Reina Ramos Works It Out

September 1, 2022
Grades K-3 Reina is excited when her teacher announces that her class will be doing a special "Wax Museum" presentation, in which each child can dress up as their favorite historical figure. Reina knows just who she is going to be--Frida Kahlo. She shares her idea with her best friend, Nora, but when it's time to tell their teacher who they will dress up as, Nora picks Frida Kahlo. Reina is devastated! How could Nora be so mean? Nora, on the other hand, says she thought Reina suggested Kahlo because she knows how much Nora loves to paint. The girls make up and exchange hugs. At home, Reina's abuela gives her granddaughter a new idea for the presentation. She'll be Celia Cruz, la Reina de la Salsa (Queen of Salsa). This level 2 beginning reader contains an engaging, relatable story for emergent readers that features simple text, a sprinkling of Spanish vocabulary, and sweet illustrations on each page. A short glossary of Spanish words and a list of the famous figures (all Latinx) mentioned in the story conclude.

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October 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-Reina Ramos, a Latinx girl, is excited to dress up as Frida Kahlo for the class wax museum. But when her best friend picks Frida first, Reina becomes upset and isn't sure what to do. She will need to find a way to work things out with her friend and decide on another famous figure to embody. Young readers may have questions about what wax museums are, but the diverse characters introduced-Celia Cruz, Roberto Clemente, and Ellen Ochoa-plus the Spanish words and positive messages about managing conflict and problem-solving make this a welcome addition to beginning reader collections. Back matter includes definitions for the Spanish words used in the book, as well as photos and brief descriptions of all the famous Latinx individuals named. VERDICT Recommended for beginning reader collections, especially those lacking Latinx representation.-Amy Fellows

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Starred review from September 15, 2022
A Latine girl navigates a conflict at school. Mr. Li's class will be hosting a wax museum. Students will dress as notable figures and stand like statues--until they come alive for visitors. Reina Ramos has her heart set on dressing as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who was strong ("like my mami and abuela--and me!") and loved to paint. Reina is crushed when her friend Nora picks Frida for the project, and she must sort out her big feelings of disappointment and frustration. But Nora and Reina talk to each other about the project and smooth over their friendship. Reina's abuela helps her think of another amazing Latine star to emulate--singer Celia Cruz--and the wax museum is a success. Lessons about flexibility, communication, and caring are embedded in a sweet school story. Readers won't be able to resist Reina's spunky enthusiasm and her tender heart. Reina is brown-skinned, her classmates are depicted with a variety of skin tones, and Mr. Li presents as Asian. A brief glossary at the end of the book illuminates the lives of the famous Latine role models the students have selected for the wax museum. A sparkling tale starring a resilient young protagonist. (Spanish glossary) (Early reader. 4-7)

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