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Back to topMamiachi & Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band (A Picture Book) (Hardcover)
$18.99
Not Yet Published
Description
Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, winner of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor, about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.
Today’s the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t like her? Is she ready to perform?
With her “mamiachi” and madrinas by her side, Rosa’s stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez—joined by Mirelle Ortega’s beautiful illustrations—provides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachi’s signature charro suit!
About the Author
Jolene Gutiérrez is an award-winning teacher-librarian who has been working with diverse learners at Denver Academy for the past 28 years. When she was little, she would squint to protect her eyes from bright lights and cover her ears to protect herself from loud noises. Now, she wears sunglasses when she’s outside and brings earplugs if she thinks she’ll need them. She didn’t immediately recognize her own kids’ sensory processing issues because their struggles looked different from her own. She hopes Too Much! will help caregivers and educators recognize and support sensory processing challenges.
Mirelle Ortega is a storyteller and illustrator inspired by magical realism, classic film, animation, and Latin American cultures. She was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, near her family’s pineapple farm. She now lives in Los Angeles. Magic is her author-illustrator debut.