Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez

Description: Read about Selena Gomez, who is among the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have shaped our culture and the world in Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez co-written with Karla Arenas Valenti, from Claudia Romo Edelman's gripping Hispanic Star biography series for young readers.

Brief description: Karla Arenas Valenti grew up in Mexico City in a house built around a tree. Her life was always filled with elements of the fantastical which she readily incorporates into her storytelling, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism. Karla is the Pura Belpre Award-winning author of Lola, as well as the best-selling and critically-acclaimed author of Lotería, the exciting Legendarios chapter book series, and various picture books. She is also the co-author of Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez and Pedro Pascal. Karla's stories are heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.

Review Quotes:

"Discussions of Gomez's physical and mental illness are refreshingly frank and empathetic. . . A story of passion and perseverance that will inspire the star's fans and newcomers alike." - Kirkus

PRAISE FOR THE HISPANIC STAR SERIES
Hispanic Star: Sonia Sotomayor and Hispanic Star: Ellen Ochoa
"With plenty of white space and illustrations sprinkled throughout, these titles are accessible for young researchers...The books end with "Did you know" sections that share cool facts and relevant web links. This series continues to impress." - School Library Journal

Hispanic Star: Roberto Clemente
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ "A sense of warmth and pride radiates through this telling, and even non-sports fans will be drawn in. . . Well-crafted and accessible." - School Library Journal, starred review
"Highlighted issues of racism [add] context to his times and luster to his achievements." - Kirkus

Hispanic Star: Celia Cruz
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

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

Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera and Hispanic Star en español: Sylvia Rivera
A 2024 Américas Award Honor for Children's and Young Adult Literature
"This is a welcome middle-grade biography of a figure who has long been due one." - Mombian, "New LGBTQ Kids' Books"