"A Girl Named Rosita-
The Story of Rita Moreno:
Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!"
by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Anika Aldamuy Denise does it again with another wonderful picture book biography but this time, on the incredible triple threat: Rita Moreno!
Many of us know Moreno for her iconic role as Anita from “West Side Story”, for which she won an Oscar. However, in a span of her seven-decade career, this EGOT winner had to overcome many obstacles, including facing Hollywood’s prejudices of that era as a Latina actress. Anika’s lyrical words are magically matched by Leo Espinosa’s gorgeous illustrations, bringing Moreno’s vibrant story to life.
Rita Moreno was the first reflection I ever saw of myself on TV. As a 90’s Nuyorican teen (portmanteau blending New Yorker and Puerto Rican), I would watch “West Side Story” over and over again on VHS, singing “I want to live in America…” I was just captivated by Rita, but had no clue of all the obstacles she faced. Reading Rita’s memoir (in which I highly recommend the audiobook read by Rita Moreno herself), I was blown away by all her heartache and pain as well as her triumphs and accomplishments. She is truly a trailblazer and a woman to be admired. (And I look forward to the day a Young Reader’s edition of Rita’s memoir is published since her book is more geared towards mature audiences.)
Included at the end of “A Girl Named Rosita” is a timeline of Moreno’s achievements as well as an inspirational Author’s Note. And for those of you who enjoy reading in Spanish to your children, you can also find this book in Spanish.
*Living Book- quality, narrative writing that brings a subject to life