women Quarters Program with her own quarter. Not only is she known as the “Queen of Salsa”, she also famously sang guarachas, boleros and more. Cruz was part of the musical group Fania All-Stars in addition to her own solo work, which earned her honors and acclaim.
3. Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle and Rafael López (Illus.)
A Pura Belpré Award winning book, Dancing Hands, tells the story of Teresa Carreño — a talented piano player, her family left Venezuela during revolutionary times and arrived in the U.S. during the Civil War. Eventually, then-President Abraham Lincon invited her to play at the White House and she went on to play throughout her life.
4. Carlos Santana: Sound of the Heart, Song of the World by Gary Golio and Rudy Gutierrez (Illus.)
Guitarist Carlos Santana started out playing the violin, as this book explains, but things really changed when he first got a guitar; explore Santana’s childhood here. As an adult, he went on to win multiple Grammy awards, play at the famous music festival Woodstock, and in in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
5. Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America by Melisa Fernández Nitsche
Through this picture book, readers are exposed to the life story of Argentine singer, Mercedes Sosa (also known as “La Negra.”) A multi-award-winning singer who’s best known for her folk style of music, she was exiled from her native country for a while but that didn’t stop her. Sosa eventually returned to Argentina and is considered an artist who “gave voice to the voiceless.”
6. Esquivel!: Spage-Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood and Duncan Tonatiuh (Illus.)
Juan García Ezquivel, or Esquivel!, was a Mexican composer and pianist who was, and remains to this day, and influential figure in music. This particular book won several awards, including being named Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, an ALA Notable Children’s Book, and a Junior Library Guild Selection.
7. Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla by Diana López and Teresa Martinez (Illus.)
Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena Quintanilla was musically inclined since her early life in a musical family; she made a mark in history, her music and fashion are timeless, and her life has been adapted for the screen multiple times. Follow the story of her musical journey, for which she is still beloved today.