A Girl Named Rosita

Title: A Girl Named Rosita

Author: Anika Aldamuy Denise

Illustrated by: Leo Espinosa

Genre: Realistic nonfiction; based off a true story, 

Teacher evaluation: This is a beautiful book with an amazing story. It is about a woman who overcame a lot. It is a great book to read because sometimes students do not understand why others are different and we can read this book to be able to understand more. This is a really good book to be able to read with the class especially during Spanish Heritage Month. 

 Summary: This book is about Rita Moreno she is an actor, dancer, and singer. She was born in Puerto Rico. She loved to dance all around and sing everywhere. Her mom then told her they are moving, without "Fransisco" her baby brother. She waves goodbye to her baby brother as she leaves on a boat. After days of a hard trip, she sees New York, the Statue of Liberty. Rosita is confused where the flowers are, but she dreams she is home. Rosita then cries because she misses home. She begins going to school where she is teased for the color of her skin and her accent. She just runs home every day. She wishes she knew more English to tell her bullies to leave her alone. She also begins to learn English. She feels like she is leaving her home behind. She practices until she can speak it perfectly. The leaves and flowers return to New York. Rosita is so happy. Rosita then begins dance classes. She trains with an amazing dance teacher. She feels like dance is all hers. She then preforms on a real stage. Rosita gets called from a casting agent who wants to meet her. And she makes it big.