Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz - by Claudia Romo Edelman & William Alexander

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Read about "La Reina de la Salsa" in Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz, and learn the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes that have shaped our culture and the world in this gripping biography series for young readers, perfect for fans of the Who Was series.

If you can see it, you can be it.

Meet the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz--once just a girl from Havana, Cuba, who loved to sing. Her soulful voice, compelling charm, and unstoppable determination led to her meteoric rise to fame, opening the door for Latinx performers everywhere. Her booming career took her from the Sonora Matancera to the Fania All-Stars, with the rising popularity of salsa, a genre born of Afro-Cuban musical stylings. Six decades and more than seventy albums later, Celia's influence still has an undeniable hold on today's music.

Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been undeniable forces in shaping its future.

Review Quotes

A Kirkus Best of the Year books for Middle Grade selection
A Teacher & Librarian FAVORITES 3rd-5th Grade selection

"A lyrical, informative chapter book biography of Celia Cruz, the Queen of -Salsa. . . A must-purchase for all nonfiction shelves. Browsable and report-ready, this series debut brings the sweet story of la Reina de la Salsa to life. ¡Azúúúcar!" - School Library Journal, starred review

"Engaging illustrations and informative sidebars further enrich the heartfelt informational text. Positive affirmations are sprinkled throughout the book; readers will come away inspired to follow Celia's positive example. . . A compelling look at the radiant life of La Reina de la Salsa." - Kirkus, starred review

Praise for Hispanic Star en español: Celia Cruz
"An excellent addition to Spanish-language biography collections for youth, focusing on a legendary figure of music who impacted not only Latin America, but the world as well." - School Library Journal

About the Author

Claudia Romo Edelman is the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and Hispanic Star and has worked for twenty-five years with internationally recognized institutions, including the United Nations, the Global Fund, the World Economic Forum, and UNICEF. She's led some of the most successful global campaigns in the last decade, including Product (RED), the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the United Nations, the creation of the SDG Lions, and the rebranding of the UN Refugee Agency.

William Alexander is a National Book Award-winning Cuban American author who usually writes unrealisms, like Goblin Secrets, Ambassador, and A Properly Unhaunted Place. He teaches in the writing for children and young adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.