The inspiring biography of the incredibly talented Rita Moreno, actor in and executive producer of Steven Speilberg's upcoming West Side Story.

"An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance."--School Library Journal (starred review)

When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn't know what to expect--but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.

Brought to life by the bold and vibrant illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa (Islandborn), and lyrical text of Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories), this gorgeous tribute to the life and career of the first Latinx person to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award will inspire little dreamers everywhere.

Informative author's note and timeline also included.

A Spanish-language edition is also available.

Praise for Anika Aldamuy Denise:

"[Anika's] lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud."--New York Times Book Review on Planting Stories

Author: Anika Aldamuy Denise
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 11/03/2020
Pages: 40
Weight: 1lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.60w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780062877703
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.7
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 515026 / Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2020
School Library Journal 11/01/2020 pg. 75
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2020
Shelf Awareness 12/04/2020
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2020 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Espinosa, Leo: -

Leo Espinosa is an award-winning illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia, whose picture books include the New York Times bestselling and Pura Belpré Honor book IslandBorn by Pulitzer Prize-winner Junot Díaz, Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones, and Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier. Leo lives with his family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit him at www.studioespinosa.com.

Denise, Anika Aldamuy: -

Anika Aldamuy Denise is the celebrated author of many picture books, including The Love Letter; Pura Belpré Honor-winning Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré; Starring Carmen!; Lights, Camera, Carmen!; and Monster Trucks. She lives in Rhode Island with her family. Visit Anika online at www.anikadenise.com.