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From Publisher's Weekly

February 5, 2024
A Mexican American seventh grader's dream leads to her embracing her heritage with vigor in Granillo's tender debut. In Pacomina, Calif., Cruzita Tayahua aspires to become a singer. Her plans to enter a singing contest-and hopefully win the prize money-go awry when her beloved great-uncle Chuy dies, leaving the Tayahuas scrambling to keep their family-owned bakery afloat. To curb Cruzita's upset surrounding her parents' inability to take her to the contest and
the neglect she feels over their increased workload, her grandmother gives her
an old family violin and enrolls her in mariachi lessons, hoping that Cruzita can find comfort through her love of music.
But Cruzita worries that her not speaking Spanish will result in ridicule from fellow bandmates ("I never feel like I'm Mexican enough"). As she makes new friends and learns to embrace Latin music, however, she devises a way to win the contest and help save the bakery. Granillo gently tempers the Tayahuas' grief over Tio Chuy's death by focusing on the characters' lighthearted developing relationships and relates the feeling of being disconnected from one's heritage via Cruzita's learning more about her roots. An author's note concludes. Ages 11—14. Agent: Hannah Andrade, Bradford Literary.

From AudioFile Magazine

EJ Lavery's heartfelt narration captures a landscape of emotions and family dynamics in this coming-of-age novel. Lavery's firm yet gentle tone captures the tension and love within Cruzita's family as they try to keep alive the legacy of her great-uncle's bakery and Cruzita's dreams of becoming a pop star. Most convincing are Lavery's portrayals of teenager Cruzita's stubbornness, remorse, and joy, as well as her excitement over her career goal and disdain for her cultural ties to tortillas and mariachi music. Lavery's performance highlights this audiobook's rich theme of cultural identity. The listening experience will spark thoughtful discussions about the value of family, the pursuit of dreams, and the complexities of growing up. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine