Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--Bright colors enrich this biographical picture book about the early life of Rita Moreno, the award-winning Puerto Rican actor, dancer, and singer. Moreno, who was born in 1931 as Rosa Dolores Alverio, displayed a knack for song and dance at a young age. The text guides readers through the story of Moreno's beginnings, from the heartbreak she endured leaving family and Puerto Rico to the moment she won an Oscar in 1962 for her moving performance as Anita in West Side Story. The hardships Moreno experienced, including bullying at school and whitewashed Hollywood culture, are purposefully depicted to introduce children to the weight of Moreno's reality. Denise's author's note pays tribute to Moreno's many accomplishments; this title reflects Denise's appreciation for Moreno's ability to shatter barriers for Latinas and other young women of color. Further examination of the other roles Moreno played in her long career would have added to the narrative's pacing and context. Denise and Espinosa capture Moreno's determination and her genuine joy for performing. Espinosa's digital illustrations portray animated, easy-to-read expressions and scenes made of clean lines and contrasting textures. In particular, Moreno's vibrant performance as Anita is triumphantly represented with swirling flashes of her iconic dance. VERDICT An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance.--Rachel Mulligan, Pennsylvania State Univ.
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Review by Horn Book Review
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. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The story of Rosita Dolores Alverio--best known today as Rita Moreno--a girl from Puerto Rico who loved to sing and dance. At a young age, Rosita leaves her island home with her mother to settle in New York City. Her new school is a "fortress of brick" where she is teased for "her accent, darker skin, and curly hair." In order to speak back to the bullies, Rosita practices until her inglés is perfect; this tenacity will continue throughout her life. She starts dancing lessons at 6, and it is soon clear that "onstage, she is home." As her dancing and acting careers progress, gender and ethnic stereotypes pen her in. She must put on a fake accent to play stereotypically exotic parts. Finally, the role of a strong Puerto Rican woman comes, and it is hers: Anita in West Side Story. For this she wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, the first Latinx performer to ever win an Oscar. It is here that the story ends, though the backmatter includes an author's note and timeline that show that Rosita--now Rita--continues a life of professional successes and lifelong political activism. Espinosa's illustrations are as vibrant as the character he portrays. Rosita and her mother have beige skin and black hair, and the New Yorkers are multiethnic, but the people--mostly men--that surround her in Hollywood are White. An inspiring account of a woman who followed her dreams. (Picture book/biography. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
