Book Bundles: Women's Voices

(3) Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. Denise tracks Moreno's rise from young Puerto Rican newcomer to New York City to Hollywood starlet and, eventually, 1962 Oscar winner (the first Puerto Rican honoree) for her iconic role in West Side Story. The engaging narrative emphasizes that Moreno's success was the result of talent, hard work, and some luck; along the way she fought against the industry's entrenched racism and sexism. Retro-style illustrations capture Moreno's exuberance, and a timeline follows her inspiring professional career through 2020. An author's note and list of selected sources are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paola Escobar. López follows the singer's short but influential career from childhood to young adulthood, emphasizing her Mexican American family's support and her natural talent. The tone is upbeat and focuses on Selena's devotion to family, her success, and her impact on Tejano and Latino music; events surrounding her murder are mentioned only in the back matter (leaving the main text feeling somewhat unfinished). After an illustrated timeline, López provides "A Little More About..." related topics including some history of Tejano culture, Tejano music, quinceañeras, and the Texas towns where Selena grew up. Escobar's warm, stylish illustrations have a southwestern vibe. Quotations in the text are unsourced.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Isabel Muñoz. The opening scene in this account of a remarkable friendship puts the ugliness of segregation front and center. In 1937 in Princeton, New Jersey, African American contralto Marian Anderson was welcomed by an all-white audience (including Albert Einstein) but was refused hotel accommodations after her performance. Einstein invited Anderson to stay at his house, thus offering author Rose the opportunity to provide insight into the Jewish physicist (who fled Nazi Germany) and his commitment to racial equality. Muñoz's cartoonlike illustrations effectively convey emotion. An author's note provides more information about both subjects.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn